How Do You Live? The inspiration for The Boy and the Heron, the major new Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film

And just like that I have another book, to be called 'one of my favourites'. It's a beautiful and philosophical novel. It's meant for children, but in my opinion everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime. Even though it takes place in the 30s it really is timeless.

First published in 1937, "How Do You Live?" is now published the first time in English. This Japanese children's book classic about finding one's place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction. The fifteen years old boy Copper lost his father but finds a true listener and teacher in his uncle. The story is about Copper who has to face life by finding new friends, helping an unpopular classmate but also facing gilt by betraying someone he cares about. A heartwarming and very Japanese piece of literature. Absolutely recommendable, not just for young readers. For all Studio Ghibli fans.

In "How Do You Live" wirkt die Geschichte recht einfach: Ein Junge, der im Japan der 1930er Jahre aufwächst und dort mit seinem Onkel verschiedenen Fragen des Lebens nachgeht. Erfährt man jedoch die Hintergründe der Geschichte und auf welche Katastrophe Japan - und die ganze Welt - zusteuert, nimmt alles Geschriebene eine neue Wendung. Und dabei werden die simplen Fragen und Antworten zu brandaktuellen Themen, über die sich die "Großen" dieser Welt vielleicht auch heutzutage einfach mal wieder Gedanken machen sollten. Und ganz nebenbei - Japan der 1930er Jahre klingt in "How Do You Live?" nicht nur für Asienfans interessant!

A truly sweet and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a boy slowly growing up, with his uncle's guidance in Philosophy and Ethics, helping him slowly find out how to live and figuring out his place in the world. I really adored this book! Although it was originally written for a younger Audience, it never feels like a “children's Book”. It feels magical to read and while reading it you can really feel the joy of life bursting out of every Page. If you are in need of a short Book, that's just fun and feels good to read, this is just the right one!