(tent) Books I Love: Hiromi Kawakami’s Book Review Collection

“There are books I love—truly good books. I hope you’ll read them too!” Over the past decade, acclaimed novelist Hiromi Kawakami served as a book reviewer for major Japanese newspapers including Yomiuri Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun. This collection brings together her reviews of 130 works she genuinely admires. From literary giants like Jun’ichirō Tanizaki and Kōbō Abe to contemporary voices such as Seiko Tanabe and Kaori Ekuni, and from poets and manga artists to celebrated translators like Motoyuki Shibata and Satoko Kishi, Kawakami’s recommendations span genres and generations. Whether it’s a poetry collection, a novel, or a comic, each piece reflects Kawakami’s unique sensibility and deep love of language. A charming and heartfelt guide to books that move, surprise, and stay with you—inviting readers into the joy of reading, Kawakami-style.