A Tale for the Time Being

Rating

Author

Ruth Ozeki

I love doing my library’s book challenge because it pushes me to finally read books that have been sitting in my backlog, like this one. I didn’t really know what to expect going in and definitely didn’t anticipate quantum physics, dual timelines, Buddhist teachings, shame, and the harsher realities of Japanese high school culture all living in the same story. Somehow, it works, and all of that complexity adds to the experience rather than distracting from it.

We follow Nao through her diary, which is discovered and read by Ruth after it washes ashore. The novel plays with fascinating questions about connection and time, including how a reader might influence a writer and vice versa, what it means to truly be present, and how our lives ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. It’s thoughtful and layered, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be thinking about it for a while.

A book that was nominated for the Asian/Pacific American Award

Subjects

Year Read

2026