Traveling to Berkeley to visit my sister’s workplace by Bart, the rickety train car and unpleasant noises seemed to disappear as I slipped into the world Ruth Ozeki creates in A Tale for the Time Being. In this tale, Ruth, the protagonist who shares the same name as the author, finds a Hello Kitty lunchbox washed ashore on the beach of the island she lives on. It contains letters, a broken wristwatch, and a mysterious diary. In the diary, Ruth learns of Nao Yasutani: a suicidal, bullied teenager living in Japan who sets out to write about her great-grandmother’s life as a Zen-Buddhist monk. A Tale for the Time Being is a kaleidoscopic novel that brings peace wherever you read it.

The perspective switches between Nao’s life in Japan, as told by her diary, and Ruth’s life as a curious author gripped by writer’s block. It begins with Nao introducing herself as a “time being” which is someone “who lives in time, and that means you and me, and every one of us.” The writing seems childish when told in Nao’s diary perspective, with a smattering of introspective observations on life, death, and jagged moments in between. But when Ruth’s perspective takes over, the author’s beautiful prose are a breath of fresh air. For example, Ruth notes that Nao’s handwritten words “crowded each other a little, like people jostling to get onto a subway car, just as the doors were closing.” Ozeki’s imagery and unique diction choices contributes to the refreshing mood of the novel.

Mysteries pulsate amongst the pages: why does Nao want to kill herself? Why are her last words on Earth about her great-grandmother and not herself? Is she still alive? These questions harbor in both Ruth’s mind, as she works her way through the diary and consults the internet to find any trace of the Yasutani family, and the reader’s mind. I love the rhythmic pace of the novel and how Ozeki unravels pieces of information at just the right moments to create layers of suspense and intrigue.

Although A Tale for the Time Being influences its readers to think of life in unusual and different lenses, Ozeki still conveys relevant topics that resonate with modern day Americans, Canadians, and Japanese people. For example, Ruth is plagued with writers block and a loss of passion in her writing. Many writers, such as myself, face this struggle. However, Ozeki connects it to a broader lack of passion in many different career choices, as often times people are unsure of the paths they have chosen. In addition, she brings to light the social and academic pressures that young students face, especially in the Japanese education system.

If you are looking for that perfect book to keep you company during spring break or summer vacation, this novel should be at the top of your list. With its whimsical premise, heartfelt messages on life, and captivating writing style, let A Tale for the Time Being take you on a magnificent journey between worlds.