"Gambatte ne, Tane chan!" This simple phrase holds a world of meaning and encouragement.

It is a call to action, a reminder to Tane chan to keep going, to persevere through any challenges that come her way.

The word "gambatte" in Japanese means to do one's best, to give it all one has. It implies a sense of determination and effort.

By adding "ne" at the end, it becomes a more affectionate and gentle way of saying it.

"Tane chan" is likely a term of endearment for someone named Tane.

When we hear or say this phrase, it can give us a boost of motivation and inspire us to face our own difficulties with courage and tenacity.

It's a powerful reminder that no matter how hard things may seem, we have the strength within us to keep pushing forward and achieve our goals.

So, the next time you need a little encouragement, remember to say "Gambatte ne, Tane chan!" to yourself or someone you care about.

This comic-tragic tale of one year in the life of a woman who has completely failed to take responsibility for her life is truly remarkable. It is probably going to be the best book I read in 2018.

The voice of the novel alternates between the first person, Yumi Fuller, and a third person voice. Yumi has spent her entire life seeking male approval and seems unable to break this habit. It starts and ends with the grown man she first slept with at age 14. Everyone around her can see this, but Yumi is blinded by the resentment she still holds against her parents.

The positive force in the story is The Seeds, a hippie resistance group on a mission to stamp out genetically modified foods.

Also watching over Yumi is her best friend, Cass. Yumi left Cass behind when she ran away. Cass is the voice of reason, the steady presence in the potato fields of Idaho, the infertile wife of Will, and the new owner of Yumi's family farm.

The story lines are beautifully woven together, much like the dreadlocks of The Seeds. Each character is lovingly drawn or expertly skewered. I found myself completely engrossed in this book and loved every moment of it.

It is a story that explores themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and the search for identity. It is both humorous and heartbreaking, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

This is the third book I've read by Ruth Ozeki.

Although I didn't love it as deeply as "A Tale for the Time Being" and "My Year of Meats", which are both among my all-time favorite novels, I have reached a stage where I am eager to read whatever Ozeki publishes.

Ozeki's books are extremely informative, almost like fictive nonfiction. The first book I read by her, "A Tale for the Time Being", focused on the contrasts in contemporary Japanese society - Zen Buddhism on one hand and the sale of used girls' panties online on the other. "My Year of Meats" covered the American meat industry, documentary making, and the complex role of Japanese housewives. "All Over Creation" shares more similarities with the latter book, as it deals with potato farming, GMO seeds, and monoculture.

All three of Ozeki's books are narrated by two or more characters, which adds depth and complexity to her stories. She always manages to bring nuance to black-and-white topics and give voice to multiple perspectives. For example, while monoculture is bad for the earth, is destroying a particular farmer's crops and livelihood the best way to protest?

Despite not all her books becoming my new favorite, I'm already looking forward to reading Ozeki's recently published book, "The Book of Form and Emptiness".

All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki is a book that has been on my mind.

Edit: I've gone through this book in great detail on my blog, The Bike-Eating Tree. If you're interested, you can check it out here.

Mostly, I find myself complaining about the numerous unlikable characters in the story. However, since this was a required read for university, I've also dug into its philosophical aspects. I've analyzed its critique of the use of GMO crops in modern farming. It's quite an interesting exploration.

Hopefully, you'll enjoy reading my thoughts on this book as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Ruth Ozeki's work is truly captivating. "All Over Creation" is a novel that delves into various aspects such as the metaphysical/philosophical, nature, and mankind's relationship with it. It also explores the nourishment we offer to ourselves and the earth. The story has a plethora of characters, which can be both a strength and a weakness. The changing perspectives sometimes make it difficult to maintain momentum. Towards the end, some of the plot lines seem a bit rushed in their conclusion. However, overall, it is a well-rounded and engaging story. I would have given it a 3.5, but I have a deep love for all of Ozeki's work. I highly recommend her novels to anyone with an interest in these profound themes.

“But maybe that was the trick - to accept the responsibility and forgo the control? To love without expectation? A paradox for sure, but such a relief.”

Her writing style is unique and thought-provoking, making you reflect on the world around you and our place in it. If you haven't read any of her works yet, I urge you to do so. BUY RUTH OZEKI’S WORK!!!!

Ruth Ozeki is truly one of my all-time favorite authors.

Her writing is a remarkable blend of profound literary themes and the relatable aspects of our daily lives.

She has an extraordinary talent for creating stories that are populated with characters so believable that they seem to step right out of the pages and into our hearts.

It was such a wonderful discovery when I finally got my hands on this particular book.

From the very first page, I was drawn into the world she had crafted, completely captivated by her unique narrative style and the depth of her storytelling.

Each character has their own distinct personality and backstory, making them feel like real people with real emotions and struggles.

I am so glad that I took the time to explore this book and discover the magic of Ruth Ozeki's writing once again.

It has truly been a memorable and enriching reading experience.

You know a book is truly remarkable when you pick it up at 9 p.m. with the intention of reading just 10 pages or so, and before you know it, it's 2 in the morning and you've devoured about 200 pages, which is a third of the book. Some parts had me roaring with laughter, while the end definitely brought tears to my eyes.

Yummy immediately captivated me from the very beginning. She is the daughter of a rather strict yet loving potato farmer and his Japanese wife. A precocious 14-year-old, she is having an affair with her 23-year-old teacher. At some point, something occurs, and Yummy, whose real name is Yumi, runs away from her home in Liberty Falls, Idaho.

Fast forward 25 years. Yummy's parents are not in good health: her father has cancer, and her mother has Alzheimer's. A next-door neighbor, who was once Yummy's best friend, is assisting the couple, but planting time is approaching, and she and her husband have a farm to manage. So, she conducts an Internet search and locates Yumi, who decides to return home from her teaching job in Hawaii, bringing along her 3 children, each with a different father - a gay Japanese, a white guy, and a Hawaiian. Of course, things do not go smoothly.

Meanwhile, a group of small-time eco-terrorists - The Seeds of Revolution - are moving into the area, protesting genetically-modified crops, especially potatoes. They discover a guru in Yummy's dad - he and his wife have been saving and propagating heirloom varieties of flowers and vegetables for years, just as God intended. Among the activists is a 17-year-old and his 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend. Yummy's dad allows The Seeds to stay at the farm in exchange for taking care of him, his wife, and their seeds.

Yummy and her best friend are sort of mending fences. The girl left behind is married, childless, and has had a mastectomy and several miscarriages. She babysits while seething with resentment over Yummy's parenting skills. The resentment intensifies when Yummy rekindles her affair with the teacher, who is now a PR agent for a firm representing the creators of GMO potatoes.

The tension gradually builds until the end, which is both rather sad and uplifting at the same time. The enjoyment lies in how all these people come together, drift apart, and then come together again. This is a commentary on agribusiness versus organics, the young versus the old, but Ozeki has a very deft touch, and it doesn't feel overly preachy.

I completed this reading a couple of weeks ago, and it has remained on my mind ever since.

The "heroine" in the story is rather a silly person, and fortunately, she is peripheral to what I truly cherished about the book.

What I believe the book accomplished well was its depiction of a rural community that is reliant on a single product, namely potatoes. It also engaged in a genuine discussion about agriculture and how people have diverse responses to issues such as GMOs and biodiversity.

Moreover, it presented an interesting group of activists who seemed quite believable. Additionally, it addressed some challenging end-of-life issues.

Although it didn't offer solutions (as trained activist hippies don't typically miraculously appear when families and a community are urgently in need of caregivers), it was good to see the problem of "now what do we do?" being presented.

There is a certain Blanche Dubois-like dependence on the kindness of relative strangers, which appears both desperate and honest.

This aspect adds a layer of complexity and authenticity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.

There is no one quite like Ozeki!

Her works have a unique charm that keeps drawing readers in. I recently had the pleasure of rereading this particular book, and it was just as captivating as the first time.

The story unfolds in a way that makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

Ozeki's writing is so vivid and detailed that it brings the settings and emotions to life.

Each page is filled with beautiful prose and thought-provoking ideas.

Rereading this book allowed me to discover new nuances and appreciate the depth of the story even more.

It's truly a remarkable piece of literature that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

I can't wait to explore more of Ozeki's works and see what other wonderful stories she has to offer.

**Title: The Importance of Reading**

Reading is an essential activity that offers numerous benefits.

It allows us to expand our knowledge, explore different worlds, and gain new perspectives.

When we read, we expose ourselves to a wide range of ideas and information, which helps to enhance our cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills.

Moreover, reading can be a great source of entertainment and relaxation.

It can transport us to far-off places, introduce us to interesting characters, and immerse us in captivating stories. Whether it's a classic novel, a self-help book, or a magazine article, reading has the power to enrich our lives in many ways. So, make it a habit to read regularly and discover the joy and value that it can bring.

Ozeki is truly one of a kind.

It stands out in a crowd with its unique characteristics and qualities.

Whether it's in appearance, behavior, or personality, Ozeki has something that sets it apart from the rest.

It may have a distinct style or a particular charm that attracts others.

People are often drawn to Ozeki because of its individuality.

It doesn't conform to the norms or follow the crowd.

Instead, it forges its own path and creates its own identity.

Ozeki is a symbol of originality and authenticity.

It shows that being different is not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be celebrated.

In a world where everyone is striving to be the same, Ozeki reminds us that it's okay to be unique and to embrace our individuality.

This is an ambitious novel that is somewhat rambling. I find it difficult to precisely characterize. It is strikingly different from Ozeki's A Tale for the Time Being, which I recently reread.

The story focuses on potatoes, seeds, and people. As one review aptly described it, "A warm and witty saga about agribusiness, environmental activism, and community."

Despite having a few flaws, I am rating it highly. This is because it is indeed ambitious and it ultimately had an impact on my thinking and moved me.

The novel delves into various aspects of modern life, exploring the complex relationships between humans and nature, as well as the consequences of our actions.

It makes one reflect on the importance of sustainable agriculture, the power of community, and the need for environmental awareness.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.