Traveling Practice by Yusuke Norishiro (Translated by Takami Nieda) is a wonderful, multi-faceted account which left me with a feeling of deep contentment. Comprising the elements of journal, travel diary and the growth of interpersonal relationships between the author, his niece and a friend they meet along the way

Abi loves football and practices hard to take part in her school's football team. She embarks on a trek with her novelist uncle and the book is written from his POV. A few days into their journey, Covid hits and the world is turned upside down

The beauty of this book is the multiple layers that we are able to enjoy. An account of the beauty of the Japanese rural landscape and the detailed descriptions of the flora and flora. The growing closeness between Abi, her Uncle and Midori, a lady who joins them along the way and how their conversations develop from polite interaction to deeper, more thoughtful narratives

This short novel is simply wonderful, peaceful, elegant. Highly enjoyable and a valuable meditation on absorbing your surroundings from the majesty of the landscape to the tiniest creatures. A book I can return to over and over

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Honford Star Ltd. | Honford Star for this beautiful ARC - My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Traveling Practice, written by Yusuke Norishiro, is a beautiful and deeply thoughtful novel, which lingers in mind even after closing its last page. The trip through the countryside of Japan is an easy-to-follow background for talking about memories, families, and stories that keep transient memories. The story of the relations between the narrator and his niece seems sincere and touching. A nice piece of literary fiction to take one’s time thinking about.

I'm finding it very difficult to write a review for this book because there are so many ways to read it. It's a story, it's a nature log, it's a travelogue, and it speaks to Japanese culture and three very distinct characters and their lives. It's also about soccer. So, where to start?
The reader who is unfamiliar with Japan may have difficult feeling oriented to this book. But I'd ask such a reader to simply stick with it and read for the story. Then, perhaps, a second read while googling different places that are mentioned in the book.

There is so much here. It would be a beautiful gift for someone who truly enjoys literature.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. There is much to enjoy here. And think about.