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How Do You Live?

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How Do You Live?

Written by: Genzaburo Yoshino, Neil Gaiman - introduction, Bruno Navasky - translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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About this listen

 The inspiration behind the Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli film, The Boy and the Heron — Anime master Hayao Miyazaki's favorite childhood book and a beloved Japanese classic, this uplifting coming-of-age story brings philosophy, history and wonder together, available in English for the first time.

The streets of Tokyo swarm below fifteen-year-old Copper as he gazes out into the city of his childhood. Struck by the thought of the infinite people whose lives play out alongside his own, he begins to wonder, how do you live?

Considering life's biggest questions for the first time after the death of his father, Copper turns to his dear uncle for heart-warming wisdom. As the old man guides the boy on a journey of philosophical discovery, a timeless tale unfolds, offering a poignant reflection on what it means to be human. But when Copper betrays one of his new friends, how will he ask for forgiveness — and how can he forgive himself?

How Do You Live? is the transformative story of a young man who, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars and uses his discoveries to answer the question of what kind of person he will grow up to be—and the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award-winning film The Boy and the Heron. Explore the World Family Life Geography & Cultures Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multigenerational Family Social & Life Skills Fiction Heartfelt

What the critics say

A New York Times Bestseller
A 2021 NCTAsia Freeman Honour Book

"A teen ponders the complexities of life, history, and humanity in this 1937 classic from Japan being animated by Hayao Miyazaki . . . A quiet, introspective look at life and how to be human." —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

"[A] deeply thoughtful Japanese classic . . . A gentle tale of self-discovery and reflection, and a compassionate guidebook on integrity punctuated by rich sensory details . . . Yoshino’s timeless lessons will resonate with sensitive readers young and old." —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"[B]eautifully realized . . . not easily forgotten." —Adam Gopnik, New York Times

"Important, worthwhile, and surprisingly of-the-moment." —Asian Review of Books

"A beguiling . . . and ruminative coming-of-age tale . . . to excite interest and — happily — inspire thought." —Booklist

"A heartwarming and empathetic text engineered to help kids comprehend the world around them and their places in it . . . Like the best Miyazaki films, [the] lessons are often deceptively simple, but they have implications for every person who comes of age through adversity." —Vulture

"How Do You Live? is that rare thing, especially in YA: a shamelessly philosophical novel, starting with its interrogative title. It asks its young readers to think about the person they want to be, and its adult readers to reflect on the person they’ve become." —Wired

"Now is the perfect time for the translation of this novel and an even better time for today’s youth to give it a read. This book guides your way of living toward the right path." —Shelf Unbound

"Thoughtful and hopeful in the vein of classic children's literature. [An] excellent translation, providing insight into Miyazaki's works." —Anime News Network

"A thought-provoking coming of age novel that teaches children how to navigate through life. . . . Beautiful . . . engaging." —YA Books Central
All stars
Most Relevant
A classic coming of age story that is lovingly dabbled with historical stories that inspire 4 boys. It's a pleasant read with a lovely philosophy behind it.

A classic coming of age story

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I loved the way history, philosophy, language, and culture were taught throughout the story of a boy, his uncle, and his friends.

A beautiful book

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What a beautiful story. I think most of us can remember conversations with our favourite adults, when we were children; some sweet, some painful. This book helped me remember the things in my own childhood that made me want to be a good person.

Nostalgia

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Like The Little Prince, only all human in a nonfiction world. No religious trappings; rather, moral ones, lessons that are good to remember, simplest and best. A boys tale for sure, rich and wise and meaningful, when you’re older than you were and maybe a little lost in the complications of things.

Soulful

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It blends fantasy with life lessons, often shared through the main character's uncle, though some of those tales felt a bit stretched for my taste.

Copper, the main character, is compelling as he navigates the tricky terrain of right and wrong, especially when it comes to standing up to bullies. This relatable theme resonates with older kids, emphasizing the courage to speak up and make good choices.

The magical elements sprinkled throughout the book are charming, but I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids reading alone; some parts could be a bit deep or confusing.

In summary, “How Do You Live?” is a thoughtful story about growing up, tough decisions, and facing bullies. It prompts reflection on our own experiences and choices, making us consider how we might react in similar situations. The author beautifully captures Copper’s emotions, transforming the narrative into a meditation on empathy and understanding.

Navigating Choices and Courage in “How Do You Live?”

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