This was a wonderful and calming read, especially now. I love how it reiterated the importance of being mindful in the moment.

This book felt like the authors were trying to flex how much Japanese things they'd experienced, but in my opinion, it felt forced and inauthentic. I didn't finish reading the whole book, but what I did read didn't pull me in nor offer me anything that felt like useful, new self-help lessons. I was excited to read this, but then confused by how it was written.

The authors open the book with a spellbinding description of a rainy day in Kyoto and it transports me poignantly to several of the millions of tiny moments I’ve had where I felt the same sense of ‘I hope I remember this moment forever because everything is so beautiful and perfect and real right now.’

The Book of Ichigo Ichie is full of little gems of inspiration that will make you close your eyes and squeeze them into your psyche like a ripe orange. Case in point: “...if you’re brave enough to do what you love, every day could be the best day of your life.” Or: “If you know how to create the right wrapping, the present will be your gift.”

There’s a message I’d like to give to people who grumble their way through their lives, bitching and complaining about the everyday drudgery and maybe looking forward to the week they’ll spend on the Jersey Shore or the Outer Banks every summer. These are the same people who probably roll their eyes behind my back every time I talk about using the good china every day and making a ceremony out of your Monday night bath and Friday pizza-and-movie tradition. You’re wasting your life. Your life isn’t summer vacation and next weekend and some far-off date where you might allow yourself to be happy. For one thing, you aren’t even guaranteed a tomorrow, much less a next weekend or next summer. Apart from the obvious and ominous certainty that any of us could kick the bucket at any moment, there’s also the knowledge that our health or our family or our paycheck could change (or disappear altogether) in the blink of an eye. You do have today, though. You have right now and probably the next few hours to appreciate. I don’t know if you’ll ever make it to Vegas next summer, but right now you have the late afternoon sun and a purring cat and a hot cup of tea and the sound of birds chirping and the comfort of your favorite sweater. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to enjoy those things right this minute instead of ignoring them because they’re not the cruise you hope you can take next Spring Break?

I absolutely loved this book- hands down one of the best nonfiction reads I’ve had the pleasure of discovering in ages. You’re in for a real treat if you pick it up. And now, I’m going to go make myself a cup of tea and feel all Zen and connected to the universe for a while. Ichigo ichie.

An expanded review will appear on the Asking Leslie blog (www.askingleslie.com) in March 2020.

The Book of Ichigo Ichie by Hector Garcia and Frances Mialles is a handy book about the importance of slowing down and enjoying the simple acts of life. Too often, people move from task to task and fail to breathe. Ichigo Ichie is all about calmly appreciating the small acts. Thank you, NetGalley for this ebook to review

The Japanese concept of ichigo ichie, as explained by the authors, is about learning to appreciate the things around you, and living in the moment. This contemplative book will appeal to readers who enjoy philosophy, Japanese culture, self-help, etc.

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

While I appreciate other cultures and learning about bettering my mental and spiritual health, I found this somewhat boring and tedious to get through.

Really lovely look at Japanese culture and thought. Reminded me a lot of “The Little Book of Hygge” which I adored.