If you’d like to take part, just buy the book and join in the discussion! Be sure to set this thread to “watching” so that you get notified when the club begins and when discussion threads are posted.
Note: Page numbers are based on the physical re-release. The digital release only has page numbers on a few pages, so it’s best to use your reader’s built-in page tracker.
If you’re using a digital reader not listed below, let me know what page number is assigned to the first page (Shizuku lying back with a sky background) and I’ll add the schedule here.
Kobo Reading Schedule
Week
Start Date
Pages
No. of Pages
Chapter
Week 1
Sep 10
2–27
26 pages
Chapter 1 part 1
Week 2
Sep 17
28–51
24 pages
Chapter 1 part 2
Week 3
Sep 24
52–74
23 pages
Chapter 2 part 1
Week 4
Oct 01
75–97
23 pages
Chapter 2 part 2
Week 5
Oct 08
98–115
18 pages
Chapter 3 part 1
Week 6
Oct 15
116–135
20 pages
Chapter 3 part 2
Week 7
Oct 22
136–155
20 pages
Chapter 4 part 1
Week 8
Oct 29
156–177
22 pages
Chapter 4 part 2
Vocabulary List
Discussion Rules
Please use spoiler tags for major events in the current chapter(s) and any content in future chapters.
When asking for help, please mention the chapter and page number. Also mention what version of the book you are reading.
Don’t be afraid of asking questions, even if they seem embarrassing at first. All of us are here to learn.
To you lurkers out there: Join the conversation, it’s fun!
Member List
Are you planning to read 耳をすませば with the book club?
Yes
Yes, but I might start late
Not sure
No
0voters
If so, which version will you be reading?
Paperback (original release)
Paperback (re-release)
Digital e-book
0voters
Have you seen Studio Ghibli’s animated film adaptation of this story?
Normally I suggest using an online free preview in case the book doesn’t arrive in time, but since this is a single-volume story, the online free preview is really short.
So, I already marked down that I was doing the digital e-book, but depending on how much of a difference that short story makes, I may want to get a physical copy instead (and just play catch up with the club) – are we intending on reading that short story sequel at all, or just the main release as a club?
If we aren’t reading it, I still would like to know if I am going to be left wanting to read the short story sequel afterwards or whether the manga ends without that being really necessary. Does anyone here have an idea of that?
Since not all releases include the short story, as a Beginner Book Club pick we’ll focus on 耳をすませば alone, which by itself is a complete story.
However, if there is interest afterward, we can always continue on to read 幸せな時間 as a continuation for those who are interested, while the main Beginner Book Club continues on to its next pick.
As for digital versus physical in relation to the short story, depending on cost, another purchase consideration is to buy バロン 猫の男爵（２） specifically for the short story. (But then that might wrap you into buying part one as well, to read the 猫の男爵 story that aligns with Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns film.)
I’ve not seen that one, so I’m not totally sure if I would be interested in that series. I have some other physical books I need to get imported, anyhow, so that’s why I would consider doing the physical this time. Thank you for letting me know!
I tried in vain to buy the book for my kobo reader but it won’t let me…I suppose it has to do with my geographical location. Is there any other way to get it in a digital format?
If your Kobo account is not set with Japan as its region, then you would need to create a new Kobo account with a Japanese-looking address.
If you use a Kobo account for non-Japanese purchases, it can be a hassle juggling two logins, so I definitely second trying out BookWalker.
If you have any issues there, let us know. I’m sure we have something written here in the forums on how to get set up with BookWalker, or else someone might be able to give some pointers.
I have some other physical books I need to get imported, anyhow, so that’s why I would consider doing the physical this time. Thank you for letting me know!
