Black Swan Green is a semi-autobiographical novel by David Mitchell, focusing on Jason Taylor's experiences in a small Worcestershire village during 1982. The book explores themes of adolescence, family struggles, and social hierarchy, set against the backdrop of the Falklands War and Margaret Thatcher's England. Each chapter functions as a standalone short story, contributing to a cohesive narrative that captures the complexities of growing up.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet is set in 1799 at the Dutch trading post Dejima in Nagasaki, Japan. It follows Jacob de Zoet, a young Dutch clerk, as he navigates the complexities of Japanese culture and his forbidden love for a Japanese midwife named Orito Aibagawa. The novel delves into themes of power, identity, and the clash of cultures during a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.
Cloud Atlas is a polyphonic compendium of interlacing but nonlinear parables. The book consists of six nested stories, each read or observed by the protagonist of the next, progressing in time through the central sixth story. The narratives range from the journal of a 19th-century American notary to the post-apocalyptic memoir of a herdsman, Zachry. Each story breaches time and space, linking through various characters and events. The novel combines elements of metafiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and science fiction, showcasing Mitchell's dynamic use of language and literary styles. The book explores fundamental questions of reality, identity, and the universal themes of human predation and redemption[2][3][5].
Things Become Other Things blends memoir and travel writing, recounting a 300-mile walk on Japan's Kumano Kodō routes. The journey reflects on the author's childhood, experiences as an adoptee, and his relocation to Japan, while exploring history, literature, and spirituality in rural Japan. The book is a poignant exploration of personal growth and cultural insight.
Kissa by Kissa is a book that combines travelogue, photography, and cultural studies as Craig Mod walks the ancient Nakasendō highway from Tokyo to Kyoto. The book focuses on the vanishing kissaten cafes and the cultural significance of pizza toast in post-war Japan. It is a beautifully crafted volume with photographs and essays that reflect on the human and cultural geography encountered during his journey.
In 'Wool', the first book of the Silo series, Hugh Howey depicts a dystopian future where humanity lives in a self-sustaining underground silo. The story follows Sheriff Holston and later Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, as they uncover the sinister truths and conspiracies within the silo. The novel delves into the lives of the silo's residents, who are kept in the dark about the true state of the outside world, and the harsh punishments for those who express a desire to leave. The book is known for its suspenseful and engaging narrative, exploring themes of survival, hope, and the quest for truth in a confined and controlled environment.
Craig Mod Returns! Craig is a writer, photographer, and walker living in Tokyo and Kamakura, Japan. He is the author of Things Become Other Things and Kissa by Kissa. He also writes the newsletters Roden and Ridgeline and has contributed to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, and more.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Start.
[00:07:25] More than a decade of Perfect Days in a six-tatami mat room.
[00:10:44] The first steps of Craig’s huge walks: exploring Tokyo’s nightlife.
[00:17:33] Discovering pilgrimage trails with John McBride.
[00:22:49] What’s so appealing about pilgrimage trails?
[00:31:25] Learning politeness and language in Japan.
[00:40:09] An invitation from Kevin Kelly.
[00:41:23] The birth of a photo book.
[00:42:50] The big solo walks begin.
[00:43:53] Launching a membership program.
[00:44:58] The Nakasendō experience.
[00:50:01] Craig’s rules for walking.
[00:51:04] The Vipassana influence.
[01:00:43] Logistics of walking in Japan.
[01:09:03] Depopulation and pizza toast.
[01:13:42] How Kissa by Kissa came to be (and its unexpected success).
[01:16:34] Kicking off Craigstarter.
[01:17:47] The pièce de résistance membership strategy.
[01:18:41] Finding product-market fit.
[01:19:12] The importance of sustainable scale.
[01:19:50] Membership community rules.
[01:27:15] Navigating the publishing world.
[01:38:37] Promoting midsize cities in Japan as a wild and strange celebrity.
[01:52:50] The economic and cultural effects of this promotion.
[01:54:46] Hidden gems and walks in Japan.
[01:56:56] Walking beyond Japan.
[01:59:47] Craig was a Mod before you was a mod.
[02:00:47] How Craig reconnected with his birth family.
[02:19:32] Reflections and future plans.
[02:23:00] Parting thoughts.
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The Tim Ferriss Show 
