Discover new books on Goodreads
Meet your next favorite book
“To wash your hair, apply your makeup and put on clothes that are well-scented with incense. Even if you’re somewhere where no one special will see you, you still feel a heady sense of pleasure inside.”
― The Pillow Book
― The Pillow Book
“Your silence exists as does my self gathering. But so does the almost absolute silence of the world's dawning. In such suspension, before every utterance on earth, there is a cloud, an almost immobile air. The plants already breathe, while we still ask ourselves how to speak to each other, without taking breath away from them.”
― To Be Two
― To Be Two
“I am the most tired woman in the world. I am tired when I get up. Life requires an effort I cannot make. Please give me that heavy book. I need to put something heavy like that on top of my head. I have to place my feet under the pillows always, so as to be able to stay on earth. Otherwise I feel myself going away, going away at a tremendous speed, on account of my lightness. I know that I am dead. As soon as I utter a phrase my sincerity dies, becomes a lie whose coldness chills me. Don't say anything, because I see that you understand me, and I am afraid of your understanding. I have such a fear of finding another like myself, and such a desire to find one! I am so utterly lonely, but I also have such a fear that my isolation be broken through, and I no longer be the head and ruler of my universe. I am in great terror of your understanding by which you penetrate into my world; and then I stand revealed and I have to share my kingdom with you.”
―
―
“In life there are two things which are dependable. The pleasures of the flesh and the pleasures of literature.”
― The Pillow Book
― The Pillow Book
Japanese Literature
— 5709 members
— last activity 16 hours, 44 min ago
A group for people who enjoy literature written by Japanese authors, the arts, culture, and history of Japan. July 2026: Strange Buildings by Uketsu ...more
Discovering Russian Literature
— 3040 members
— last activity Jul 21, 2026 02:51AM
Whether you are a newbie or an expert or simply love Russian literature... Welcome! This is a friendly group where you can share your thoughts an ...more
Olivia’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Olivia’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Olivia
Lists liked by Olivia
































