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46 pages 1 hour read

My Year of Meats

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Ruth Ozeki

My Year of Meats

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA, Japan • 1990s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki follows Jane Takagi-Little, a Japanese American documentarian who works on a TV series called My American Wife!, featuring American wives cooking meat-based dishes. Akiko Ueno in Japan is forced by her abusive husband John to engage with the show. Jane's quest for authentic narratives exposes the meat industry’s dark side, leading her to a breakthrough in her career. The novel explores the complexities of the American meat industry, global capitalism, gender dynamics, and artmaking. The book contains graphic depictions of domestic violence and sexual violence.

Informative

Emotional

Mysterious

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

21,110 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ruth Ozeki's My Year of Meats is praised for its sharp, multi-layered narrative and engaging characters, offering a compelling critique of the meat industry and media. Critics commend its blend of humor and serious themes, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that stimulates both emotional and intellectual engagement.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Year of Meats?

Readers who appreciate My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki are likely fans of multicultural narratives, social activism, and witty, thought-provoking prose. Similar audiences would enjoy Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things for their exploration of cultural collisions and personal transformations.

4.2

21,110 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Jane Takagi-Little

A tall, vibrant daughter of a Japanese mother and Minnesotan father with aspirations in documentary filmmaking. She navigates personal and professional challenges while working on a television show.

An American wife featured on the television show who appears joyful but is dealing with inner sadness and loneliness.

A timid and unhappy woman in an abusive marriage, initially struggling with health issues but gradually gaining self-confidence and independence.

An abusive husband focused on American culture who causes difficulties for both his wife, Akiko, and Jane, impacting their work and lives.

A traveling musician from Chicago involved romantically with Jane, supporting her amid their evolving relationship.

Jane’s former boss who helps her secure a position on the television show, offering support while enforcing rules.

A practical and sometimes blunt woman who shows care for Jane through actions rather than words.

A director on the television show described as heartless and selfish in his approach.

The quiet soundman on Jane’s crew, noted for his love of children and animals and his support for Jane.

Jane's cameraman who, despite vices, shows considerable care and support towards her.

An interracial lesbian couple known for their loving nature and support for Jane and Akiko, while being active in their community.

The elderly husband of one of the American wives, characterized by ignorance yet genuine concern for others' well-being.

A Texan wife and mother who is open and willing to help others, allowing her family to be part of Jane’s filming.

Bunny and John Dunn’s young daughter who is affected by chemicals on the family feedlot, with a notable attachment to her uncle.

Rosie’s uncle and the owner of the feedlot where Rosie plays, involved in harmful activities and abusive behavior.

A caring nurse who observes signs of abuse in Akiko and offers assistance for her situation.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA, Japan • 1990s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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