Amazing. Reading this almost felt like a betrayal an invasion of privacy. His life has been a long and difficult road. Born in a terrible time for Japan, raised in the shadow of great darkness, he carries that shadow. His views are so different from these modern times, yet he had grabbed ahold of the world and we have loved his art. The things I learned about him and his characters, scenery, and location choices gave me goosebumps. I never saw that but I see it now, so many layers. He is a workaholic, that is no surprise, but the fact that he struggled to be seen does. This is a very interesting man who has touched many hearts, while healing his own heart. Don't tell him I said that but that is what I read between these pages.
This man's art is breathtaking, the details, and colors so full and rich. My favorite are his clouds, they are so beautiful they compete with nature's version so well it's hard to believe they are drawn sometimes. I have been a fan of his work for many years, I own all his released movies, but knew little of the man behind the genius. You can get a feel of some parts of him though his art, his Shinto touches are most visible to me. His movies are so filled with hope, dread, adventure, struggle, heartbreak, love, loneliness, and renewal. Everyone who watches seems to get something different form his work all feel something strongly. How did this man get so many complex layers, we get to know a few. If you're a fan, read this book. Interested in the mental after effect of devastation and war on a man, read this book.
I loved this book. I read a chapter then watched the movie it was talking about. I suggest you do the same with a new vantage point.

I've watch Nausea at least 5 times and never noticed some of these things. I need to go back and watch it again with this new knowledge. Miyazaki is a very interesting man

His views on women are very interesting, it is visible in his work. i'd never noticed. I like him even better now

Lightning Review:

• Jane interrupted the wedding of her best friend because...reasons
• The Groom is rich and vengeful
• Years later he vengefuls Jane right into bankruptcy and homelessness
• But she is a Harlequin Heroine!  and She chin quivers with the best of them
• Battle of wills ensue
• Will he pimp her out to make a point?
• Will she prostitute herself out of Pride?
• WIll they give into the hot lust they feel for each other instead?
• This a Harlequin romance so I am thinking...Duh!
• But wait... he was all wrong about her...and she was all wrong about him.
• Sometimes I wonder about what is considered romantic.
• Some scenes were distasteful and makes me wonder why either of these two want each other or why we'd want to care about them.

I liked how the whole set up builds suspense, but it's in a lighter, humorous way. I'm a sucker for that spy vibe, so I enjoyed it. Elizabeth is clearly way out of her depth as a spy, but she's clearly good enough to keep the hero guessing. I agree with one of my friends that the description of the hero in a tight swimming briefs didn't sound that appealing to me, and he sounds kind of skeevy with the earring and the abundant chest hair. However, I felt the chemistry was well done, and it was nice touch the the heroine feared being too passionate because of her first and last lover making her feel bad that her libido was much stronger than his (he was older). I felt the way that Elizabeth wigged out near the near was kind of weird and melodramatic. It was tension the story really didn't need.

Not my favorite by this wonderful author, but still a four star read.