The Tale of Murasaki

Izukata no kumoji to kikaha tazunemashi tsura hanarekemu kari ga yukue wo
I yearn to ask what path it followed through the clouds - the wild goose that flew off, leaving the flock.
- Murasaki Shikibu

If you're a fan of haiku, as I am, I recommend you read the book The Tale of Murasaki, by Liza Dalby. It's a fictional story, based on the reassembly of fragmented historical knowledge about Murasaki Shikibu - who wrote the famed Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) back in the 11th century.

My parents gave this book to me back in 2001 and I've read it too many times to count in the years since. It's an interesting look at how haiku evolved, the life of a court lady in 11th century Japan, and oddly calming to read.

Enjoy. :)