Okay so… here’s a confession: I picked up Kokoro by Beth Kempton in February 2025 thinking it would be a calm, aesthetic, soul-soothing, finding my inner journey kinda read. Something like “let me sip my coffee and romanticize my life” vibe. And it is that book for sure — but also, somewhere between Chapter 1, Chapter 9 and my untimely afternoon existential crisis, I decided I had to know everything about the woman who wrote this book.
And yes, I mean everything. I went full reader-stalker mode (and ended up calling it research).
So, here’s something we should know about Beth Kempton.
Beth is a Japanologist (which is a super fancy and cool way of saying that she’s studied Japan like an academic textbook). She didn’t always plan to be a writer, she once wanted to be an accountant but then she went on a sailing trip that unlocked her new-life era. That took her to Kyoto, where she spent a whole year studying Japanese and of course, absorbing the culture.
Now she’s written multiple books. Kokoro is her latest baby, but she’s also the author of Wabi Sabi (no, not wasabi, that’s another book), Freedom Seeker, Calm Christmas, We Are In This Together, and The Way of the Fearless Writer.
I haven’t read the other books to provide much of an opinion, but Kokoro hit different. It’s a soft, slow book that helps you yell at your soul and forces you to feel your feelings. It’s built around three sacred Japanese mountains (called Dewa Sanzan) which basically represent your present, past, and future, but instead of sounding like an adventure diary, the book reads like a deeply personal roadmap to living better and feeling deeper in all phases of your life.
And the reason why Beth Kempton writing Kokoro is culturally important is because she has spent years living, working, and being in Japan – interpreting, and even hosting TV shows there. She’s studied traditional arts like flower arranging and calligraphy while I can barely fold my bed without crying every morning, so more power to her.
What I love about her writing is that it’s not preachy. It’s gentle but real. Deep but not drowning. Very human. And very kokoro — which in english translates to heart.
So yes. I am now emotionally invested and I have only four more chapters to complete. Will I be reading her other books? Yes, I’ll try a few of them. Will I be googling “how to travel Japan on a budget and have a life epiphany before you start college”? Maybe. Hehe.
Also, fun fact: Beth lives in Devon by the sea and runs her own company called “Do What You Love.” Literal goals. I live in my room and I run on coffee or chai, whatever is laid out on the kitchen table in the morning with a shot of social awkwardness. Are you joining the dots on why I’ve come to appreciate the woman?
Anyway, I’ll be sharing more Kokoro thoughts as I keep reading, but for now, if you’re someone who loves slow-living and soul-reflecting —do read Kokoro. Especially if your heart sometimes feels a little lost and your brain is a little confused about this conundrum that we call life, pick it up right now.
Until then, please tell me — have you ever read something that made you immediately internet-stalk the author?
Warmly,
Ritika Das @ Readablyours
