"A Tale for the Time Being" is a novel by Ruth Ozeki that intertwines the lives of two characters: Nao Yasutani, a Japanese teenager, and Ruth, a writer living on Cortes Island in Canada. The story is told through Nao's diary, which details her struggles with bullying, family issues, and her connection to her great-grandmother, Jiko, a Buddhist nun. As Ruth discovers Nao's diary washed ashore, she becomes engrossed in Nao's life and reflects on her own experiences. The novel explores themes of time, identity, and the impact of storytelling, ultimately connecting the past and present in profound ways.