Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan (Book) - 1/2/2018 3:30:11 AM
An interesting and entertaining book on the trials and successes of living in a foreign country. The author is not afraid to tell you the mistakes and faux pas that she and her husband experienced and does this in a (at times) Hilarious way. I could relate in a personal level as my mom got an assignment in Seoul Korea when I was eleven and we had similar experiences especially with learning to maneuver on the roads. The author describes in perfect detail what my mom called “squeeze play” whenbshe was learning to drive on the Korean roads.
Her writing style is simple, easy to understand with vivid crisp detail. My only complaint would be the book is almost like reading a textbook on how to live in Japan. I can understand why this method was used. To completely cover life in a foreign country and make sure you cover everything. This is a great way to be through. I felt it just needed more transition between subjects. Overall, this is an excellent book and one that I would recommend to people considering travel to Japan.
Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan (Book) - 10/16/2017 3:15:14 PM
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I love anything to do with Japan and Japanese culture. Every since I visited, I have been in love. Heck I was in love before I visited but that trip really made the feeling so much more intense. So when I read this title, I was already sold on the book in all honesty.
I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to follow and flowed nicely. I enjoyed traveling to all these places through the author's mind but sometimes.... maybe it's just me, it felt like the author was a little condensing. So that's why I felt the need to lower my rating from 5 stars to 4. Otherwise, it was nice to see how she adjusted to her new life. I really enjoyed just seeing these places through her eyes, even though I disagree with her a lot of things, like the fact I freaking love Singapore and she wasn't that crazy about it. It was just nice to read a different opinion.
I will say this is not a how-to book, or a travel guide. It's just a lady sharing her travels and thoughts on the places she went. I would still recommend this book because maybe it was just my thoughts that she was talking down to people and someone else may not think that way
Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan (Book) - 9/4/2017 3:36:29 AM
A very enjoyable travelogue suitable for those preparing to visit or live in Japan.
This book gives vivid descriptions on Japanese lifestyle, mannerisms, rituals, traditions and Zen orientation. Many familiar aspects of Kimonos, language, baths, parks, food and landscapes are conjured up for intimate contact through the authors personalized, emotive revelations.
Other powerful associations as earthquakes, teaching English, and learning Japanese convey a unique yet consistent travellers experience first hand.
The difficult subject and culture in its masked Zen experience is brought to the surface in a tangible reality.
Highly recommended reading.
Touring the Cotswold and Lake District (Article) - 11/19/2008 1:36:35 PM
Pauline, thanks for taking me back to England, which my wife and I love. Your descriptions of visiting authors' haunts reminded me of visiting the home of Sir Walter Scott and sensing echoes of the past.
