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monicakuryla's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting read of a Japanese woman who marries an American Navy officer and immigrates to the states in the 1950s. The ending could have been less predictible and cliche.
annashiv's review against another edition
4.0
This story is a bit strange and definitely flawed, but I did enjoy it. I liked the characters and the plot and it was written well enough. However, there were things I didn't like. There seemed to be unnecessary details to the story that could have been expounded on to make an interesting twist or something but weren't. For example, it seemed strange that Charlie would marry her and that he was a Mormon. I just found it strange that the author chose that very specific religion when it didn't seem to have any bearing on the story other than to make the two characters more different though any other religion would have done as well. Most people don't think of the Mormon religion when writing, usually because something more well known works just as well for their purposes. There were just little things like that. Other than that, I found it a really interesting insight as to what it would be like for a Japanese woman to move to America and give up everything she knew.
fabacious's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful book. It’s a story about family and forgiveness. The story made me laugh and made me cry. I learned some interesting facts about Japanese culture as well and as someone who immigrated to the US, I could relate at times to the story. Again wonderful, wonderful book. Five stars.
bookswithbec's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
colleengeedrumm's review against another edition
5.0
This was the oldest book on my TBR (6/18/2012). I really liked it and flew through. Haven't done that in a while.
I forgot to miss that joyful little girl until she was already grown up and gone.
The person I used to be could have made only one choice; the grown-up Shoko might have made a different one. That was how life was. You only figured out the right thing after you were old.
In Japan, if you want to have more, you eat it all. If you are done, leave a little food on your plate.
To my other, the number four was bad. "Mean death. Or two. Bad manner. One or three or five." Flowers had to be arranged in a trio. "It for balance. Sun, Eath, sky. "
Burial = shocking since being cremated purifies the spirit and gets it ready for the afterlife.
But she must keep her figure to keep her dignity. Small portions. Avoid potatoes.
Americans feel guilt rather than shame. (haji)
Only the shell is old.
If bored/discontented, give your house a thorough cleaning. Get rid of everything you have no need for. Make your American house as uncluttered as a Japanese house. There is no better cure for the doldrums.
I forgot to miss that joyful little girl until she was already grown up and gone.
The person I used to be could have made only one choice; the grown-up Shoko might have made a different one. That was how life was. You only figured out the right thing after you were old.
In Japan, if you want to have more, you eat it all. If you are done, leave a little food on your plate.
To my other, the number four was bad. "Mean death. Or two. Bad manner. One or three or five." Flowers had to be arranged in a trio. "It for balance. Sun, Eath, sky. "
Burial = shocking since being cremated purifies the spirit and gets it ready for the afterlife.
But she must keep her figure to keep her dignity. Small portions. Avoid potatoes.
Americans feel guilt rather than shame. (haji)
Only the shell is old.
If bored/discontented, give your house a thorough cleaning. Get rid of everything you have no need for. Make your American house as uncluttered as a Japanese house. There is no better cure for the doldrums.
_jly_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
beastreader's review against another edition
5.0
Shoko came from Japan. She lived there with her father, mother, brother and sister until Shoko was about nineteen. During the time that she lived there, she and her family had to deal with the Americans. Most of the Americans did not like the Japanese and visa versa. Though, the only way for Shoko to leave Japan is to find and marry a nice American boy. Shoko does find one. His name is Charlie. They get married and move to America. Years later and two children, Shoko wants to return to Japan before it is too late. Though due to a bad heart and impending heart surgery, Shoko can not go. Shoko’s daughter, Sue travels to Japan for her mother. What Sue learns in Japan will change her life forever.
There are not many books that spell bind and blow me away. I am happy to report that How to be an American Housewife did just that and more. For the whole time that I was reading this book, I forgot about everything else and just read this book. I could not think about doing housework (which I had lots of to do) until I finished this book. Shoko really made the story for me. She may be quiet but when she speaks, she has something to say and you better listen. Also, Shoko is stubborn as a mule. When she has her mind made up about something, you just have to jump on the train or be left behind. Shoko’s husband Charlie learned this many of times but he still tried to rein her in every time. In the beginning, I thought that Sue was uncaring but it was when she traveled to Japan that I got to know her better and felt sorry for her. Shoko’s story about when she was living in Japan and the past leading up to the future was my favorite parts of this book. How to be an American Housewife is a must read. I will be recommending this book to all my reader friends but they are going to have to purchase their own copies as I am not lending my copy out. I can not wait to see what author, Margaret Dilloway has in store next.
There are not many books that spell bind and blow me away. I am happy to report that How to be an American Housewife did just that and more. For the whole time that I was reading this book, I forgot about everything else and just read this book. I could not think about doing housework (which I had lots of to do) until I finished this book. Shoko really made the story for me. She may be quiet but when she speaks, she has something to say and you better listen. Also, Shoko is stubborn as a mule. When she has her mind made up about something, you just have to jump on the train or be left behind. Shoko’s husband Charlie learned this many of times but he still tried to rein her in every time. In the beginning, I thought that Sue was uncaring but it was when she traveled to Japan that I got to know her better and felt sorry for her. Shoko’s story about when she was living in Japan and the past leading up to the future was my favorite parts of this book. How to be an American Housewife is a must read. I will be recommending this book to all my reader friends but they are going to have to purchase their own copies as I am not lending my copy out. I can not wait to see what author, Margaret Dilloway has in store next.
aggie2010's review against another edition
4.0
"How to Be an American Housewife" is a great story spanning two generations. One story involves a Japanese woman as she adjusts to being the wife an American G.I. after she leaves her home in Japan and attempts to make a new life for herself in America. The second story follows her daughter, a Japanese American woman, as she travels to Japan and learns more about her mother's past. This is a great read!