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starshine1's review
informative
reflective
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Cursing, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, and Suicide
Minor: Xenophobia
annie_brewer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A great little memoir!
I am planning a trip to Japan and this was a pleasure to feed into my excitement. I had never heard of the author or his YouTube channel before picking this book up and found out who he was once I did a search after a few chapters.
This novel had some very special moments highlighting the magical place that Japan has been built up in reputation, but also some foibles that a holiday visit would never uncover. The interlanguage fiascos, a few extra enthusiastic individuals Chris meets on his travels, and a dose of unexpected culture create a few laugh out loud scenes through the evocative writing - allowing the reader to completely empathize with how the predicaments came about.
I thought it was very important the Chris touched on the bullying in Japan. I did not know that there could be such a high rate of bullying in country in which people seem to embody the message of respect.
I really loved the first three quarters of the book on the adventures around Japan, me experiencing proper armchair travel, but the last quater felt a bit disjointed. The book skipped a few years, Chris finished the program, and some of it felt a bit forgetable.
When it got into the public speaking achievments, the documentary work, and the YouTube segments I became antsy as I was missing out on being treated to Japan goodness from the inside source! I commend Chris on his achievements, I just wish the meandering pace of exploration was longer!
Chris writes excellently in a genuine style, descriptive of all the flavours he encounters and is a master of bringing the reader along.
I am planning a trip to Japan and this was a pleasure to feed into my excitement. I had never heard of the author or his YouTube channel before picking this book up and found out who he was once I did a search after a few chapters.
This novel had some very special moments highlighting the magical place that Japan has been built up in reputation, but also some foibles that a holiday visit would never uncover. The interlanguage fiascos, a few extra enthusiastic individuals Chris meets on his travels, and a dose of unexpected culture create a few laugh out loud scenes through the evocative writing - allowing the reader to completely empathize with how the predicaments came about.
I thought it was very important the Chris touched on the bullying in Japan. I did not know that there could be such a high rate of bullying in country in which people seem to embody the message of respect.
I really loved the first three quarters of the book on the adventures around Japan, me experiencing proper armchair travel, but the last quater felt a bit disjointed. The book skipped a few years, Chris finished the program, and some of it felt a bit forgetable.
When it got into the public speaking achievments, the documentary work, and the YouTube segments I became antsy as I was missing out on being treated to Japan goodness from the inside source! I commend Chris on his achievements, I just wish the meandering pace of exploration was longer!
Chris writes excellently in a genuine style, descriptive of all the flavours he encounters and is a master of bringing the reader along.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Bullying, and Body shaming
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