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samstillreading's review
5.0
The story of this book is amazing: a group of people united through Twitter to create a book about the terrible earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan early this year – all in a week. The number of people involved is amazing too: Yoko Ono, journalists from around the world, the people of Japan and others from around the world. Not everyone had a direct link with Japan, but they all cared and worried about the thousands affected. Simply, this book is an example of the caring side of the human spirit.
Why did I read this? I am a Japan-ophile myself, having visited the country on a prolonged visit and fallen in love with the people, the scenery, the culture in addition to studying Japanese for six years. I found the people incredibly kind – from the gentleman who showed me back to my hotel when I was lost (which was the completely opposite way to where he was going) and the schoolchildren at Genbaku Domu in Hiroshima. I wanted to support the Japanese Red Cross (from which the cost of the book went to).
This book conveys so many emotions – from terror, loss and shock to the happiness of being reunited with family and then again to some strangely funny moments. It really does cover the entire spectrum. It’s also put together really well – one moment you’ll be wiping away tears and the next you’ll be smiling through them. It also goes to show that this quake affected many people and the great way people joined together to help others. (I was in Singapore post-quake and the generosity demonstrated by store, school children and the community was impressive).
This book is a must read for those who love Japan and want to help. Well done to those involved, you’ve got a great record of reactions to the quake.
Why did I read this? I am a Japan-ophile myself, having visited the country on a prolonged visit and fallen in love with the people, the scenery, the culture in addition to studying Japanese for six years. I found the people incredibly kind – from the gentleman who showed me back to my hotel when I was lost (which was the completely opposite way to where he was going) and the schoolchildren at Genbaku Domu in Hiroshima. I wanted to support the Japanese Red Cross (from which the cost of the book went to).
This book conveys so many emotions – from terror, loss and shock to the happiness of being reunited with family and then again to some strangely funny moments. It really does cover the entire spectrum. It’s also put together really well – one moment you’ll be wiping away tears and the next you’ll be smiling through them. It also goes to show that this quake affected many people and the great way people joined together to help others. (I was in Singapore post-quake and the generosity demonstrated by store, school children and the community was impressive).
This book is a must read for those who love Japan and want to help. Well done to those involved, you’ve got a great record of reactions to the quake.
nekokat's review
2.0
This was put together quickly and for a good cause. It's a solid concept, but is undermined by the inclusion of so many voices of people who were not directly affected. As an oral history and a record of the way Twitter and Facebook affect community and information: good, okay. But there are too many exceedingly banal accounts that can be summarized as "I don't live in Japan, but I followed the tragedy on Facebook and felt bad." It also includes a lot of non-Japanese writers, which again is an odd choice. Spoiler: No one in this collection seems to have been directly affected to the extent of losing loved ones or even property. Some did evacuate. I would be interested to read more firsthand accounts. William Gibson's reflection is the exception that proves the rule though.
alexvb's review
3.0
How can I rate something that’s so raw, so true, so terrifying? How can I rate something that people can still clearly remember. I’ve lived in Japan for 4 years and even though I never experienced it. I still remember this day. And I immediately worry ‘is this it?’ Everytime an earthquake is a tad too long or a tad too strong. These stories are raw and something we shouldn’t forget. It’s important to be safe, be prepared, and we should take a tip of our Japan’s book: be calm on the outside even though you’re totally losing it inside when disasters strike.
pixelina's review
2.0
Eyewitness reports mixed with photos and art and comments from people both in Japan at the time and people watching in horror via the internet as the earthquake and following tsunami devastated Fukushima and large parts of northern Japan.
Some are gripping, some banal.
Overall I can see the point of the book, to bring awareness and raise funds and can understand the lack of 'good' writing and editing since time was of essence.
Glad I read it.
Some are gripping, some banal.
Overall I can see the point of the book, to bring awareness and raise funds and can understand the lack of 'good' writing and editing since time was of essence.
Glad I read it.
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