Tokyo Notes & Anecdotes: Natsukashii

Rating:
Summary: sheer boredom
Review: Got this off a friend and glad I did, as I would have demanded my money back if I paid for it. Completely inane. Reads too much like another one of those "oh, look at how quirky Japan is" books. The writing is dull and lifeless--no spark, no turn of phrase, no quick wit...I think I'll stick with Pico Iyer or Will Ferguson for these types of books on Japan.

Rating:
Summary: sheer boredom
Review: Got this off a friend and glad I did, as I would have demanded my money back if I paid for it. Completely inane. Reads too much like another one of those "oh, look at how quirky Japan is" books. The writing is dull and lifeless--no spark, no turn of phrase, no quick wit...I think I'll stick with Pico Iyer or Will Ferguson for these types of books on Japan.

Rating:
Summary: sheer boredom
Review: Got this off a friend and glad I did, as I would have demanded my money back if I paid for it. Completely inane. Reads too much like another one of those "oh, look at how quirky Japan is" books. The writing is dull and lifeless--no spark, no turn of phrase, no quick wit...I think I'll stick with Pico Iyer or Will Ferguson for these types of books on Japan.

Rating:
Summary: A Sugoi Book
Review: I got all natsukashii, Japanese for nostalgic, when I read McCormack's essays. There were many insights into the Japanese culture that reminded me of my own experiences during my year-long sojourn in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Although the first part of the book is somewhat repetitive - anecodotes about the trains, the weirdness, the Gaijin syndrome - the second half includes some insightful comments about Japanese culture that could only come from a person who has been there. Although McCormack is at times critical of Japanese institutions, he demonstrates his respect for Japanese people.

Rating:
Summary: Tokyo Notes & Anercdotes : NATSUKASHII
Review: It's great. I've been telling all my GAIKOKU-JIN friends 'You have to read this.' here in Japan.