“American professor Davidson’s luminous memoir of her initial four trips to Japan transports readers there through her intelligence, clarity, wit, and passion.” — Jeri Lynn Crippen, Lovin’ Life After 50,
“Davidson is a droll guide and a questing soul.” — Elle,
“Davidson is inquisitive and careful: observations serve as prompts for thoughtful appraisals of her native US, and stereotypes of Japan are questioned. . . . [I]t’s when Japan is clearly in focus – especially when revealed through the author’s experiences and conversations with locals – that the narrative is most engaging.” — Laura Crawford, Lonely Planet,
“Davidson’s memoir, shimmering with poetic insights and poignant observations, stands out from the rest. . . . [A] compelling read for anyone considering a trip to Japan—or who has recently returned from one.” — Corrie Pikul, Bust
“Intelligent, sympathetic . . . and quick-witted.” — Elizabeth Ward, Washington Post Book World
“Luminous . . . Nuanced and passionate, [Davidson’s] book achieves what many travel writers can only aspire to: the sense of being both inside and outside of a culture at the same time.” — Booklist,
“No one could have tried harder to fathom Japanese culture [than Davidson]. The result is a series of illuminations not unlike the sudden break in the clouds that finally lets her glimpse Mount Fuji from the window of a bullet train.” — Francine Prose, New York Times Book Review
“A delightful read, offering insight not only into Japan but into the adventure of living in a foreign culture anywhere in the world.” — Mary Catherine Bateson, author of Composing a Life
“Beautifully written. . . . I did not want to put it down.” — Susan Allen Toth, author of Blooming: A Small-Town Girlhood
“Brilliant, wise, and witty . . . as enjoyable a read as Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provençe.” — Louise DeSalvo, author of Vertigo: A Memoir