Helpful Score: 2
If you are a fan of Dave Barry you will certainly appreciate his view of Japan. I found that this book is full of thought provoking insights. And it even made me laugh a couple times and anyone in my family will tell you that I have no sense of humor!
I did really enjoy this book. I've been to Japan more times than I ever expected, probably about 40 or 50 times so far. My first time there felt very much like Bill Murray in "Lost in Translation". I have come to love the country and the people and also learned a fair amount of Japanese. Dave Barry's book is very funny, and captures many of the differences and similarities between Americans and Japanese people and culture. He does poke a lot of fun, but you discover that much of the time he's poking fun at Americans, since he appreciates much of what he sees in Japan. The book does not give the impression that he thought Japan was just too strange; on the contrary, I think it conveys the overall feeling that he really enjoyed his visit and found much to like.
This is a Very funny book for any Dave Barry fan.
Dave Barry at his funniest. Choke-on-your-coffee funny, Dave takes a trip to Japan and relates his adventures, while keenly observing the people.