allyhoz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
What I’m saddest about is that there wasn’t more book. I’ve watched Abroad in Japan for years and really enjoy Chris’ videos. It was so great to read some of his other stories about life Sakata that I just wish there were more of them! Fantastic book though, especially as I end my first month living in Japan.
annie_brewer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A great little memoir!
I am planning for a delayed honeymoon 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 thorugh the evocative writing which can allow 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 for a delayed honeymoon 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 thorugh the evocative writing which can allow 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: Body shaming, Bullying, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
vinylwriter's review against another edition
4.0
Hooked at the start, a little more factual at the end however. I enjoyed Chris's narrafion and would strongly recommend the audiobook!
joemkl's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
An excellent book, it reads just like his YouTube videos do. Occasionally the pacing is a little off but it doesn't distract from it being a cracking read.
alexgramworth's review
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
fabian2301's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5