Book Review & Giveaway 25: Beyond The Tiger Mom

I have received another book from Tuttle Books!
And, as always, they have agreed to give (given) one free copy to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Beyond The Tiger Mom: East-West Parenting for the Global Age” by Maya Thiagarajan.

“Beyond The Tiger Mom”

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Ms. Thiagarajan was born in India and then moved to America after she graduated from high school. She went to college in America and, afterwards, became a school teacher there.  Eventually, she moved to Singapore with her husband and their children and she became a teacher there.

From this, she has become familiar with the American way, the Indian way and the Chinese way of parenting and teaching children.

With her knowledge and experience of what works and what doesn’t work best for children’s education, she has written this extensive, easy-to-read guide.

“Beyond The Tiger Mom: East-West Parenting for the Global Age” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

***** Updated February 14th, 2016 *****

This special promo ended on 2016 February 14th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

 

Review 23: Manabeshima Island Japan

I have received more books from Tuttle Books!
And, as always, they have agreed to give (gave) one free copy of each book to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Manabeshima Island Japan” by Florent Chavouet.

“Manabeshima Island Japan” by Florent Chavouet

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Mr. Chavouet is an excellent artist!
This is the second time he spent time in Japan and chronicled his adventures in a book of his hand-drawn pictures and writing.
The first time, he stayed in Tokyo and documented his stay there in a similar book titled “Tokyo On Foot” (Click here to read my review of that book, and enter for a chance to win a free copy!).

This time, rather than a big city like Tokyo, Mr. Chavouet decided to spend two months on the small, sparsely populated, but beautiful island of Manabeshima.

Whether or not you’ve ever been to the island of Manabeshima, or even to Japan at all, anyone can enjoy this book!
The artwork is amazing and the book carefully and respectfully tells about the things and people Mr. Chavouet saw and interacted with on that island.

On the left shows the island’s small unique school, and on the right is Mr. Chavouet’s realistic drawing of it.

I enjoyed this book even though there were a few minor mistakes with the Japanese language in it. But those mistakes are minor and actually add to the appeal of the book because they show that the author isn’t real familiar with Japan and the language, so I could see it through his eyes as a “newcomer”.
On the subject of the Japanese language, though Mr. Chavouet couldn’t read Japanese, he was able to draw everything he saw perfectly…even the writing on signs!

“Manabeshima Island Japan” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

***** Updated January 10th, 2016 *****

This special promo ended on 2016 January 10th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & Giveaway 21: Tokyo – Capital of Cool

One more review of a book I’ve received from Tuttle Books!
As always, they have agreed to give (gave) one free copy of this book to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Tokyo: Capital of Cool” by Rob Goss.

Tokyo: Capital of Cool

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

This is a handcover book full of wonderful, large color photographs of Tokyo’s landscape, architecture, people, festivals, restaurants, and much more!

It includes maps of the areas shown and explains about them in detail.

There is also a chapter about Tokyo’s neighboring areas.

This book is perfect for anyone living in Tokyo, planning a visit, or just interested in Japan in general (and especially Tokyo, in particular)!

“Tokyo: Capital of Cool” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (gave) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

***** Updated August 31st, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 August 31st. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & Giveaway 17: Writing Japanese Hiragana

I have received five more books from Tuttle Books!
And, as always, they have agreed to give (gave) one free copy of each book to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Writing Japanese Hiragana (An Introductory Japanese Language Workbook)” by Jim Gleeson.

Writing Japanese Hiragana (An Introductory Japanese Language Workbook)

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

The written Japanese language has three scripts: hiragana and katakana (collectively known as “kana“) and thousands of kanji.

The script that is taught in this book is hiragana. This script is mainly used for verb tense, prepositions, etc. but, technically, it’s possible to write Japanese completely in hiragana. In fact, books for young Japanese children are written this way…because hiragana is the first script that Japanese children learn.

Hiragana (and occasionally katakana) is also used to write “furigana, which is a type of “pronunciation guide” that is often written above difficult and seldomly used kanji characters.

“Writing Japanese Hiragana (An Introductory Japanese Language Workbook)” is a good book for those who wish to learn Japanese. When studying Japanese, you should start by learning to read and write hiragana.
Not only will it help you to be able to read signs, menus, etc in Japan…but knowing and using hiragana (as well as katakana and kanji) helps you to pronounce Japanese properly.

This book has plenty of spaces for you to practice writing the hiragana characters as you learn them…which is the best way to remember them.
It also has you write some example sentences using the characters you’ve learned up to that point.

“Writing Japanese Hiragana (An Introductory Japanese Language Workbook)” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (gave) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2015 August 31st:

***** Updated August 31st, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 August 31st. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & giveaway 12: Cool Japan Guide

Yet another review of a book and giveaway from Tuttle Books!!

(There is still time to enter in the drawing for a free copy of “Japanese Design: Art, Aesthetics & Culture“,
and “Comic Japan“.)

The next book that I’m am reviewing is a newly published book titled “Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen” by Abby Denson.

“Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen”

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Ms. Denson is an American award-winning cartoonist who loves Japan and has visited often with her husband.

In this book, she describes with words and illustrations how to have an enjoyable trip to Japan.

If you are planning to visit Japan, have visited already or are currently here, this book will be very interesting and useful to you. In fact, even if you have no plans to actually visit Japan, you could still enjoy learning about Japan through the pages of this book.

“Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen” is illustrated by the author on every page in comic-book style. It’s easy to understand, even if you have no knowledge of Japanese culture. Each chapter is prefaced with the definitions of numerous Japanese words and expressions to help your understanding further.

The last pages of the book also have useful website and smartphone app URLs.

“Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2015 March 22nd:

***** Updated March 22nd, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 March 22nd. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & giveaway 11: Comic Japan

Here is another review of a book and giveaway from Tuttle Books!

(There is still time to enter in the drawing for a free copy of “Japanese Design: Art, Aesthetics & Culture“.)

The next book that I’m am reviewing is titled “Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” by Roger Dahl.

Roger Dahl’s Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Mr. Dahl is an American cartoonist who taught English and draws a comic strip for the English-language newspaper “The Japan Times” titled “Zero Gravity“.

This book is a collection of some of his best strips from the Zero Gravity comic.

If you are, have been or are interested in becoming an expat (especially one in Japan), this book will interest you.
Actually, you will like this book if you’re interested in life in Japan at all…even if you never even visited here.

“Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” is about the life of an American couple who are in Tokyo to teach English and how they interact with Japanese neighbors, co-workers and customs.

“Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2015 March 22nd:

***** Updated March 22nd, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 March 22nd. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & giveaway 7: Clueless In Tokyo

I have another book to review from Tuttle Books and, once again, they have kindly agreed to give (given) one free copy of this book to a random visitor to my blog!

(Before that though…have you entered in the drawing for the free sets of lovely Japanese origami? There’s still time!
Click here and here and enter both drawings!
Click here to read all of my reviews and giveaways.)

The book that I’m reviewing here is titled “Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” by Betty Reynolds.

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Ms. Reynolds lived in Tokyo for seven years with her husband. They are both Americans so, of course, everything in Japan was new and strange to them when they first arrived here.

I can relate to that!

This book is perfect for anyone who has ever visited Japan or plans to visit here, anyone interested in Japan (whether they’ve been here or not), and anyone in learning about a very unique culture!
It would even be interesting to someone who, like me, has lived in Japan for a long time and are no longer shocked or confused by the everyday aspects of Japanese life found in the pages of this book…but, even after many years, still loves Japanese culture.

Ms. Reynolds drew the pictures in this book of the things that are commonly seen in Japan but that are “very Japanese”. Having lived in Japan for most of my life now, I’ve become “used to” life here and often don’t even notice these things anymore…they’ve become commonplace to me now. So, it was fun to see them with “fresh eyes” again through this book.

“Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” shows “mysterious” Japanese things including scenes found at shrines and temples, Japanese food, Japanese holidays, decorations, traditions, seasonal customs, Tokyo architecture, youth culture, and more.

It explains things that are “regular” life to the people of Japan but a “mystery” to visitors in a way that is easy to understand.

I did notice a couple of small mistakes in it though. But these errors were minor “spelling” mistakes of the Japanese kanji terms…but most of the kanji is correct and all of the English-alphabet (roma-ji) of the Japanese words are.
So, those kanji mistakes aren’t a big deal or don’t diminish the value of this book, I believe.

I recommend this book. It’s charming, interesting and fun to read!

“Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2014 October 11th:

***** Updated October 11th, 2014 *****

This special promo ended on 2014 October 11th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Book review & giveaway 3: Ukiyo-e; The Art of the Japanese Print

I have reviewed some books from Tuttle Publishing (One about Japanese Architecture and another was a Japanese language study tool) and they gave a free copy of each book to random visitors to my blog.

Now, Tuttle Publishing has given me two more books to review on my blog here…and, once again, they will be giving (gave) one free copy of each book to a random visitor of my blog!

The next book that I will be reviewing is titled “Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print” by Frederick Harris.

The details of the book giveaway will be at the end of this review.

The author, Mr. Harris, is an expert on ukiyoe. He has been living in Tokyo for over fifty years and has an art studio here.

This book will appeal to anyone who’s interested in traditional Japanese culture (even if you don’t know about Japanese woodblock prints), interested in ukiyoe (whether you don’t know much about the art or you’re very knowledgeable on the subject), or interested in art in general.

As for me, I’m interested in ukiyoe (I’ve written a few “ukiyoe-related” posts, including this one).

I especially like ukiyoe pictures of Japanese monsters. So, I was a bit disappointed that this book doesn’t have more information and photos of this particular type of ukiyoe.
But, I guess that’s to be expected since woodblock paintings of monsters aren’t nearly as popular as other subjects.

That’s a minor issue anyways, because this is an excellent and comprehensive book.

It is a large, hardcover book full of beautiful photos of all types and styles of ukiyoe prints. It also explains the meaning of the details in the artwork. The hairstyles, types of kimono worn, etc all have meanings!
The book also explains the incredible work and effort that is required to make a ukiyoe painting.
As well as, how to care for a print if you decide to start your own collection.

It’s a wonderful book.

I must mention one thing that could potentially make you rethink adding this book to your collection:
It contains one 10-page chapter of very explicit ukiyoe prints.

Just like artists in any culture or era, many ukiyoe artist often freelanced to earn a living.
They would often design posters and flyers to be used as advertisements for upcoming kabuki shows or sumo matches, as well as do private portraits…and sometimes p○rn0gr@phy (intentionally misspelled by me to avoid attracting spam).

To tell the truth, I was a bit taken aback by the inclusion of this chapter. I knew this type of ukiyoe existed, but I’ve never seen them included in a ukiyoe book or exhibit.

Because these photos are included, I don’t recommend this book where children would access it…such as a school art class and such. But, for adults who don’t mind explicit artwork, I do recommend this book.

Outside of that one chapter, the rest of the photos are the more “common” ukiyoe subjects: geisha, sumo, kabuki, nature, etc.

“Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print” can be purchased through Amazon here.

As I mentioned above though, the publisher has kindly agreed to give (given) away one free copy of this book to a random visitor to my blog!

To enter the drawing for a chance to win the free book, simply submit the following form by Saturday, 2014 September 27th:

***** Updated September 28th, 2014 *****

This special promo ended on 2014 September 27th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****