Nori Tanaka is thrilled to be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, but it isn't exactly what she had imagined. She expected tranquil gardens and swoopy-roofed houses, not concrete and neon. And everyone assumes that, with her traditional Japanese features, she's a native instead of the naïve Japanese-American that she really is. Even Erik, a gorgeous German student, mistakes Nori for Japanese, and treats her like a personal tour guide. Nori is sure that he'll like her for who she is once he gets to know her, so what harm can come of temporarily pretending to be Japanese? It doesn't take long to realize that she has a lot to learn about Japan, and about herself, before she can pass for a native. But after exploring the karaoke clubs in Tokyo, the peaceful temples in Kyoto, and the tranquil heights of Mt. Fuji, Nori knows she has a good chance of finding the hidden Japanese spirit and Zen mindset within herself.
Anonymous
Posted April 30, 2010
I have lived in Japan for two years and I wish I read this book sooner. It has an accurate cultural sense and its good at incorporating that into the story. While the story was kinda basic, I thought that the details made it something really special. Also as a high school student and gaijin the experiences Nori faced were easy to relate to. I would recommend it for anyone interested in culture or travel, especially for any teenager-or the like-moving to Japan :)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Now and Zen is one of the few books that i actually remember from the s.a.s.s. series. i am going to re-read it :-). it is very good and enjoyable. its a perfect book if you just want to relax and read. linda gerber is a fabuous author and if you haven't already then you should read her other books, death by bikini, death by latte, and death by denim.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 25, 2007
now and zen was really good. my friends and i have been reading many of the sass series books. we all really enjoy them. now and zen was one of my favorites. if you like to travel i really encourage you to read them.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 24, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted February 19, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Nori Tanaka is thrilled to be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, but it isn't exactly what she had imagined. She expected tranquil gardens and swoopy-roofed houses, not concrete and neon. And everyone assumes that, with her traditional Japanese features, she's a native instead of the naïve Japanese-American that she really is. Even Erik, a gorgeous German student, mistakes Nori for Japanese, and treats her like a personal tour guide. Nori is sure that he'll like her for who she is once he gets to know her, so what ...