Big in Japan Book Review + Blog Tour Stops

Today's Blog Tour stops Include:
1) Review at On Starships and Dragonwings
2) Post at Pause Time

Big In Japan Review

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Originally I decided to read this because it was written by my friend and fellow Jolly Fish Press author, Jennifer Stewart Griffith. I try to read and endorse books by authors I know. What surprised me was how much I enjoyed this book. It was just delightful!

Buck is a big guy. A really big guy. Like, built like a sumo wrestler big. He has an office-cubicle type job that he hates, though he has a crush on blond, bimbo-ish co-worker. He's waiting to hear about a promotion and the business is making cuts. Then his parents, who are going to Japan for a business deal his father is working on, ask him to go for moral support. In Japan, despite his blond hair and Texas drawl, most people in the streets think he's a sumo wrestler. Sumo wrestlers are the rock stars in Japan, so he gets a lot of attention. He's even invited to participate in a "guest sumo" demonstration, and he shows some natural skill.

To the horror of his parents, when he learns that not only did he not get a promotion, but he got laid off, and is approached about a sumo contract, he takes it and begins a life very unlike what he knew in the states.  He makes friends, enemies, develops fame, skill, and a crush on a beautiful girl.

Griffith's writing is so tight and flowing that it feels like you just take a ride along the story. It's no work at all. Buck is such a guy! He reminded me of one of my brothers. He's sweet, lovable, but also competitive and determined to do the right thing when he finds less-than-desirable situations in the world around him. I couldn't help but love him and root for him. Once he got started, I had to keep reading to find out how things turned out.

And I laughed a lot while reading this book. Buck was hilarious! His thoughts, his reactions to things were hysterical, but also so typical and believable. 

Overall, I totally loved this book and would recommend it to anyone! It's more than suitable for YA readers, but such a fun read that adults would love it too. If you haven't read this, you really need to. It's fabulous!

Has anyone else read this book? What did YOU think?

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