A manga-style illustrator in Japan grows up as he learns more about love, friendship, and his own assumptions and origins. The look at the life of trendy urban professions in Tokyo is fascinating, and some characters are endearing. Whimsical, surprising, and moving at times. ( )

http://www.schlaikjer.net/reviews/024... ( )

A wonderful and poignant novel set in Japan, about a young man's fascination with Americans and their ways, and his own journey from the dark unknown of his parent' past during World War II. Well-written, painful at times, and illuminating about the two cultures. A very promising first novel. ( )