A gift from my husband, this was that kind of delight that comes when you know nothing about where the book is going. I hadn't read reviews, nor even the back cover. I enjoyed more than I'd expected the thoughts and observations of an author quite unlike me. The writing is vivid and poetic. The deepening of a cross-cultural friendship is slow and... grateful. I really enjoyed this book.

When Otani smiled, he grinned so broadly his eyes disappeared into his cheeks.