Book Reviews Continued
Excellent for those interested in Japan, or for the exchange student , May 6, 2007
By Beth Hartford-DeRoos
(Jackson, California)
Asia is such a powerhouse area of the world that even if you never visit, you can learn valuable lessons from
this book. Of course the author is middle class American, she makes this very clear. What is helpful is how she writes in such a
way that you feel like you are there.
Wincing when one discovers they have made an error in how they dress for certain occasions, to everyday things
like bathrooms, which depending on how ones home or hotel in Japan is set up, can be major cultural shock.
The book is one I recommend for those who like our family, have had and continue to have Japanese exchange
students. And for those who will be American exchange students in Japan. Cannot recommend the book enough!
Fascinating look at everyday life in Japan
Reviewed by Joanna Daneman
(Middletown, DE USA)
August 28, 2006
(Jackson, California)
Pauline Hager spent some years in Mito, Japan, living rather than visiting. She samples breakfast (never
giving up a preference to donuts for the traditional rice and fish, which makes her gag), Japanese medicine (no advanced
orthopedic surgery, surprising in a land with great health overall.) Pauline has a good way with descriptions and is not
afraid to state her opinion. For examples, she didn't like Singapore much (I found it about the opposite of everything she said
and I DO like Japanese breakfasts a lot.)
The fun details like toilet slippers, kimono customs and the reactions of everyday people make this worth
reading. I enjoyed a vicarious visit back to Japan, comparing my notes to Pauline's. A fun read and would be good for anyone
who is curious about daily life in Japan.
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Accepting new ways and of coping with language barriers
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review
from Oregon, WI USA
April 11, 2003
Memoirs of An American Housewife In Japan is the true autobiographical story of Pauline Hager, an
amazing American woman, who had to adjust to the completely different culture of Japan when her husband had to work
there on a multinational project.
Living in housing especially designed for Westerners, and surrounded by friendly neighbors from all over the
world, Pauline met the challenges of accepting new ways and of coping with language barriers, strict yet unfamiliar rules of
etiquette, and much, much more. Memoirs of An American Housewife in Japan is highly recommended, deftly written reading…especially
for anyone who finds themselves having to cope with being a stranger in a strange land!
The fun details like toilet slippers, kimono customs and the reactions of everyday people make this worth reading.
I enjoyed a vicarious visit back to Japan, comparing my notes to Pauline's. A fun read and would be good for anyone who is curious
about daily life in Japan.
Liana Metal, author, teacher and artist --- "...it is entertaining, absorbing, and informational."
Mona Tippins, author of Tomorrow the Train --- "...being able to laugh at yourself, as she does, is a talent and a gift."
John Wolf, author of Orphan Records and A Dark and Stormy Knight..."Daiichi nihon sugureru."
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