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Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo (2013)

by Matthew Amster-Burton(Favorite Author)

4.12 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Mamster Books

review 1: Pretty Good Number One is the tale of a an American family that spends one month living in Tokyo. Instead of giving us the normal "tourist-take" on Japan (specifically Tokyo and the neighboring suburbs) they take us through a journey of food. As the author tells his family's adventures (and the food that goes with them) you actually learn more about the people of Tokyo and the Japanese culture than you would initially suspect. This isn't just a menu or restaurant-suggestion book... instead it's an experience best described with everyday Tokyo food and drink.Imagine spending a month in Japan and making an effort every day to eat as a native... the pitfalls of not knowing the language well enough to order exactly what you want, not being able to read the menu boards, and som... moreetimes just not understanding what something is until you take a bite out of it. From making okonomiyaki to eating an eel's backbone (hone) with chopsticks to ordering ramen from a kiosk, this book will make you laugh and hopefully also introduce you to at least one type of food you haven't tried yet! I've read a number of guidebooks on visiting Tokyo, and this one is probably the best. Not only does it tell you about some of the common tourist-attractions and lesser known places, it also gives you the information you need on how to fully experience the culture.
review 2: Nick told me this was a great book, so I gave it a try. A few pages in the author is talking about his daughter Iris, food, Seattle, and it hits me - I've read this author before! Awhile ago I read his book "Hungry Monkey" and found it utterly delightful, which boded well for me enjoying this book. Then, a chapter or two into this book, the author mentions his addiction to a manga series called "Oishinbo A la Carte" - I have the first book of the series waiting on my bedside table! All the forces were aligned to bring me to this book, and for me to fall in love with it. Done and done. less

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