Hokkaido Highway Blues
by Will Ferguson
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 154)
Another wonderful travelogue... the traveler this time makes astute observations of the Japanese nationals he encounters as he hitchhikes north from the southernmost tip of Japan.
Being an Asian-American, I can see both sides of the espy. It is easy to relate to the often awkward, big-hearted, intensely curious, 'liberal' American being given an opportunity to look through a usually closed window into the private lives of the average Japanese citizen in Japan.
I can also see how the Japan...more
Being an Asian-American, I can see both sides of the espy. It is easy to relate to the often awkward, big-hearted, intensely curious, 'liberal' American being given an opportunity to look through a usually closed window into the private lives of the average Japanese citizen in Japan.
I can also see how the Japan...more
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
fans of travel books, people interested in japan
This one was interesting. Ferguson is definitely a westerner in a different culture and sometimes he seems to revel in making encounters awkward, instead of taking the easy route. However, he hitchhiked from the bottom of Japan to the top, went to dozens and dozens of places off the main tourist routes, met dozens and dozens of people and the book is filled with interesting moments and observations. Observations on places, on people, and on two cultures meeting each other and trying to have a co...more
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Greatly enjoyed this - found myself giggling a lot and reading bits out loud to my husband. Many of the author's experiences mirrored my own, and the whole thing is free of the pompousness and attitude of having attained deep insights into the "other" that afflicts so much writing about Japan. Don't know what those who haven't been to Japan, or who led a different sort of life there, would make of it, but it worked for me.
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Read in January, 2008
A book about a Westerner who hitchhikes all the way up Japan, from sunny coast to barren snow-swept islands.
This is not so much a book about cities, sights or things to do in Japan as it is a book about its people. Ferguson gets to meet a wide range of 'real' Japanese people and step straight into their daily lives briefly, while taking a ride in their cars or even being invited back for tea.
This is not so much a book about cities, sights or things to do in Japan as it is a book about its people. Ferguson gets to meet a wide range of 'real' Japanese people and step straight into their daily lives briefly, while taking a ride in their cars or even being invited back for tea.
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Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone interested in Japan, travel in general, or funny writing
One of the best travel books I've read. Hilariously funny on almost every page, but also deeply moving, observant and thoughtful. He can describe a character, landscape or moment, encapsulating in a few short phrases what many lesser writers would take a page of purple prose to evoke. And the ending is perfect.
See, Mr Overrated Bryson? This is how it's done.
See, Mr Overrated Bryson? This is how it's done.
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I totally recommend this book to anyone. It rocked my socks. It is a hilarious and an all too true account of what life is like for a foreigner in Japan as this dude hitchhikes across the entire country, from the Southern tip around where I live all the way to Hokkaido. I never wanted it to end. Read it, or I will hurt you.
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An odd, hilarious and at times heartbreaking book that will get under your skin and give you the travel bug like nothing since On The Road. But, this book includes a chapter on pretending to be a ninja, something Keurouac never really got a handle on.
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Read in February, 2006
This book informed much of what I know about Japan, and helped me "get" it before I actually visited. Plus, he's hilarious. Even if you don't care about Japan, it's a funny book anyway.
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Read in May, 2007
recommends it for:
All
Very funny and revealing portrait of Japanese people. I read this before my recent trip to Japan and it gave me a real feel for what I was about to experience (on a smaller scale).
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A great and funny travel book. A little reminiscent of my favorite travel author, Bill Bryson, but maybe that's why I liked it. It did get a little old at the end.
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Read in January, 2007
I read this just before visiting my daughter in Japan and laughed a lot. I recognized many of the places and situations on our visit and laughed again.
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Slower going than I anticipated, but it's quite a good read, and sheds some interesting light and insight on the Japanese character and culture
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Read in February, 2007
If you're going to Japan then I highly recommend it! Very funny...and so true...a real insight into what it's like to be a foreigner there.
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The book made me want to go to Japan, as soon as possible. Plus, I craved sushi the whole time I was reading it.
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Read in January, 2003
After living in Japan for awhile, I like to read this book and relive his very true experiences.
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Read in April, 2007
great book for anyone interested in visiting Japan and for people who have lived there!
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Read in May, 2007
recommends it for:
no one
it's boring and not funny, not worth reading, ugh
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Same as Hitching Rides with Buddha?
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