What do you think?
Rate this book
The Arrow Catcher #1
The Arrow Catcher
1948. Young Jonathan Lusk’s life was perfect. Big Boston house. Swimming pool. Summers on the Cape. His father a Nobel Prize winning Harvard professor; his mother the beautiful only child of Boston socialites. When his parents get caught between rival Arab and Jewish faculty over the creation of the State of Israel, Jonathan’s life is turned upside down. He soon finds himself in Japan, living with his grandfather, former American Ambassador and a judge on the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunals. American opulence and comfort is abruptly replaced by subtle Japanese elegance and traditional austerity. The boy is thrust into a life among strangers and forced to navigate his way through a new country, foreign customs, unfamiliar language, and ultimately political intrigue that will threaten his life. This suspenseful story, one of personal survival, is a testament to a young boy’s perseverance and to human courage and loyalty that are sometimes found in unexpected places.
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2013
29 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Jim Mather
2 books11 followersJim Mather graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Communications and minor in Creative Writing. He went on to receive an MA degree in Education and reach Ph.D Candidacy, also at Stanford. He has published hundreds of articles in various periodicals, including years as a columnist. He spends his time writing, teaching, and hiking along the Big Sur Coast, where he lives with his wife, Diane, and dog, Mira.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 9, 2013
Others have recapped the story, so I won't bother. As I started to read the book, I was reading out of curiosity because I've known the author for a long time. I expected it to be okay, and planned to read the whole thing out of a sense of friendship and commitment. Then I became thoroughly engaged in the details, the characters, the historical and cultural accuracy, and couldn't have stopped if I wanted to.
I didn't want to.
An outstanding first novel filled with rich imagery, characters, and detail. Details such as the history of the martial arts, the pronunciation of Jonathan's name (Jonason), the relationships, the textures of life in Japan and the behavior, mystery and conflict... all of it is captivating, believable, and rich.
More!
I didn't want to.
An outstanding first novel filled with rich imagery, characters, and detail. Details such as the history of the martial arts, the pronunciation of Jonathan's name (Jonason), the relationships, the textures of life in Japan and the behavior, mystery and conflict... all of it is captivating, believable, and rich.
More!
December 26, 2013
The Arrow Catcher, Jim Mather’s first novel, surprised me on many levels. I was expecting something more cerebral, more zen, more focused on inner change as reflected in outer action.
What I found instead was a gripping saga, laced with tragedy, packed with action, and impossible to put down. I raced through it in a few days, breathless with anticipation, unable to get the story line out of my mind.
Set mostly in post-war Japan, the world of Jonathan Lusk, the main character, collides with new values and challenges. He encounters a society vastly different from his earlier life—a nation stung by recent defeat, resentful of outsiders, and haunted by violent gangster yakuza.
Mather tells a story of strict schooling, stringent martial arts training, violence and action, friendship and loyalty. It’s a tale about growing up, about good vs. evil, about the triumph of a pure heart. The author excels in describing karate matches and military maneuvers, all the while maintaining respect for the mental discipline and physical toughness it takes to excel in Jonathan’s world.
I’ve visited Japan a dozen times, but The Arrow Catcher has shown me sides of that country I could only guess about. Knowing that author Jim Mather actually catches arrows adds to the genuine feeling. A great read. Hoping for a sequel!
What I found instead was a gripping saga, laced with tragedy, packed with action, and impossible to put down. I raced through it in a few days, breathless with anticipation, unable to get the story line out of my mind.
Set mostly in post-war Japan, the world of Jonathan Lusk, the main character, collides with new values and challenges. He encounters a society vastly different from his earlier life—a nation stung by recent defeat, resentful of outsiders, and haunted by violent gangster yakuza.
Mather tells a story of strict schooling, stringent martial arts training, violence and action, friendship and loyalty. It’s a tale about growing up, about good vs. evil, about the triumph of a pure heart. The author excels in describing karate matches and military maneuvers, all the while maintaining respect for the mental discipline and physical toughness it takes to excel in Jonathan’s world.
I’ve visited Japan a dozen times, but The Arrow Catcher has shown me sides of that country I could only guess about. Knowing that author Jim Mather actually catches arrows adds to the genuine feeling. A great read. Hoping for a sequel!
May 19, 2016
Beautifully written, The Arrow Catcher suprised me on many levels, due to the fact that it is Mather's debut novel. Anyone who reads it will become instantly addicted, like I was as well as others who have read it. I adored the plot, because it is very different from any other book I have read. Most novels focus mainly on love or death, and while this novel did touch on those themes, it's main focus was bigger than just falling in love or losing a loved one. The Arrow Catcher explores Japanese heritage and keeps the reader glued to its pages. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves to read! I hope to see Jim Mather continue in his writing career because he is off to an awesome start!
August 19, 2014
I received this book free of charge having won it in a Good Reads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in 2 days and hardly put it down. It's the story of an orphaned American boy who goes to Japan to live with his grandfather who is married to a Japanese princess. The boy, Jonathan/Jonason, goes thru Shogun training and becomes a back belt.
My ex-husband loved the old Bruce Lee movies and so I've seen nearly all of those. I never missed the David Carradine, Kung Fu, episodes. So, this book was really a treasure for me.
I just can't help but wonder what became of Jonathan.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in 2 days and hardly put it down. It's the story of an orphaned American boy who goes to Japan to live with his grandfather who is married to a Japanese princess. The boy, Jonathan/Jonason, goes thru Shogun training and becomes a back belt.
My ex-husband loved the old Bruce Lee movies and so I've seen nearly all of those. I never missed the David Carradine, Kung Fu, episodes. So, this book was really a treasure for me.
I just can't help but wonder what became of Jonathan.
November 4, 2015
This book enthralled me from the very beginning. The story of Jonathan's life was so rough from the beginning. Having been a Gaijin growing up in post WWII Japan I can relate to his story in a lot of ways but Japan was much different in the late 50's/early 60's than it was right after the surrender when all of the war trials were ongoing. I loved this story and I can hardly wait to read the next book in the saga and have to pace myself so that I don't finish the story too soon.
December 31, 2017
Poor
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word, Word junk. junk junk not very
Good.
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word Word Word Word Word Word
Word, Word, Word junk. junk junk not very
Good.
December 16, 2013
The Arrow Catcher is a coming of age/karate book. And as such I think it would really appeal to teenage boys. The main character, Jonathan, goes through some pretty traumatic stuff, yet still endures.
Jonathan is unfortunate enough to witness the death of both of his parents. Then, he is shipped off to Japan to live with his grandfather and his new Japanese wife. But instead of being taken into their home he is dropped at the gates of a local school of karate where he must gain admittance and do his best against hostile classmates.
Jonathan is strong. There's no denying that. Almost too strong actually. Considering the life events he has been through I would expect a character not quite as balanced. He seems too good to be true. The rest of the characters were a little more believable. They had flaws, and managed to combine good and bad aspects of their personalities. And everyone in this book is very intense.
I liked the concept of the book. An American boy struggling to gain a place in an esteemed school in Japan and endure physical difficulties. I wasn't as fond of the pacing. It was actually hard to keep up with how old Jonathan was because of the abrupt changes in the book. The pace moved pretty fast as well and I'd be reading about a conversation when I was suddenly thrust into a battle within the space of a page. It was disorienting. But I imagine those that enjoy reading action novels will truly enjoy this book. Because it does have a lot of action and adventure.
This is definitely for people who like karate. As said before, I'm sure this would be a book that's very popular with teenaged boys or those who like the martial arts.
**This book was received in a Goodreads Giveaway**
The Arrow Catcher
Copyright 2013
266 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
Jonathan is unfortunate enough to witness the death of both of his parents. Then, he is shipped off to Japan to live with his grandfather and his new Japanese wife. But instead of being taken into their home he is dropped at the gates of a local school of karate where he must gain admittance and do his best against hostile classmates.
Jonathan is strong. There's no denying that. Almost too strong actually. Considering the life events he has been through I would expect a character not quite as balanced. He seems too good to be true. The rest of the characters were a little more believable. They had flaws, and managed to combine good and bad aspects of their personalities. And everyone in this book is very intense.
I liked the concept of the book. An American boy struggling to gain a place in an esteemed school in Japan and endure physical difficulties. I wasn't as fond of the pacing. It was actually hard to keep up with how old Jonathan was because of the abrupt changes in the book. The pace moved pretty fast as well and I'd be reading about a conversation when I was suddenly thrust into a battle within the space of a page. It was disorienting. But I imagine those that enjoy reading action novels will truly enjoy this book. Because it does have a lot of action and adventure.
This is definitely for people who like karate. As said before, I'm sure this would be a book that's very popular with teenaged boys or those who like the martial arts.
**This book was received in a Goodreads Giveaway**
The Arrow Catcher
Copyright 2013
266 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
November 18, 2013
Set in the years just after World War II, The Arrow Catcher is an interesting coming of age story, filled with wonderful settings and interesting traditions.
Author, Jim Mather, begins his story with a family tragedy that leaves a young Jonathan Lusk fatherless, nearly motherless and without a permanent home. Jonathan suffers through the eventual suicide of his mother and a move to Japan where he lives with his grandfather and new Japanese grandmother. He learns very early that life is not fair and he must make the best of things if he is to survive in a culture that is not his own.
Jonathan’s real journey begins after he is sent to live at a famous Dai Kan school. There he is looked down on as a gaijin, (someone who is not Japanese and therefore inferior) and subjected to abuse by the other boys and teachers in the school.
Mather is very good at writing fight scenes that leave you feeling exhausted by their end, and seems to have a deep knowledge of Karate. He is also very adept at explaining the nuances of a culture that was defeated, yet still fighting for their right to maintain their culture.
His description of the land around the school is lovely. He writes “. . . he came across a white-water stream deep inside a pine forest carpeted with lime-green clover and feathery emerald ferns.”
The Arrow Catcher is well written and interesting, due mainly to the culture it’s set it. Mather has not added a new twist to the coming –of-age story, but he has written a delightful and interesting story that will capture most any reader.
Author, Jim Mather, begins his story with a family tragedy that leaves a young Jonathan Lusk fatherless, nearly motherless and without a permanent home. Jonathan suffers through the eventual suicide of his mother and a move to Japan where he lives with his grandfather and new Japanese grandmother. He learns very early that life is not fair and he must make the best of things if he is to survive in a culture that is not his own.
Jonathan’s real journey begins after he is sent to live at a famous Dai Kan school. There he is looked down on as a gaijin, (someone who is not Japanese and therefore inferior) and subjected to abuse by the other boys and teachers in the school.
Mather is very good at writing fight scenes that leave you feeling exhausted by their end, and seems to have a deep knowledge of Karate. He is also very adept at explaining the nuances of a culture that was defeated, yet still fighting for their right to maintain their culture.
His description of the land around the school is lovely. He writes “. . . he came across a white-water stream deep inside a pine forest carpeted with lime-green clover and feathery emerald ferns.”
The Arrow Catcher is well written and interesting, due mainly to the culture it’s set it. Mather has not added a new twist to the coming –of-age story, but he has written a delightful and interesting story that will capture most any reader.
June 13, 2014
A coming of age for a young boy. Living in a cozy, idyllic environment in Boston with his parents, young Jonathan (Jonasan) is enjoying a happy childhood doing all the things a young boy does. His world is rudely shattered when his parents are tragically killed and he is shipped off to live with his grandfather, Eli Lusk, a former U.S. ambassador who is now stationed in Japan as a judge on the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunals. The setting is 1948, immediately after World War II. Tragedy strikes again, leaving young Jonathan bereft of blood relatives, but in the hands of his Japanese step-grandmother, who is related to the royal family. Therein begins his induction into Japanese culture and life as he enters the Dai Kan – school, the first non-Japanese (gaijin) to be accepted. Throw in jealousy of the other students, revenge of the Japanese “mob” against Jonathan because of his grandfather’s conviction success and the traditional Japanese belief of family and honor and the book clips along. A different and interesting read of family, honor and revenge.
November 10, 2013
The Arrow Catcher is a good book that could have used some trimming. It tells a story of post WW II Japan, and at its best moments, it reminds me of a James Clavell novel like Whirlwind. But the only problem is, it's a bit too slow at parts. I do like that the author puts cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, but I only wish the rest of the chapters had such quick pacing. In the end, I enjoyed the book at parts but wish it moved a little quicker. Give it a look if you're interested, though.
September 11, 2015
Fascinating glimpse into Japan
...first, as an American outsider, and then as a beloved, adopted "Japanese" warrior. Jonathan developed all the sterling characteristics of a true hero. The beginning seemed a little slow; however, the extraordinary childhood experiences and common American attitudes (such as entitlement and love of ease) that shaped Jonathan's early years provided a wonderful backdrop and contrast to the seasoned, valiant protagonist that he became.
...first, as an American outsider, and then as a beloved, adopted "Japanese" warrior. Jonathan developed all the sterling characteristics of a true hero. The beginning seemed a little slow; however, the extraordinary childhood experiences and common American attitudes (such as entitlement and love of ease) that shaped Jonathan's early years provided a wonderful backdrop and contrast to the seasoned, valiant protagonist that he became.
October 13, 2013
This is a wonderful story filled with lots of intrigue and many plot twists. I could not put it down! The author has done a very good job of accurately portraying the times, the culture and the martial arts. He captures your interest from the very first and holds you to each page with cliff hangers at the end of every chapter. It is the perfect script for a classic Hollywood action film.
October 11, 2015
This was an amazing story. I knew so little about Japan, and the customs there, and this gives you a little background in the military philosophy. The story is really gripping up until the end, and I was so happy when I saw the story continues with the Arrow Thrower(I think that's the title) so I don't have to say goodbye to the protagonist.
February 7, 2016
Attention grabbing from the start!
I loved this book and the story line was interesting enough to keep the pages turning as fast as I could read and at times, on the edge of my seat. It was a bit confusing at times, just because of the authentic Japanese names and words, but it's one of the better books I've read in the past several months. I would highly recommend it!
I loved this book and the story line was interesting enough to keep the pages turning as fast as I could read and at times, on the edge of my seat. It was a bit confusing at times, just because of the authentic Japanese names and words, but it's one of the better books I've read in the past several months. I would highly recommend it!
August 31, 2015
Engrossing
I couldn't put it down. The description of Japan took me back to my time there. The Arrow Catcher is a must read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction or action stories. Very satisfying read.
I couldn't put it down. The description of Japan took me back to my time there. The Arrow Catcher is a must read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction or action stories. Very satisfying read.
January 19, 2014
The author ensnared my interest from the very first chapter.The author holds you to each page with cliff hangers at the end of every chapter. Such a amazing book!!!!!
May 23, 2014
I hope to see more of Jonathon in future books.
September 1, 2015
Great read
An inspiring literary work. You will not be able to stop reading until the last page. A great read for history buffs
An inspiring literary work. You will not be able to stop reading until the last page. A great read for history buffs
January 6, 2016
Loved this book! Great writing and interesting story line. I highly recommend and I believe there will be a sequel which I am looking forward to reading!
March 2, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. Learned a bit about Japanese culture. Couldn't help but picture this as an action movie in my head. I plan to read the follow up books.
April 14, 2016
I liked it for a while, because of the Japanese language and culture. But toward the end it seemed to become all action and fighting, which doesn't appeal to me.
October 27, 2015
Great plot and well crafted. Really enjoyed the story, kept me interested throughout.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews