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American MaleWhore in Tokyo
Being a male geisha is hard work… but it’s got great benefits.
John Box can’t believe he’s being paid to drink. Fed up with his ho-hum teaching gig, he takes his shallow, fun-loving self to Japan’s red-light district… and lands a job at a host club. Getting paid to drink beer, flirt, and entertain women every night feels an awful lot like his American dream.
As he sinks deeper into the explicit, ribald world, John takes to the streets to find paying customers. His never-ending party inside and outside the club gives him a graduate degree in male-female encounters. A wild life like John’s could never get old, could it? No, seriously… could it?
American MaleWhore in Tokyo is a raunchy comedy suitable for ages 18+. If you like low-brow humor, obnoxious reality shows gone bad, and fun-loving, narcissistic characters, then you’ll love Rowen Boozewell’s rip-roaringly funny tale.
Buy American MaleWhore in Tokyo to step into a Japanese red-light comedy today!
John Box can’t believe he’s being paid to drink. Fed up with his ho-hum teaching gig, he takes his shallow, fun-loving self to Japan’s red-light district… and lands a job at a host club. Getting paid to drink beer, flirt, and entertain women every night feels an awful lot like his American dream.
As he sinks deeper into the explicit, ribald world, John takes to the streets to find paying customers. His never-ending party inside and outside the club gives him a graduate degree in male-female encounters. A wild life like John’s could never get old, could it? No, seriously… could it?
American MaleWhore in Tokyo is a raunchy comedy suitable for ages 18+. If you like low-brow humor, obnoxious reality shows gone bad, and fun-loving, narcissistic characters, then you’ll love Rowen Boozewell’s rip-roaringly funny tale.
Buy American MaleWhore in Tokyo to step into a Japanese red-light comedy today!
- GenresJapanHumorNonfiction
372 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2014
5 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 3, 2016
Who in their right mind would pay someone to get drunk and hit on women?
The fucking Japanese. That's who!
John Box is 33 (practically middle-aged!) when his dad commands him to move out of the basement and get a job. Since the "writing smash-hit novels" thing didn't work out as planned, Box decides to go with his other talent - getting "snotted and picking up chicks." So, he pawns a car (not his own!) and heads off to the Land of the Rising Sun to fulfill his dreams.
He signs on as a "host" at a bar. Assigned the new and studly name - Piston Honda - his height alone makes him something of a desirable novelty act. His job? Lure young ladies into the bar where ten smackers will get you 90 minutes of unlimited liquid refreshment. Hopefully, she will be smitten enough to stick around and shell out the big bucks for champagne. And, if she's really taken by a charming host, she may want to indulge in some, ahem... other pricey pleasures.
For a book with "whore" in the title, there is an odd lack of nooky. My husband, hoping to reap the benefits of a titillated wife, kept reading over my shoulder, "Any sex yet?" "How 'bout now?"
The sex scene, when it does come, was worth the wait. It is weird, funny and surprisingly...soapy.
AND, there was foreplay. (Yesssss!)
The author kindly includes a Makura Menu which lists services offered (and their prices!)
I had to Google some of the positions...and took copious notes. You might be interested to know that the most expensive act is Post-Coitus Cuddling. Snerk!
And though I'm sure it was not the author's intention, I actually learned quite a bit about Japanese culture. I was fascinated by the Daruma dolls.
When you make a wish on your Daruma doll, you fill in one of the eyes with a black marker or paint. And then, when the wish comes true, you fill in the other eye.
This is not a book for everyone. There's a definite "bros before hos" attitude, and the gals don't come out looking too sharp. But basically, if you're not offended by the title, you'll probably get on pretty well with the rest of the book.
I found it to be a funny and interesting look at a world I didn't know existed.
Kanpai!
The fucking Japanese. That's who!
John Box is 33 (practically middle-aged!) when his dad commands him to move out of the basement and get a job. Since the "writing smash-hit novels" thing didn't work out as planned, Box decides to go with his other talent - getting "snotted and picking up chicks." So, he pawns a car (not his own!) and heads off to the Land of the Rising Sun to fulfill his dreams.
He signs on as a "host" at a bar. Assigned the new and studly name - Piston Honda - his height alone makes him something of a desirable novelty act. His job? Lure young ladies into the bar where ten smackers will get you 90 minutes of unlimited liquid refreshment. Hopefully, she will be smitten enough to stick around and shell out the big bucks for champagne. And, if she's really taken by a charming host, she may want to indulge in some, ahem... other pricey pleasures.
For a book with "whore" in the title, there is an odd lack of nooky. My husband, hoping to reap the benefits of a titillated wife, kept reading over my shoulder, "Any sex yet?" "How 'bout now?"
The sex scene, when it does come, was worth the wait. It is weird, funny and surprisingly...soapy.
AND, there was foreplay. (Yesssss!)
The author kindly includes a Makura Menu which lists services offered (and their prices!)
I had to Google some of the positions...and took copious notes. You might be interested to know that the most expensive act is Post-Coitus Cuddling. Snerk!
And though I'm sure it was not the author's intention, I actually learned quite a bit about Japanese culture. I was fascinated by the Daruma dolls.
When you make a wish on your Daruma doll, you fill in one of the eyes with a black marker or paint. And then, when the wish comes true, you fill in the other eye.
This is not a book for everyone. There's a definite "bros before hos" attitude, and the gals don't come out looking too sharp. But basically, if you're not offended by the title, you'll probably get on pretty well with the rest of the book.
I found it to be a funny and interesting look at a world I didn't know existed.
Kanpai!
August 11, 2016
John Box Aka Piston Honda...well he is a douche-bag, selfish, arrogant little turd. But guess what? I liked him for some damn reason.
He pawn's off his mom's car and takes off to Tokyo to make his fortune as a male host (gets paid to get drunk/schmooze women). He mainly wants the money and the booze.
Would I sleep with him. Not. He has eye herpes from sleeping with that old broad. Plus I is happily married. :P
Plus I don't know what half the positions on his price list are. Must less how to do them.
This book may not be for everyone (feminists beware) but I couldn't put it down. Enter into it with an open mind and be prepared to laugh and be amazed.
For some reason this gif seems perfect for this book.
PS the author gifted me with a copy of his book. That does not affect my review in any way. I would have called him a douche-bag anyway.
He pawn's off his mom's car and takes off to Tokyo to make his fortune as a male host (gets paid to get drunk/schmooze women). He mainly wants the money and the booze.
Would I sleep with him. Not. He has eye herpes from sleeping with that old broad. Plus I is happily married. :P
Plus I don't know what half the positions on his price list are. Must less how to do them.
This book may not be for everyone (feminists beware) but I couldn't put it down. Enter into it with an open mind and be prepared to laugh and be amazed.
For some reason this gif seems perfect for this book.
PS the author gifted me with a copy of his book. That does not affect my review in any way. I would have called him a douche-bag anyway.
February 12, 2014
Of course I'm gonna give a book about me a 5-star rating. I'm a douchebag.
April 9, 2014
I Rikey... NO, I ROVEY!!!!!
American Male Whore in Tokyo is a riot! Somehow, this douche bag is so likable you can't help but root for and eventually fall in love with him. Piston Honda is a melting pot of raging hormones, borderline alcoholism and an endearing naivete and positive outlook on life. All of this, of course, makes him a sociopath to the point of selling his mother's car to finance his trip to Japan.
I love the chapter titles, the quotations and Fun Facts. In fact, if you missed reading page 2, with the boring copyright/ ISBN info, you missed out on laughs already. The glossary at the end of the book was surprisingly helpful as well as hilarious. I caught myself shaking my head several times thinking: "seriously, Rose, I can't believe you're referring to this glossary - again! and again getting douchy answers, sometimes." Douchy but hilarious! The sex menu is awesome, with prices going up as he figured cuddling was too much of an effort. OMG... And last, but not least, the Questions for Discussion, Suggested Essay Topics and Practice Projects are add-ons that were immensely appreciated.
This has become my go-to book to cheer me up when I'm feeling like Aki. I will treat it as my personal Maneki Neko. I ABSOLUTELY ROVEY THIS BOOK! KANPAI!
American Male Whore in Tokyo is a riot! Somehow, this douche bag is so likable you can't help but root for and eventually fall in love with him. Piston Honda is a melting pot of raging hormones, borderline alcoholism and an endearing naivete and positive outlook on life. All of this, of course, makes him a sociopath to the point of selling his mother's car to finance his trip to Japan.
I love the chapter titles, the quotations and Fun Facts. In fact, if you missed reading page 2, with the boring copyright/ ISBN info, you missed out on laughs already. The glossary at the end of the book was surprisingly helpful as well as hilarious. I caught myself shaking my head several times thinking: "seriously, Rose, I can't believe you're referring to this glossary - again! and again getting douchy answers, sometimes." Douchy but hilarious! The sex menu is awesome, with prices going up as he figured cuddling was too much of an effort. OMG... And last, but not least, the Questions for Discussion, Suggested Essay Topics and Practice Projects are add-ons that were immensely appreciated.
This has become my go-to book to cheer me up when I'm feeling like Aki. I will treat it as my personal Maneki Neko. I ABSOLUTELY ROVEY THIS BOOK! KANPAI!
August 4, 2016
I got interested in Japan's host clubs after seeing my favorite Japanese actor in the TV series, "Teioh" which was about an owner of a male host club. Subsequently, I watched a documentary on male host clubs in Japan and found it fascinating. When I came across this book of an American becoming a host in a Tokyo club, I had to read it. I couldn't help but find the American, given the host name Piston Honda, irrepressible. We wouldn't get on at all if he lived next door or was a friend of one of my friends, but I liked him in print. I'm of the view that what happens between consenting adults is nobody's buisness but their own. The excessive drinking a host must do is troubling but I guess it comes down to what you want out of life. If you want to make a lot of money and can tolerate sucking up to people and being nice to them for money, you might possibly become a successful host. People in this world know the score, so I don't think of it as taking unfair advantage of anyone. I thought the book was interesting and well designed and I had a couple of chuckles. I was entertained by a host, in other words. (Wink, wink.)
December 15, 2017
This book is well outside my normal wheelhouse of books. I do love Japan, and I like to laugh, so I decided to give this one a go. That said, I am so glad that I got a chance to read this, because it's fucking funny.
It follows the saga of Piston Honda, a douchebag who works at a Japanese host club. It's full of clubs and sex and debauchery and Japan and it's one beautiful disaster of hilarity.
I don't understand why "Piston Honda" aka John Box is so likable, but he is. Picture that one rock star that you're a little bit in love with. Even though he bangs everything, and has a coke problem, and is always in the tabloids. The one who you'd still chill with and who cracks that smile and you overlook all the manwhoring tomfoolery (how old AM I that I use that word?). That's similar to how I feel about this guy. He's a douchebag, but in the lovable kind of way. The guy who tells you the best stories at the bar that you wonder how he's still alive.
It's also pretty educational about Japan, from a perspective that you don't normally hear about, which was pretty cool. Life over there isn't all Hello Kitty and hentai like the internet suggests, yanno? Still want to visit, but with all sorts of new information in mind.
This book is definitely a "guy" book. Not that women can't enjoy it, blah blah blah. But if you don't find dick jokes, poop, or sex entertaining or funny.... This is gonna be your personal hell, buddy. If that's right up your alley, or if you like Japan, or if you love a good asshole rogue as a main character, or if you are just looking to laugh, this is a great book to fill the void.
The author was awesome enough to send me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review with no shenanigans. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
It follows the saga of Piston Honda, a douchebag who works at a Japanese host club. It's full of clubs and sex and debauchery and Japan and it's one beautiful disaster of hilarity.
I don't understand why "Piston Honda" aka John Box is so likable, but he is. Picture that one rock star that you're a little bit in love with. Even though he bangs everything, and has a coke problem, and is always in the tabloids. The one who you'd still chill with and who cracks that smile and you overlook all the manwhoring tomfoolery (how old AM I that I use that word?). That's similar to how I feel about this guy. He's a douchebag, but in the lovable kind of way. The guy who tells you the best stories at the bar that you wonder how he's still alive.
It's also pretty educational about Japan, from a perspective that you don't normally hear about, which was pretty cool. Life over there isn't all Hello Kitty and hentai like the internet suggests, yanno? Still want to visit, but with all sorts of new information in mind.
This book is definitely a "guy" book. Not that women can't enjoy it, blah blah blah. But if you don't find dick jokes, poop, or sex entertaining or funny.... This is gonna be your personal hell, buddy. If that's right up your alley, or if you like Japan, or if you love a good asshole rogue as a main character, or if you are just looking to laugh, this is a great book to fill the void.
The author was awesome enough to send me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review with no shenanigans. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
November 15, 2014
American Male Whore in Tokyo (Fun Facts Edition)
I received a free (un-signed, you douchebag) copy of #AmericanMaleWhoreInTokyo in exchange for telling the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Box.
John Box is the straight yin to my gay yang. And I say this with the straightest of faces even though there is nothing gay about Mr. Box (even when he is dressed like a school girl and molested in a crowded train). Nevertheless, any man, no matter his persuasion, dreams of being pay for doing what we like to do more than anything else in the world: have sex for the sake of having sex.
We accompany him in his journey from the blue collar suburbs of white US to the red light district of Tokyo, learning things most vanilla tourists on the land of the rising sun never learn even after twenty trips.
Hot chicks, average chicks, ugly chicks, psycho chicks, nice chicks, old chicks, all kinds of chicks populate this story and most have one thing in common: they all want to spend time with the Great White Host. In all honesty, the host profession wasn’t a shock for me since I like my anime and I am a big fan of Ouran High School Host Club, even though there is no makura (not even remotely) involved in these kids “hosting” activities.
This is a profound book; it will make you dig deep into your consciousness to defenestrate all your misconceptions about life, by living it vicariously throughout this 6 foot, blue-eyed, red-bloodied, all American Douchebag. And I call him douchebag not just because he knows he is one but because it takes a very special being to be such a Piston Honda with so much flair and success.
So many fun moments, it is hard to reduce them to a few in an effort to not spoil your excitement about Mr. Box’s adventures. I’m just gonna give you three. Here we go:
All in all, this is a cool book, about a cool douchebag, in a very cool country.
I recommend it with 4 Kanpai!
*Post-reading Assignment
1)Notice how many times I used the word “douchebag” in this review. Discuss.
2)Change random adjectives in this review for the word “douchebag.” Have fun with it.
A book full of stuff. You know, so I can go back and revisit the fun moments quickly.
I received a free (un-signed, you douchebag) copy of #AmericanMaleWhoreInTokyo in exchange for telling the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Box.
John Box is the straight yin to my gay yang. And I say this with the straightest of faces even though there is nothing gay about Mr. Box (even when he is dressed like a school girl and molested in a crowded train). Nevertheless, any man, no matter his persuasion, dreams of being pay for doing what we like to do more than anything else in the world: have sex for the sake of having sex.
We accompany him in his journey from the blue collar suburbs of white US to the red light district of Tokyo, learning things most vanilla tourists on the land of the rising sun never learn even after twenty trips.
Hot chicks, average chicks, ugly chicks, psycho chicks, nice chicks, old chicks, all kinds of chicks populate this story and most have one thing in common: they all want to spend time with the Great White Host. In all honesty, the host profession wasn’t a shock for me since I like my anime and I am a big fan of Ouran High School Host Club, even though there is no makura (not even remotely) involved in these kids “hosting” activities.
This is a profound book; it will make you dig deep into your consciousness to defenestrate all your misconceptions about life, by living it vicariously throughout this 6 foot, blue-eyed, red-bloodied, all American Douchebag. And I call him douchebag not just because he knows he is one but because it takes a very special being to be such a Piston Honda with so much flair and success.
So many fun moments, it is hard to reduce them to a few in an effort to not spoil your excitement about Mr. Box’s adventures. I’m just gonna give you three. Here we go:
All in all, this is a cool book, about a cool douchebag, in a very cool country.
I recommend it with 4 Kanpai!
*Post-reading Assignment
1)Notice how many times I used the word “douchebag” in this review. Discuss.
2)Change random adjectives in this review for the word “douchebag.” Have fun with it.
A book full of stuff. You know, so I can go back and revisit the fun moments quickly.
April 18, 2014
Not for the P.C. crowd. There are parts of the book that are HILARIOUS! There is one particular insult in the book that is so great, it makes the book worth buying and reading.
When I read "American Psycho", I found it too disturbing. I read a review which indicated that perhaps all the terrible things that were happening were just taking place in the central character's mind. About 1/3 of the way through the book, I started using the same trick with American MaleWhore in Tokyo. I decided that all of the awful things that John Box does or says might just be his basest reaction to what is going on around him.
I was continually interrupting my wife to read her funny excerpts from the book. She didn't think any of them were funny, which in fact means that they were all extremely funny.
If you like "The Alphabet of Manliness" then you will like this book. If you like NPR, then you will hate this book, but it will probably make you a more likable person. If you like Conan, you'll like this book. If you like Leno, you probably won't like this book. If you like Craig Kilborn, you are probably someone exactly like John Box and you will either embrace this book as your very own "how-to guide" for living or you will hate and constantly think of reasons why you are better than John Box.
Totally worth it! It is a fun read.
When I read "American Psycho", I found it too disturbing. I read a review which indicated that perhaps all the terrible things that were happening were just taking place in the central character's mind. About 1/3 of the way through the book, I started using the same trick with American MaleWhore in Tokyo. I decided that all of the awful things that John Box does or says might just be his basest reaction to what is going on around him.
I was continually interrupting my wife to read her funny excerpts from the book. She didn't think any of them were funny, which in fact means that they were all extremely funny.
If you like "The Alphabet of Manliness" then you will like this book. If you like NPR, then you will hate this book, but it will probably make you a more likable person. If you like Conan, you'll like this book. If you like Leno, you probably won't like this book. If you like Craig Kilborn, you are probably someone exactly like John Box and you will either embrace this book as your very own "how-to guide" for living or you will hate and constantly think of reasons why you are better than John Box.
Totally worth it! It is a fun read.
March 14, 2014
This is an awesome book. It gets you into the Japanese culture in a way that I’ve never seen before with a very American point of view. It’s funny, irreverent, and a great overall story. I highly recommend it if you like American abroad stories, or stories about broads American’s want, or karaoke, or Japanese slang, or humor, or learning about people having a great time getting paid to do the naughty dance. Any of these reasons are perfect for getting you into the story. Once you’re there you’ll stay for the ambiance and the smell of sushi, and also the quick read. Follow Box, your host, as he takes you to places unknown, down alleys dark and filled with danger, then there’s the women and the karaoke. Kanpai!!! Set your ramen noodles to stun, your schadenfreude to sexy, and your Kanpai to Kanpai!!! That’s Japanese slang for you’re about to have your freak’n mind blown with adventure-san.
April 9, 2014
I loved this book! It was hilarious, entertaining, philosophical, and culturally enlightening. I knew next to nothing about japan before reading this and now I feel I have a decent amount of knowledge of it. This book reminded me of The Alchemist which is a very high compliment as that is one of my favorite books. Sometimes when I read funny books, I feel like I'm wasting time but this was not the case while reading American MaleWhore in Tokyo. I was laughing constantly while learning and thinking about things differently. The main character was actually very likable and all the other characters were great too. The book is very explicit which didn't bother me but might bother some readers. Although it was explicit, there were also moments that were extremely cute and sweet. Also, props for quoting DMX. I highly recommend this book.
Kanpai!
Kanpai!
October 29, 2014
The author is one sick, and twisted individual. I have never read a book similar to this in my life. I found myself snorting with laughter. I could not put this book down. It is a work of genius. I did find myself googling topics and words I did not understand. I don't think I've had to do that with another book. I cant even describe how awesome this book is. 5 stars, when it deserves 10.
I am deeply disturbed that I actually grew to really like the main character. I also felt my self emotionally attached to the ass. What can I say but highly recommended and this come from a man that likes book that are more hardcore horror. this is anything but, but it is a work of love and man is it funny!!
I am deeply disturbed that I actually grew to really like the main character. I also felt my self emotionally attached to the ass. What can I say but highly recommended and this come from a man that likes book that are more hardcore horror. this is anything but, but it is a work of love and man is it funny!!
March 19, 2014
American Male Whore In Tokyo — a GoodReads Giveaway Book
The television show Mr. D — a weekly series about a school teacher — opens with a voice-over of Mr. D rapping, “I’m awesome, I’m awesome.”
Sadly, but hilariously so, Mr. D isn’t awesome. Rather, he’s a bit of a jackass, and therein lies his appeal.
When asked the three words that best describe him, John Box, the American male whore in Tokyo, crows, “Awesome, awesome, and awesome.”
Sadly, but hilariously so, John Box isn’t awesome. Rather, he’s a bit of a jackass, and therein lies his appeal.
John Box’s awesome dream — every young man should have a dream — is to become the awesome Great White Host in the awesome host capitol of the world. Box sells his mother’s not-so-awesome Honda Accord and buys a ticket to awesome Tokyo in hot pursuit of his awesome dream.
With the help of an awesome friend, Box grains employment at Cirrus, an awesome host club where is given the awesome trade [?] name Piston Honda, partly paying due respect to his mother’s not-so-awesome Accord. Box’s awesome job is to nanpa [!] girls and bring them to the club where, hopefully, because they are enthralled with — Alright, alright, so he is awesome! —awesome John, they will spend awesome amounts of money.
Male Whore is filled with awesome Kanpai — Cheers! Glasses and bottles and paper cups are clinked in constant toasting. Clink. Clink. Clink. Kanpai! Cheers bitches!
This awesome book is for younger people than I. This awesome [!] venerable [!] scribbler is worn and weary just from reading the awesome drinking, drinking, drinking adventures of awesome John.
Awesome fiction allows readers to experience alternate awesome lives vicariously. If you can’t be, can’t find the gumption to be, an awesome male whore, read the awesome yarn of awesome John Box and get some awesome second-hand kicks.
Kanpai! Cheers bitches!
Awesome.
The television show Mr. D — a weekly series about a school teacher — opens with a voice-over of Mr. D rapping, “I’m awesome, I’m awesome.”
Sadly, but hilariously so, Mr. D isn’t awesome. Rather, he’s a bit of a jackass, and therein lies his appeal.
When asked the three words that best describe him, John Box, the American male whore in Tokyo, crows, “Awesome, awesome, and awesome.”
Sadly, but hilariously so, John Box isn’t awesome. Rather, he’s a bit of a jackass, and therein lies his appeal.
John Box’s awesome dream — every young man should have a dream — is to become the awesome Great White Host in the awesome host capitol of the world. Box sells his mother’s not-so-awesome Honda Accord and buys a ticket to awesome Tokyo in hot pursuit of his awesome dream.
With the help of an awesome friend, Box grains employment at Cirrus, an awesome host club where is given the awesome trade [?] name Piston Honda, partly paying due respect to his mother’s not-so-awesome Accord. Box’s awesome job is to nanpa [!] girls and bring them to the club where, hopefully, because they are enthralled with — Alright, alright, so he is awesome! —awesome John, they will spend awesome amounts of money.
Male Whore is filled with awesome Kanpai — Cheers! Glasses and bottles and paper cups are clinked in constant toasting. Clink. Clink. Clink. Kanpai! Cheers bitches!
This awesome book is for younger people than I. This awesome [!] venerable [!] scribbler is worn and weary just from reading the awesome drinking, drinking, drinking adventures of awesome John.
Awesome fiction allows readers to experience alternate awesome lives vicariously. If you can’t be, can’t find the gumption to be, an awesome male whore, read the awesome yarn of awesome John Box and get some awesome second-hand kicks.
Kanpai! Cheers bitches!
Awesome.
July 4, 2015
This was a First Reads selection for me, a win in a Goodreads giveaway.
As one reviewer said, this may not be your Grandma's book; but this Grandma liked it.
Having been to Japan and stayed in Tokyo; I enjoyed getting an insider view of the Host and Hostess Clubs. It allowed a close look at a Japanese society that has a very raw and seedy underbelly; hidden beneath the polite, highly structured facade.
Jack Box, aka Pistol Honda, is a young man who has a dream to make a lot of money, have a lot of sex and become a number one Host in Tokyo. His trip to return back to Japan, after having taught English there, is done by selling his mother's car... without her consent. A male Host job is to entice women to come in to the Club where they are treated like princesses, flattered, told they are beautiful and the women buy drinks for the male Hosts. By the hour of course. Champagne for the Hosts? Music starts, singing, and more flattery! The Hosts hope that the women will come back and eventually select one male Host as her favorite. By listening to, and pretending like you care about the woman is their job. Pistol gets taken under the wing of the Number One in the Club, Gutter, who averages about $600,000 a year. A return client can mean lavish gifts, money for the Host. There is a very strict order to the hierarchy of the clubs, one has to follow it. The worst thing a Host can do is take a client away from another Host. That will get you kicked out.
I truly did not know what to expect when I received this book. I sat in one reading and finished it. It was certainly sexually graphic in some portions of the book, but for me the book was more about the loneliness of men and women who need to go to a Club to have someone lavish you with concern and caring, if you pay for it.
Funny, raunchy, informative, Irreverent. Loved the footnotes, the quotes. A nice surprise.
As one reviewer said, this may not be your Grandma's book; but this Grandma liked it.
Having been to Japan and stayed in Tokyo; I enjoyed getting an insider view of the Host and Hostess Clubs. It allowed a close look at a Japanese society that has a very raw and seedy underbelly; hidden beneath the polite, highly structured facade.
Jack Box, aka Pistol Honda, is a young man who has a dream to make a lot of money, have a lot of sex and become a number one Host in Tokyo. His trip to return back to Japan, after having taught English there, is done by selling his mother's car... without her consent. A male Host job is to entice women to come in to the Club where they are treated like princesses, flattered, told they are beautiful and the women buy drinks for the male Hosts. By the hour of course. Champagne for the Hosts? Music starts, singing, and more flattery! The Hosts hope that the women will come back and eventually select one male Host as her favorite. By listening to, and pretending like you care about the woman is their job. Pistol gets taken under the wing of the Number One in the Club, Gutter, who averages about $600,000 a year. A return client can mean lavish gifts, money for the Host. There is a very strict order to the hierarchy of the clubs, one has to follow it. The worst thing a Host can do is take a client away from another Host. That will get you kicked out.
I truly did not know what to expect when I received this book. I sat in one reading and finished it. It was certainly sexually graphic in some portions of the book, but for me the book was more about the loneliness of men and women who need to go to a Club to have someone lavish you with concern and caring, if you pay for it.
Funny, raunchy, informative, Irreverent. Loved the footnotes, the quotes. A nice surprise.
August 9, 2016
John Box is a 33 year old American man who still lives with his parents. After stumbling upon the title of his mothers Accord under the floor board of her bed. He gingerly sold it for a one way ticket to fulfilling his dream of becoming, The Great White Host.
Following The Great White Host in his conquest to become number one in Japan (but seriously just wants to be payed to get drunk and hit on women). We meet a colorful cast of people from Tokyo's underbelly, friends, co-workers, clients, women, and crazy bitches.
From the front cover to the end cover, humor is everywhere. You'll find humor in the reproduction clause, the acknowledgments, the definitions, and so on and so forth. Just read it for yourself you'll see what I mean. I have yet to find a novel that has made me laugh out loud nearly as much as this one has.
Personally I think my friends are getting real sick of me calling them at odd hours just to read them a quote or two. I don't think this is everyone's cup of tea, but I am nearly positive that everyone can find a little bit of humor or joy from this book, ether from a quote, fun fact, or even a character. This has officially become my favorite comedic novel, by far. This book made me freak out and toss it whenever John was faced with a crisis, especially when it involved females... (crazy bitches). But I always went back like Piston Honda to booze, never regret it and not remembering why I stopped.
I hope that this book get more love. I will be looking forward for more books coming out in the future.
Following The Great White Host in his conquest to become number one in Japan (but seriously just wants to be payed to get drunk and hit on women). We meet a colorful cast of people from Tokyo's underbelly, friends, co-workers, clients, women, and crazy bitches.
From the front cover to the end cover, humor is everywhere. You'll find humor in the reproduction clause, the acknowledgments, the definitions, and so on and so forth. Just read it for yourself you'll see what I mean. I have yet to find a novel that has made me laugh out loud nearly as much as this one has.
Personally I think my friends are getting real sick of me calling them at odd hours just to read them a quote or two. I don't think this is everyone's cup of tea, but I am nearly positive that everyone can find a little bit of humor or joy from this book, ether from a quote, fun fact, or even a character. This has officially become my favorite comedic novel, by far. This book made me freak out and toss it whenever John was faced with a crisis, especially when it involved females... (crazy bitches). But I always went back like Piston Honda to booze, never regret it and not remembering why I stopped.
I hope that this book get more love. I will be looking forward for more books coming out in the future.
April 1, 2014
**I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book. Thank you to Goodreads and to Rowen Boozewell/John Box/Piston Honda for this opportunity!**
This was purely a fun read. I laughed throughout the entire book. This made me think if there was a love child between Dumb and Dumber and Idiot Abroad...this book would be it! I learned a lot about the Japanese culture that I was not aware of. I now look forward to reading Memoirs of a Douchebag. I too had a significant other who kept asking if I had gotten to a part with sex in it and seemed disappointed when I kept saying no, not yet. The title can be a little misleading....but still a whole barrel of fun. My inner juvenile teenager was fist pumping the air while reading it!
This was purely a fun read. I laughed throughout the entire book. This made me think if there was a love child between Dumb and Dumber and Idiot Abroad...this book would be it! I learned a lot about the Japanese culture that I was not aware of. I now look forward to reading Memoirs of a Douchebag. I too had a significant other who kept asking if I had gotten to a part with sex in it and seemed disappointed when I kept saying no, not yet. The title can be a little misleading....but still a whole barrel of fun. My inner juvenile teenager was fist pumping the air while reading it!
August 24, 2016
This was a fun all and all read.
Just when you thought ok I know this character now....BLAM!!! He hits ya with an outrageous funny situation and this book is FULL OF THEM!
I enjoyed the many characters, places, events, and experiences. (May e he should go to the doctors about liver cirrhosis ... Lol.. Now really go now!!!) this book took you on a magical journey to a unfamiliar world for many, to a exciting new profession, and every mans fantasy!! They culture shock was minimal them I would have expected.(I have a few friends who's husbands are stationed in Japan's military base, and they LOVE AND HATE IT..) you really see This as a learning experience for all involved. Evenly as a reader!!!
I enjoyed this book and hope you do also!
KANPAI!!!
Just when you thought ok I know this character now....BLAM!!! He hits ya with an outrageous funny situation and this book is FULL OF THEM!
I enjoyed the many characters, places, events, and experiences. (May e he should go to the doctors about liver cirrhosis ... Lol.. Now really go now!!!) this book took you on a magical journey to a unfamiliar world for many, to a exciting new profession, and every mans fantasy!! They culture shock was minimal them I would have expected.(I have a few friends who's husbands are stationed in Japan's military base, and they LOVE AND HATE IT..) you really see This as a learning experience for all involved. Evenly as a reader!!!
I enjoyed this book and hope you do also!
KANPAI!!!
could-not-finish
August 29, 2015I am not quite sure what I expected coming into this book but what I found was just not interesting to me in the slightest. I tried to give it a fair shake but I just can't finish it (which does not happen often at all). I even took a couple of weeks off and came back to it but was just too bored to continue. The writing itself is fine, it is just the storyline (not even sure I would call it a plot at one third of the way into the book) is just not there for me. I can't really give it a star rating since I didn't finish the free review copy I was given. This just wasn't my kind of book but apparently others enjoyed it.
November 7, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
I finished this book, shaking my head, thinking what in the hell did I just read. It is very odd for me to hate every single character, and still enjoy the story. It was humorous, crude, and offensive, but still great fun to read.
I finished this book, shaking my head, thinking what in the hell did I just read. It is very odd for me to hate every single character, and still enjoy the story. It was humorous, crude, and offensive, but still great fun to read.
January 13, 2018
This is a legitimately funny book that people should read, particularly those with an interest in the seedy side of Japan.
May 12, 2014
This kid offered me a free copy of his book. I took it. I appreciate the opportunity to read a writer's work, for free doubly so. I also applaud the effort and commitment entailed in the simple act of pressing keyboard buttons until 370 pages of text are brought into the world.
My thoughts on this novel:
First, I give American Male Whore in Tokyo a qualified four stars, based on my attempt to read it on its own terms. It must be read on its own terms because it is a vanity pressing—self-published. What this means is there was no editor, no professional proofreader, and no one to critically evaluate the work for its literary merit.
Small stuff: It is replete with typographical, spelling and grammatical errors. At one point there is a hunk of text randomly repeated a bit lower down the same page it first appears, appended to another paragraph. Masturbate is consistently misspelled. And cetera. You’d expect to see these before the galley, but not on the galley, and certainly not in the finished product—if the finished product were published by a press.
Now, let me point out that this writer is funny. At times he puts me in mind of a PG-rated Bukowski (begging the question, where is the leg, where’s the pussy, why am I still waiting, at page 170, for John Box to get laid?). Of course this is in part because of our protagonist’s constant consumption of alcohol, and his apparent inability to manage more than glancing contact with any of the other characters. To a point, this is fun and begins to build tension. Given John Box’ alcoholism, the reader develops a sense of impending disaster.
But, this disaster is either very slow in coming, or never does materialize. Instead, Box plods along, grinning, drinking and engaging in small talk. Only small talk.
Well...when Box does get laid, it's, uh, clinical. Sex in this book is graphic, but I'm afraid it isn't titillating (to me, okay? Make of that what you will).
Be clear, for me comedy is funny because it deals with pain. No pain = no stakes = no laughs. Maybe chuckles, but those are not the same.
For most genres of prose, I’m inclined to hold this principal: No problem; no story. Box obviously has a problem, but since it is never acknowledged, it’s never utilized to bring a sense of stakes to the narrative.
However, some of the repetition is arguably palliated (i.e.: not for me, but surely for other, less critical readers) by the fact that the book can also serve as a sort of travelogue. There is a fair quantity of what appears to be faithful description of locations, customs, points of interest, and various foods. This may hold many readers’ interest.
This feels, often, like an excessively repetitive walking tour. And it fails to delve into the humanity of any, but especially the most obviously flawed and tormented of its characters, John Box (everyone else, male and female alike, is more setting than character).
There is a moment between John and a girl named Aki, in which two characters toe the border-crossing to intimacy, but in the narrator’s own words, “…the gravity of the conversation was too much, and [the writer, the characters, the narrator, etc, ad nauseam…] snapped back to his usual self, smiling” (232). And the wisecracks continue as though there had never been a chance of interruption.
At its best, American Male Whore in Tokyo attempts to do for millennials what Douglas Copeland’s Generation X did for my contemporaries—narrate the flavor of their directionlessness, resultant despair, and attempts to ameliorate it all with various distractions (travel, booze, romantic intrigue, booze…).
At its worst, it’s thoroughly puerile, too long, and has no interest in or insight into the humanity of its characters.
My thoughts on this novel:
First, I give American Male Whore in Tokyo a qualified four stars, based on my attempt to read it on its own terms. It must be read on its own terms because it is a vanity pressing—self-published. What this means is there was no editor, no professional proofreader, and no one to critically evaluate the work for its literary merit.
Small stuff: It is replete with typographical, spelling and grammatical errors. At one point there is a hunk of text randomly repeated a bit lower down the same page it first appears, appended to another paragraph. Masturbate is consistently misspelled. And cetera. You’d expect to see these before the galley, but not on the galley, and certainly not in the finished product—if the finished product were published by a press.
Now, let me point out that this writer is funny. At times he puts me in mind of a PG-rated Bukowski (begging the question, where is the leg, where’s the pussy, why am I still waiting, at page 170, for John Box to get laid?). Of course this is in part because of our protagonist’s constant consumption of alcohol, and his apparent inability to manage more than glancing contact with any of the other characters. To a point, this is fun and begins to build tension. Given John Box’ alcoholism, the reader develops a sense of impending disaster.
But, this disaster is either very slow in coming, or never does materialize. Instead, Box plods along, grinning, drinking and engaging in small talk. Only small talk.
Well...when Box does get laid, it's, uh, clinical. Sex in this book is graphic, but I'm afraid it isn't titillating (to me, okay? Make of that what you will).
Be clear, for me comedy is funny because it deals with pain. No pain = no stakes = no laughs. Maybe chuckles, but those are not the same.
For most genres of prose, I’m inclined to hold this principal: No problem; no story. Box obviously has a problem, but since it is never acknowledged, it’s never utilized to bring a sense of stakes to the narrative.
However, some of the repetition is arguably palliated (i.e.: not for me, but surely for other, less critical readers) by the fact that the book can also serve as a sort of travelogue. There is a fair quantity of what appears to be faithful description of locations, customs, points of interest, and various foods. This may hold many readers’ interest.
This feels, often, like an excessively repetitive walking tour. And it fails to delve into the humanity of any, but especially the most obviously flawed and tormented of its characters, John Box (everyone else, male and female alike, is more setting than character).
There is a moment between John and a girl named Aki, in which two characters toe the border-crossing to intimacy, but in the narrator’s own words, “…the gravity of the conversation was too much, and [the writer, the characters, the narrator, etc, ad nauseam…] snapped back to his usual self, smiling” (232). And the wisecracks continue as though there had never been a chance of interruption.
At its best, American Male Whore in Tokyo attempts to do for millennials what Douglas Copeland’s Generation X did for my contemporaries—narrate the flavor of their directionlessness, resultant despair, and attempts to ameliorate it all with various distractions (travel, booze, romantic intrigue, booze…).
At its worst, it’s thoroughly puerile, too long, and has no interest in or insight into the humanity of its characters.
August 18, 2014
As another reviewer said "reading this was similar to watching 'The Hangover'. Not because of plot, but their humor is similar."
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy The Hangover and I didn't particularly enjoy this book either. There were a few chuckles, but for the most part I found the humour to be overly juvenile in many parts and, in a few places, cringe-worthy - which, I get the impression, was the author's intention.
The book felt a little too long for a story that really didn't go anywhere, but I give it credit for giving the reader an insight into a Japan not many would realise exists; I certainly learnt a few things. There are a number of typographical errors and spelling/grammar mistakes that were really distracting and caused me to put the book down a number of times and move on to something else - hence it taking me so long to finish (I have since been reassured by the author that many of these have now been corrected).
It's not entirely the author's fault I didn't enjoy this book. I guess I'm just not the right demographic for it. Had it not been for the fact that I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway, I would never have read it. I have found many excellent books when I read outside my usual fare - which is why I opted to sign up to this book. The premise appealed to me, however, the execution was unfortunately lacking.
I'm grateful to John for giving me the opportunity to read the book and I wish I could have given it a better review.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy The Hangover and I didn't particularly enjoy this book either. There were a few chuckles, but for the most part I found the humour to be overly juvenile in many parts and, in a few places, cringe-worthy - which, I get the impression, was the author's intention.
The book felt a little too long for a story that really didn't go anywhere, but I give it credit for giving the reader an insight into a Japan not many would realise exists; I certainly learnt a few things. There are a number of typographical errors and spelling/grammar mistakes that were really distracting and caused me to put the book down a number of times and move on to something else - hence it taking me so long to finish (I have since been reassured by the author that many of these have now been corrected).
It's not entirely the author's fault I didn't enjoy this book. I guess I'm just not the right demographic for it. Had it not been for the fact that I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway, I would never have read it. I have found many excellent books when I read outside my usual fare - which is why I opted to sign up to this book. The premise appealed to me, however, the execution was unfortunately lacking.
I'm grateful to John for giving me the opportunity to read the book and I wish I could have given it a better review.
August 18, 2015
John Box (33, aka Piston Honda) moves to Tokyo, Japan to go to work as a Host (Male Whore) for Gutter (24, m) who owns the Club Cirrus.
What do their jobs entail?
How will all the characters’ lives turn out?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written mild erotic book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Some exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a minimal set of colorful/unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mild porn movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. I thought it would be more graphic. So I will just rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
What do their jobs entail?
How will all the characters’ lives turn out?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written mild erotic book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Some exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a minimal set of colorful/unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mild porn movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. I thought it would be more graphic. So I will just rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 19, 2014
John Box wanted the American dream, well, his version of it at least, but not really in America or a dream for that matter. Tokyo, sex and booze, lots of booze wad the real dream, in the form of a host, a club host. Yes, being paid to drink with the ladies, and of course with that comes sex, eventually that is. Que the Makura Menu, knife wielding bunny-boilers, oh, and more booze, and you have a story.
Fun Fact: This book is as addictive as Box's lust for life, women, fun and booze.
Before thinking being paid to drink and have sex is prostitution, think again, it's every mans dream. In Japan, its every girls dream to pay a host to drink with them and have sex. Prostitution, no, this is the life of a host, and John Box is the Great White Host.
John Box aka Piston Honda may be a douchebag, but he shows us the other side of life in Japan, the culture that we don't normally know of.
Read this book, enjoy it, and above all embrace a life that we all want but may never have.
Fun Fact: This book is as addictive as Box's lust for life, women, fun and booze.
Before thinking being paid to drink and have sex is prostitution, think again, it's every mans dream. In Japan, its every girls dream to pay a host to drink with them and have sex. Prostitution, no, this is the life of a host, and John Box is the Great White Host.
John Box aka Piston Honda may be a douchebag, but he shows us the other side of life in Japan, the culture that we don't normally know of.
Read this book, enjoy it, and above all embrace a life that we all want but may never have.
March 28, 2015
Don't let Grandma see this one! She'll tell you it's filth, smut or trash. That said, I really enjoyed the story. The characters were interesting and diverse. This story will by no means show you the virtuous sides of humanity. But, sometimes that's exactly what we want. This book delivers an excellent view of the underbelly of humanity, and the shallowness we can sometimes exhibit. If you're looking for a hero, or an upstanding main character keep looking. But, if you are looking for a fun diversion, and aren't offended by language, sex, and depravity this is the book for you!
March 21, 2015
What an intriguing read. John Box decides to become a host for the bar, Cirrus, in Tokyo. What that exactly entails becomes a journey of raw dialogue, hilarious circumstances, and painful interactions with his co-workers, his clientele, and himself. This is a glimpse of a world I know nothing about it and that had me hooked throughout. Peppered with enough humor and insight to balance the grit and sleaze!
November 1, 2015
An American slacker (still lives in his parents basement at 33 years old) "party boy", John Box moves to Tokyo after selling his mother's new Honda without her knowledge. He becomes a "host" and is given the name "Piston Honda". His type of job, get paid to party and not have to work in the general sense. The story is about his short stint as a "host".
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
April 12, 2018
Recieved this book from a goodreads competition.
A very, um, honest? character who for some reason I love despite the idiocy + assholeness which is very much a large part of his personality.
Not sure I can explain much of a story line but I had fun trailing along and living through Johns character, like a bit of a leech.
It made me laugh anyways so thumbs up!
A very, um, honest? character who for some reason I love despite the idiocy + assholeness which is very much a large part of his personality.
Not sure I can explain much of a story line but I had fun trailing along and living through Johns character, like a bit of a leech.
It made me laugh anyways so thumbs up!
September 10, 2016
I know they say don't judge a book by it's cover but in this case what you see is what you get, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Boozewell is funny, offensive and charming as hell as he takes you through his adventures in Tokyo.
March 10, 2016
This is a Goodreads win review. This guy is like the most unlikeable, not tolerable guy ever and he is really a douchebag who moves to Tokyo where it is kind of a funky place. The book is enjoyable anyway because he is kind of over the top and hilarious.
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