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Stranger in a Homeland: A Year in the Land of the Rising Sun
"...endlessly funny, deeply revelatory...""...Kyle is a tremendously talented author, very articulate with huge personality and humour...""...the author writes in such a blunt, comical, and exciting way—it carries you through the pages...""...reminiscent of Bill Bryson...""...I learned a great deal, all while laughing along the way...""...I really didn't want the book to end...""...gives just enough information to allow understanding without becoming a history book..."
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start life over from square one?Stranger in a Homeland chronicles one woefully unqualified American's time spent living and working in Japan. With no money, no plan, and no ability to speak Japanese beyond a handful of phrases half-remembered from childhood anime, adventure and disaster are inevitable.
Through the author's misadventures—and dozens of high-quality photographs—you
Meet a host of colorful characters, some of whom may or may not have wanted to turn Kyle into a jacketExperience what it's like to start over from square oneImmerse yourself in Japan's rich, vibrant, and often baffling cultureMcCormick's debut memoir combines humor, culture, and history into one nonstop adventure. From casual travelers, to diehard Japanophiles, to anyone interested in beginning a new chapter in their own lives, readers are sure to feel as if they have embarked on a grand journey to a land unlike any other.
Fans of Bill Bryson, Deborah Brown, and George Mahood will find themselves fighting through tears of laughter to finish this surprisingly informative tale in one sitting.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this endlessly funny cultural adventure today.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start life over from square one?Stranger in a Homeland chronicles one woefully unqualified American's time spent living and working in Japan. With no money, no plan, and no ability to speak Japanese beyond a handful of phrases half-remembered from childhood anime, adventure and disaster are inevitable.
Through the author's misadventures—and dozens of high-quality photographs—you
Meet a host of colorful characters, some of whom may or may not have wanted to turn Kyle into a jacketExperience what it's like to start over from square oneImmerse yourself in Japan's rich, vibrant, and often baffling cultureMcCormick's debut memoir combines humor, culture, and history into one nonstop adventure. From casual travelers, to diehard Japanophiles, to anyone interested in beginning a new chapter in their own lives, readers are sure to feel as if they have embarked on a grand journey to a land unlike any other.
Fans of Bill Bryson, Deborah Brown, and George Mahood will find themselves fighting through tears of laughter to finish this surprisingly informative tale in one sitting.
Scroll up and one-click to start reading this endlessly funny cultural adventure today.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
About the author
Kyle McCormick
2 books2 followersKyle McCormick is an author and educator from a small town in Michigan. He currently lives in Nagoya, Japan, where he spends his days teaching English, pursuing his passions, and exploring the country.
His calling is to travel the world, documenting his adventures for others to experience and enjoy.
His calling is to travel the world, documenting his adventures for others to experience and enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 15, 2021
In some ways, this is your pretty standard, run-of-the-mill travel memoir. I get sent many books of this nature, particularly regarding far eastern countries, travellers to this region apparently keen to share their experience with the world. However, there is a welcome difference about this one, and that, in a nutshell, is its author Kyle McCormick. Unlike the usual vanity memoir, Kyle’s approach is a little more down to earth, and even, dare I say it, refreshingly cynical at times. He doesn’t lavish the usual cultural sycophancy, like these books tend to do, even though it is clear at the end that he loves his life in Japan. Nor is there any pretence to his travelling; he isn’t a backpacker seeking enlightenment or answering some spiritual calling. His journal actually accounts for his trips to the most touristy sites, which he experiences in an almost matter-of-fact manner; this book is what you might call a travel guide for the more serious holidaymaker. Furthermore, if you are going to Japan (and clearly have a few bucks to spend), it is probably as good a one as you are ever likely to read.
This is helped massively by the fact that Kyle is a tremendously talented author, very articulate with huge personality and humour in his writing. Quite frankly, he could write about anything and make it interesting, entertaining and intelligent. I, for one, would be very interested to see what non-fiction he chooses to write about next, because in my opinion Kyle is a journalist first and a traveller second.
In fairness, perhaps I am not doing the book the justice it deserves. It is an undoubtedly professional composition, packed full of information about Japan’s rich culture, its many attractions and its ancient history. The author has clearly done his research and knows the history of this land as well as anyone. I don’t think Japan is painted in any particular light, and until the epilogue Kyle doesn’t really impart his opinion about his experiences – which is one of this book’s strengths. Unusually, the people are portrayed as neither more or less than what they actually are, and for myself – as someone who has lived most of his life in one of the two or three busiest and most expensive tourist cities in the world – I can see the commercialization of Japan clearly in Kyle’s account. It doesn’t appeal to me from reading this book, I’ll be honest. If, however, you are set on visiting Japan, and are at peace with the fact that you are doing so as a holidaymaker, and not because of some imaginary affiliation with the ancient culture and spiritualism of this genuinely remarkable country, then this excellent book is highly recommended.
This is helped massively by the fact that Kyle is a tremendously talented author, very articulate with huge personality and humour in his writing. Quite frankly, he could write about anything and make it interesting, entertaining and intelligent. I, for one, would be very interested to see what non-fiction he chooses to write about next, because in my opinion Kyle is a journalist first and a traveller second.
In fairness, perhaps I am not doing the book the justice it deserves. It is an undoubtedly professional composition, packed full of information about Japan’s rich culture, its many attractions and its ancient history. The author has clearly done his research and knows the history of this land as well as anyone. I don’t think Japan is painted in any particular light, and until the epilogue Kyle doesn’t really impart his opinion about his experiences – which is one of this book’s strengths. Unusually, the people are portrayed as neither more or less than what they actually are, and for myself – as someone who has lived most of his life in one of the two or three busiest and most expensive tourist cities in the world – I can see the commercialization of Japan clearly in Kyle’s account. It doesn’t appeal to me from reading this book, I’ll be honest. If, however, you are set on visiting Japan, and are at peace with the fact that you are doing so as a holidaymaker, and not because of some imaginary affiliation with the ancient culture and spiritualism of this genuinely remarkable country, then this excellent book is highly recommended.
February 7, 2026
This was a re-read for me. I’m so glad I had it on my Kindle as I was stuck for four hours without Wi-Fi, Gasp!
May 26, 2023
"Stranger in a Homeland" is an interesting, inspiring, and very fun read, written by Kyle McCormick. I really enjoyed reading about the first year of Kyle's journey through Japan. The writing style is clear and the anecdotes are very amusing! This books provides a fascinating snapshot of a look into different areas of Japan, seen through the eyes of a Westerner visiting for the first time. The author has a wonderful way of writing with such crispness and detail! As a reader, I was able to clearly envision the beautiful landscape and seascape. As well as the interesting and sometimes strange people the author met along his journey. I enjoyed the bits of information that the author has provided in regard to custom, myth, and legend. I recommend reading "Stranger in a Homeland," especially if you are a reader who is interested in non-fiction and travel.
January 20, 2021
This was a very entertaining book! The author recounts his many adventures and misadventures of his first year of living in Japan. His humorous style of writing highlights the charming idiosyncrasies of Japan while weaving in facts about the history behind them. His writing style is reminiscent of Bill Bryson. It details the many unique and amazing experiences you can have when you travel to another country and immerse yourself in its culture.
I recommend this book for anyone who has a fascination with Japan and the Japanese culture and anyone who has wondered what it is like to navigate in another country where you don’t know the language and Google Translate isn’t very accurate!
I recommend this book for anyone who has a fascination with Japan and the Japanese culture and anyone who has wondered what it is like to navigate in another country where you don’t know the language and Google Translate isn’t very accurate!
February 16, 2022
This is a delightful book. The writibg is clear, picturesque and full of humor, plus the book makes one want to go to Japan (something no other travel book from that corner of the world has succeeded in doing for me!). Many travel books create interest through all the death-defying adventures they had—not this one. He just works hard and visits tourist spots on weekends—and makes us lovevit because hey—that could be me. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2025
Different kind of Journal
Maybe it is more of me than the author. I was expecting something more with depth. Mainly culture and even interactions with the students. The first few chapters were exciting then it somehow went bland afterward. It felt like a backpacker’s memoir rather than reflecting on the journey being a foreigner. Especially in Japan! My over-expectations burned me.
Maybe it is more of me than the author. I was expecting something more with depth. Mainly culture and even interactions with the students. The first few chapters were exciting then it somehow went bland afterward. It felt like a backpacker’s memoir rather than reflecting on the journey being a foreigner. Especially in Japan! My over-expectations burned me.
June 27, 2021
Simple Breezy Style
I really enjoyed this book- mostly for the premise: if you have always wanted to live somewhere else in the world, go DO it! The unmatched experiences and challenging interactions help grow and change you in ways you could never do by staying home. It helped that he really loved Japan and found nice people, mostly, in his 1-year assignment.
I really enjoyed this book- mostly for the premise: if you have always wanted to live somewhere else in the world, go DO it! The unmatched experiences and challenging interactions help grow and change you in ways you could never do by staying home. It helped that he really loved Japan and found nice people, mostly, in his 1-year assignment.
March 3, 2022
All I Hoped For…
My son loved the Japanese culture and got to take a dream trip there, but the dream turned into hospitalization and he didn’t get to see and do as much as he had hoped. I was briefly there while in the Navy and didn’t see as much as I would have liked. So this book filled the voids and maybe one day I’ll get to return for a real tour of the country.
My son loved the Japanese culture and got to take a dream trip there, but the dream turned into hospitalization and he didn’t get to see and do as much as he had hoped. I was briefly there while in the Navy and didn’t see as much as I would have liked. So this book filled the voids and maybe one day I’ll get to return for a real tour of the country.
February 12, 2023
Interesting read
I enjoyed reading about Kyle's adventures in Japan. There was plenty of humor throughout and interesting historical facts. The pictures scattered through the book added to the experience. I do wish there had been more description of the countryside. All in all a fun, interesting, read.
I enjoyed reading about Kyle's adventures in Japan. There was plenty of humor throughout and interesting historical facts. The pictures scattered through the book added to the experience. I do wish there had been more description of the countryside. All in all a fun, interesting, read.
April 15, 2021
A delightful book that is very enjoyable to read. The author recounts his travels while living in Japan for a year. After reading it I really want to go to Japan. You don't need to want to travel to enjoy this book.
April 21, 2021
Fun and lighthearted but still contains depth on Japanese culture
A very enjoyable read. I liked the many stories of adventures in Japan, especially climbing Fuji. A reminder of pre COVID times
A very enjoyable read. I liked the many stories of adventures in Japan, especially climbing Fuji. A reminder of pre COVID times
June 8, 2021
We are proud to announce that STRANGER IN A HOMELAND: A Year in the Land of the Rising Sun by Kyle McCormick has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
January 18, 2021
Wonderful adventure!
Great and enjoyable read and told through the eyes of a warm and kind soul. Recommended to anyone with fondness for candor, humor, and adventure. Well done.
Great and enjoyable read and told through the eyes of a warm and kind soul. Recommended to anyone with fondness for candor, humor, and adventure. Well done.
February 19, 2021
Good tour/travel guide but fails in what it is supposed to be- a guide on the first year teaching and living in Japan.
March 2, 2021
Funny and informative!
Didn't expect this to be so funny! Really like his writing style. Laughed a lot, will getmhis next book! Very impressive 1st book.
Didn't expect this to be so funny! Really like his writing style. Laughed a lot, will getmhis next book! Very impressive 1st book.
April 22, 2021
Loved it!
July 1, 2022
Great story of travels in a foreign land, discovering a new country and all the adventures along the way.
January 24, 2023
An enjoyable read of the wonder experienced by a young person on their first visit to Japan, the excitement of sharing it with family members, and the joy of falling in love.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews