Do you ever have the desire to read something different, something outside the normal genres you read? I think this book was that way for me. It reads almost like non-fiction, which I actually like but haven't read much of in the past few years. Plus, I have been on an inexplicable jag of picking mediocre books. I was glad to finally read a five-star worthy book.This story as great! I always need at least a little bit of euphoria to give five stars for a book. This book is defintely a solid five. The author writes so well (use of the English language) and her story is very engaging.As one reviewer said, "I was startled by the plot." So was I..well...startled by the whole idea...the whole setting. Also, although this is called a romance, it seems to be less about romance and more about doing one's best against great odds. Yes, there was romance but this book is so much more than that. What caused me to read this at all was one reviewer who said, "His integrity and determination made my heart melt and cheer for him through the horrible hazing, impossible odds, and injustice that happens all around him and even to him." Buck is a great character. Is sumo really like this? I don't know, but it is certainly believable, and Griffith does a great job of capturing the culture, both of sumo and of Japan. I like time travel books because it takes someone from modern times and has him or her experience that historical setting through eyes I can relate to and learn from and this book was like that except in a cultural sense rather than a time travel/historical sense. I have spent time as a foreigner in an homogeneous society or one who insists on seeing itself that way. I have spent time as a foreigner learning a language but feeling, as Griffith calls it, functionally illiterate. I have been subject there to blantant discrimination. I could certainly relate to those kinds of issues in this book.I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. Originally I decided to read this because it was written by my friend and fellow Jolly Fish Press author, Jennifer Stewart Griffith. I try to read and endorse books by authors I know. What surprised me was how much I enjoyed this book. It was just delightful!Buck is a big guy. A really big guy. Like, built like a sumo wrestler big. He has an office-cubicle type job that he hates, though he has a crush on blond, bimbo-ish co-worker. He's waiting to hear about a promotion and the business is making cuts. Then his parents, who are going to Japan for a business deal his father is working on, ask him to go for moral support. In Japan, despite his blond hair and Texas drawl, most people in the streets think he's a sumo wrestler. Sumo wrestlers are the rock stars in Japan, so he gets a lot of attention. He's even invited to participate in a "guest sumo" demonstration, and he shows some natural skill.To the horror of his parents, when he learns that not only did he not get a promotion, but he got laid off, and is approached about a sumo contract, he takes it and begins a life very unlike what he knew in the states. He makes friends, enemies, develops fame, skill, and a crush on a beautiful girl.Griffith's writing is so tight and flowing that it feels like you just take a ride along the story. It's no work at all. Buck is such a guy! He reminded me of one of my brothers. He's sweet, lovable, but also competitive and determined to do the right thing when he finds less-than-desirable situations in the world around him. I couldn't help but love him and root for him. Once he got started, I had to keep reading to find out how things turned out.And I laughed a lot while reading this book. Buck was hilarious! His thoughts, his reactions to things were hysterical, but also so typical and believable. Overall, I totally loved this book and would recommend it to anyone! It's more than suitable for YA readers, but such a fun read that adults would love it too. If you haven't read this, you really need to. It's fabulous!
What do You think about Big In Japan (2012)?
This book took me awhile to get into, but it is a unique plot line and I really liked the ending.
—jovszkie17
Unique, entertaining and everything you ever wanted to know about sumo wrestling.
—kagolanu
Interesting look at sumo and Japan! Fun book and enjoyable read.
—Gail
