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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, June 30, 2002

Join book club debate on novel

Early reports from readers participating in our new Advertiser Book Club include a number who are enjoying Sara Backer's "American Fuji." But some early commentators don't seem quite sure what to say about the novel based on Backer's experience of teaching college in Japan.

There's an undercurrent of discomfort in such vague comments as: "I would be interested in what our Japanese Americans from Hawai'i who have taught in Japan think" and "I would like to read comments by Asians."

We're interested, too. How did you react to Backer's treatment of Japanese? Did your thoughts change as the plot unfolded? Don't be shy; this issue has been at the heart of discussions of this book elsewhere. Let's debate.

Other questions to consider:

What do you think the two Americans — Gaby and Alex — have learned from Japan?

Consider Eguchi: his pink Cadillac, his Beatle talk, his yakuza connections, his relationship with Gaby. What up?

Do you want Gaby to stay in Japan or return to America?

If you had to summarize in a single sentence what this book is about, what would you say?

Send you comments by July 12 to: