Schizophrenic in Japan: An American Ex-Pat's Guide to Japanese and American Society/Politics & Humor

This is a simply wonderful book that I have now read over twice and laughed (sometimes cried) both times through. This book was passed along to me by a professor at the university I work at and now the book is making the rounds in the office (I work in admissions) and I have been told that several of the teachers here have all read it too. There hasn't been a single person working here who wasn't extremely impressed by this book and this young man's writing ability. He is engaging and very thought provoking. Sometimes his jokes can seem a bit difficult to understand as they are full of irony - very British-like in taste. But anyone with a funny bone and a decent education will catch the jokes after a few moments consideration. When my husband finished the book, he handed it back to me and laughed, "This guy has some pretty wild humor" - That's a huge compliment as my husband is British and he hates American TV and American comedy shows. The chapters are short and very readable. This is a terrific book for lunch breaks or just before bed as it will definitely set you in a good mood for the rest of the day or a good nights sleep. Marvelous writing, intelligent humor; and very professional packaging and style. Just the entire "feel" of the book should be enticing to anyone who is into a book of wit that's also very informative too. I just can't say enough about this wonderful book. This book should get some kind of award... It's that darned good.

I don't understand what in the world the previous review was ranting about, so I thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth in. I have read that Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers' writings were "The funniest thing I've read since Mark Twain." (I can't remember who said that...) And I've also read where reviewers thought that this book was brilliant and the reviewer was raving about Mike (in Tokyo)'s talent. One guy said, "The writer showed rarely seen talent along the likes of Ernest Hemingway." I am a book worm. I read at least 5 books a week - mostly novels. And I must say that this book is one of the best humourous political and cultural books I've read in years, perhaps the best one I've read in my entire life. How anyone can complain about the writing in this book is beyond me. You may not agree with his ideas, but he's not in your face and he certainly comes off like a gentleman. Something that certainly cannot be said about the previous reviewer. I'd give this book 10 + stars. This is some extremely witty and funny - yet heartfelt prose. I'm expecting this writer to become hugely famous one day. Sometimes nice guys do finish first. Schizophrenic in Japan is one of the best books I've read this year, and like I said, I read a lot. Bravo to Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers for a fantastic debut work.

Schizophrenic in Japan is a very funny book, that I would agree with. But I think one BIG point that a lot of the reviewers are missing out on is that Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers loves his country and, one can tell by reading, that he loves his family and especially his Japanese mother. When I read some passages of the book, I could sense the pain he must be feeling about what is going on in America today and he seems to feel "let down." I'd say that the book is very funny, but the parts that make me know that he loves his family and country are the sections where he gives great advice on raising children right and the love he has for his now deceased mother. The final chapter about giving a Christmas present that REALLY means something brought a tear to my and my wife's eyes. We are going to take Mike's advice and do what ever we can to make our children happy. It's a great book. It's funny, deep, and he's brutally honest. That's what we need in these times of mass consumerism hell.

Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers has written a very masterful book that will keep you in stitches and is very informative to boot. I am quite interested in Japan and all things Japanese (and I have read MANY books on the subject, but Mike (in Tokyo) writes it in a new way that answers a lot of questions that I have had. At the beginning of the book, he explains that he is a bi-lingual Japanese and English speaker so I know from experience that this qualification is a must for understanding the Japanese. I laughed just about the whole way through the entire book. Not only that, but when Mike (in Tokyo) wants to be philosophical he can be very deep and thought provoking. I like that in a writer. I can recommend this book heartily to anyone who is interested in Japan or for anyone who just likes good, intelligent humor. This book ranks as one of the top books I've read in the last few years. Quite excellent. Quite enjoyable. Funny as heck and a book that I'm sure I'm going to keep for a long time. One of the best books written about Japanese and American society in a long, long time.

This book is defined as a "Humor, Society, & Politics" so I was expecting a book that was just all making fun of politicians. But this book is not that way at all. While I did laugh through the entire second half of the book, the first part made me angry. Not at the writer, but he points out quite well, just how messed up America and American politics have become. This is a great book for getting people who are not interested in politics to open their eyes as it is written with humor and wit. But, when you stop to think about how true what the writer has written is, it might just make you upset. I couldn't put the book down and bought one for my on-the-fence leaning right wing sister. It is definitely a roller-coaster read. Very funny too, when he wants to be. Dead serious at times too.