It’s short. Right to the point: My first 5-star review on What Do Mermaids Eat? at Amazon.
Granted — not boasting — all of my books get mostly 5-star reviews. But each time, it starts with just one. It’s always rewarding to see that my hard work is appreciated and respected. That first bit of praise is always very gratifying, and frankly, EXCITING!
What I like about this very concise review is that it emphasizes how beautiful the printing of the book is. Of course, the ebooks always look dazzling, since they present the original color digital photos and graphics. But this being only the second time I did this — the first being Live From Japan! — What Do Mermaids Eat? is full-color, cover-to-cover, on deluxe paper.
IT LOOKS GREAT! If I saw this in a bookstore and didn’t know me personally, I’d still be very tempted to own this book. And at home, I’d have it in full view, maybe on my coffee table or kitchen counter. Talk about a conversation starter!
Right now, it’s priced as low as it can be. 25% off the deluxe, full-color paperback. For sure it will be available for only $29.95 until December 2nd. That may be extended through the entire holiday season because . . . well, it’s the holiday season. The season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la!
- Amazon (US)
- Amazon (Canada)
- Amazon (United Kingdom)
- Amazon (Germany)
- Amazon (Japan)
- Amazon (Australia)
- Amazon (Netherlands)
- Amazon (France)
- Amazon (Italy)
- Amazon (Sweden)
- Direct from Printer
And as I’ve mentioned before, this unique fantasy/travel/cookbook is also available as an ebook, in the format of your choice . . .
- Apple
- Amazon (US)
- Barnes & Noble
- Amazon (Canada)
- Amazon (United Kingdom)
- Amazon (Australia)
- Amazon (Japan)
- Smashwords
- Vivlio (France)
- Fable
- Kobo
Hey! Let’s have some fun! The book is relatively inexpensive and smiling is free!
Life In Japan: “Sasayama Mary”
Meet Sasayama Mary!
Yes, she’s a cat-woman. Or is it woman-cat?
How did this happen? Very interesting story indeed!
Sasayama Mary was a very popular and successful fortune teller. As her success mounted, those around her became envious and spiteful. She found herself abandoned. When her best friend turned on her, it was the last painful straw. She became depressed and withdrawn, not sure where to head with her life.
Then attending a Halloween costume party changed everything, She went to the party as a cat. As she mixed among the guests, the smiles of delight were evident. She was making people happy! It felt good to again be accepted and to spread some joy in the world.
Thus, Sasayama Mary, the feline celebrity of our sleepy little town, was born! Currently, she only appears in public as a cat and can be seen anywhere and everywhere around town.
Masumi reminded me that we originally spotted her at our Dekansho Festival. I remember seeing her but just assumed it was another person dressed up specifically for the occasion, a common practice. But no, this was Sasayama Mary, doing her thing.
How we officially just met . . .
We had guests last weekend and were sitting in the store of our friends, Keiko-san and her husband Yatsushi-san, when in strolled a human-size cat! To put it mildly, I was surprised … amazed … delighted!
Sasayama Mary sat down with us and we got acquainted. Meow!
About the folks in this photo, starting bottom right and going clockwise: Of course, first is my wife Masumi. She’s a public school music teacher, phenomenal piano player and opera singer, is currently studying cello, drums, and ballet. Then there’s Sasayama Mary. My wife loves cats. Maybe that’s why she’s sitting next to her.
Coming around the circle, there’s yours truly. My Facebook Profile says “I can balance a Boeing 767 on my nose while I dance Swan Lake. I see hope where others see soap.” That’s really all you need to know about me.
Next are Yaoji-san and Keiko-san. They are genuinely amazing people. They have built over thirty schools in Bangladesh. In the background of the photo, you can see pics on the wall of some of the hundreds of students they’ve helped with their education.
Next lady is Yoko-san, married to Gary-san. Yoko used to work for the World Bank. Through her contacts, she was able to arrange a huge grant for Yatsushi’s and Keiko’s NPO, funding the construction of at least five schools in Bangladesh. Finally, her American husband, Gary, is a poet, philosopher, political writer, formerly a teacher.
It’s certainly true that the tiny city I live in, Tambasasayama, is a quiet, traditional, rural town. But don’t think for a minute, it’s only farmers and rice fields we have here. Some rather unique and interesting people live here and come to visit. Does your home town have a cat-lady?
By the way, Sasayama Mary has an Instagram page. It’s truly a walk on the wild side. Check it out!