Ruth Wells

I was drawn to "A to Zen: A Book of Japanese Culture" as I saw the typical front cover page of the hardback book state in large letters "This book begins on the other side". As I began to read I discovered the in-depth approach the book had chosen to explain and display Japanese culture and lifestyles. "A to Zen" also includes the Japanese alphabet, and with each letter, explains that letter's piece of Japanese related culture, geography, or history with readers. I enjoyed how the book also read right to left as they do in Japan and also included a brief but detailed explanation of Japanese traditions and values. This explanation, which was located in the front of the story, gave readers some necessary background knowledge and further appreciation. The author, Ruth Wells, hooked readers from the very first sentence as Wells' wrote, "Image that you know every move your opponent is going to make." The story of A to Zen contained multiple important aspects of Japanese life to inform readers in an easy to understand, A to Z process.… (mais)

This book opens tastefully with a preface for why the book is read differently than most in America, it is a piece of children's literature meant to teach and immerse the reader in Japanese culture. It copies its style of having the stories go from right to left, but aside from that difference the writing is very simplistic with very clear language meant to highlight the elegance of Japanese culture without making it daunting. The point of view is that of a narrator gently showing critical and relevant pieces of the land of Japan, from the name of its student's backpacks to the writing system and its origins. The plot goes as such, we are given one word and explanation about an item or concept pertaining to Japanese culture, this book takes us from A-Z like in the English alphabet. The simple pace that gives you time to read while looking upon gorgeous water color illustrations, really lends itself to broadening the reader's perspective of what is so different about a land like Japan but also its similarities.… (mais)

What does it mean to be rich? In this Japanese folktale, a family struggles with poverty. They hope for riches, and they plan to leave their poor god behind to seek their deserved fortune. The poor god has a plan of his own. He begins weaving beautiful sandals, and children and adults come from all around to get a pair. Soon, the family begins to see a difference in their luck, and they are happy with all of the wonderful things the poor god's efforts have brought them. However, when the New Year comes around, they hear about the arrival of their rich god. The family is so happy though, they don't want the rich god to replace the, now, artist. The family realizes what that being happy and being together is all the fortune they need.… (mais)