Japan Books

This book is a wonderful portrayal of nature and is a very good book for every child to read.

I have used The Cherry Tree in 4th and 5th grade inner-city classrooms for many years. Even though it is a picture book, upper elementary school children relate to the notion of hope and reconstruction thriving in an environment of loss and destruction. My students have been greatly moved by the final flowering of the cherry tree at the end of the story--a metaphor about the strength of the will to live.

After losing their father and their home during war - and while their mother is busy during the day struggling to earn a living for her young family - a young boy and his sister try to help an old man wrap a damaged cherry tree as protection against the winter cold, hoping that for the first time since the war started the tree will bloom again in the spring.

During the winter, animals find a home beneath the tree and finally spring brings a family of flowers around it, a comforting sign that renewal may also come to the war-torn village.

The great illustrations are by the renowned Brian Wildsmith, who many say contributed some of his best work in many years to this beautiful little book.

This is a wonderful little book for kids from 4-8 or so, but will also be enjoyed by adults as well. It teaches to never give up hope, for hope is life itself. It teaches that with hope, even the most horrible of circumstances can be overcome and we can find happiness in even the smallest pleasures in life.

This tale of a cherry tree's survival after the devastation of war will touch the hearts of children too young to understand abstract ideas like pacifism and environmentalism. Brian Wildsmith's illustrations invite the reader into a world where an old man, a boy, a girl, their newly adopted cat, and especially their mother, can rejoice in a dream come true after enduring a cold, harsh winter

This tale of a cherry tree's survival after the devastation of war will touch the hearts of children too young to understand abstract ideas like pacifism and environmentalism.

Brian Wildsmith's illustrations invite the reader into a world where an old man, a boy, a girl, their newly adopted cat, and especially their mother, can rejoice in a dream come true after enduring a cold, harsh winter.

First hand account of life as a Japanese POW for a young girl and her mother. Not an easy read emotionally, but a riveting eye opener of survival. Highly recommended for all. It took nerve to live through these experiences & nerve to write this fascinating account

Child POW
A. L. Finch

It is almost certain that A.L. Finch is the last person on earth that can tell this story from personal experiences. She was 8-years-old when the Japanese invaded the Philippines while Alice and her mother were there visiting family. The cruelty and viciousness of the Japanese who ran the POW camps was covered up by both countries as part of the agreement for surrender. The details of Alice and her mother's experiences will shock you. The reality of the treatment by the Japanese of our POWs will horrify you. The covering up by our government of details pertaining to the Japanese treatment of POWs for political reasons will disgust you.
Time is running out for us to get these personal accounts of the World Wars. Let us gather all we can, lest people forget. We must document these atrocities, and the cover-ups, so that no one can ever deny that they occurred.

History should never be disguised or rewritten or we will be doomed to repeat ourselves. Ms. Finch documented history of her 4 years as an American POW is a story worthy of an Opera expose.

A mind-boggling account of horrific proportions that every American should read. As seen through the eyes of a preteen, this is a factual presentation of events that transpired during WWII. Its heroic account of survival against infinite odds is a testament to the amazing love shared by mother and daughter, their unshakable faith, and prescient ability to adapt. Forced to observe and participate in reprehensible acts, they somehow managed to survive. Do not begin to read this book unless you have a free day, are willing to experience horror, anger, revulsion, and uncontrollable tears. 5 plus stars! Art Peterson

Ms. Finch has written an impressive account of her experiences as a child POW. She and her mother survived through their love, strength and courage as prisoners of the Japanese during World War II, and her painful recollections will stay with you long after reading the last page. It is also a richly detailed story of the times and of the family ties that bind when the world around is being torn apart.

What sets this book apart from other books on Chinese herbal medicine is its philosophy of using "superior tonic herbs" to improve the quality of one's life and health. This book is not about treating disease, but rather about achieving radiant health from a Taoist perspective.

This is Ron Teeguarden's first of several books on the subject of Chinese Medicine and in my opinion is a classic. (Note, I have not read his latest book The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs.)

Having formally studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for two years and Ayurvedic medicine for two years I can unequivocally state this is the book to start learning practical do it yourself Chinese herbalism for increased energy, creativity, spiritual growth and happiness. It contains many useful and effective herbal formulas that would not be otherwise accessible to the non-professional. If you want to learn Chinese medicine for the treatment of disease this is not the book to get, rather the focus is on tonic herbs and their correct application. (While tonic herbs are widely used for deficiency diseases in Chinese Medicine, not enough herbs, formulas and theory are given in this book for treating complex deficiency conditions/diseases.) This book shows one how to gradually work towards radiant health through the application of Superior Tonic Herbalism. All the practical and theoretical knowledge needed is covered.

The cost of the herbs involved ranges from $.50 / ounce to $200 / ounce (retail). To seriously put to use the knowledge contained in this book would require having a selection of about 20-35 herbs. Though one could start out with as few as one to three herbs. The primary emphasis is on learning how to mix and cook the bulk tonic herbs into teas (decoctions). These teas range in taste from sweet, sour, and pungent to bitter. (There is one chapter devoted to the use of commercially prepared tonics, but it is not the major focus of the book.) The companies listed to order herbs from are now out of date, but a search of the Internet will reveal more current sources.

Traditionally the tonic herbs are divided into four categories: 1) chi (qi) tonics, 2) yang tonics, 3) yin tonics and 4) blood tonics. Ron Teeguardian covers three additional categories: 1) chi moving/regulating herbs, 2) blood moving/regulating herbs and 3) organ-meridian tonics. The book covers 35 herbs in detail, including buying tips and a black and white photo of each herb.

The section on ginseng (a chi tonic) is very informative and contains insights and perspectives not readily found elsewhere. Also covered in detail is dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula) a safe and low cost ginseng substitute. The coverage of some the "minor" tonic herbs is unique as the longevity properties of these "minor" tonic herbs are usually overlooked or ignored by most texts on the subject.

The theory section is kept simple, but detailed enough to be practically useful. While Chinese Tonic Herbs discusses modern scientific research on Chinese herbs, the formulas and theory is geared toward building up the three Taoist treasures: shen (spirit), jing (essence, refined reproductive energy) and chi (life-force/energy). When these three treasures are built up a person will have a strong reserve of adaptogenic energy to effectively deal with stress and changing life conditions.

The book has a few flaws. The taxonomy is a little weak as some of the scientific names used are outdated. Perhaps not enough information is given on how to correctly distinguish between yin, yang, chi and blood deficiency conditions. Also, not enough contraindications are given for each of the herbs discussed. While superior tonic herbs are generally very safe and non toxic, it is possible to use them incorrectly and put one's body into a deeper state of imbalance. Dosage information is somewhat weak, but sufficiently covered if one studies the book carefully. Usually only relative proportions for each herb are given for a formula.

Ron Teeguarden was personally trained by a Taoist master visiting from Korea in the 1970s. His book is part of a real living tradition of Superior Tonic Herbalism.

While several volumes would be needed to do Superior Tonic Herbalism justice this book is an excellent beginning.

(A useful adjunct book is "Yoga of Herbs" by Frawley and Lad, which covers Western, Ayurvedic and some Chinese herbs from an Ayurvedic perspective. Yoga of Herbs focuses both on the treatment of disease and tonification and rejuvenation. It covers some of the spiritual aspects of herbs according to the Ayurvedic perspective. Both Yoga of Herbs and Chinese Tonic Herbs embrace the life energy model of herbalism as opposed to the more modern pharmacological model.)

The real secret of tonic herbalism is doing it carefully (e.g., don't over do it) and steadily every day -- this book will definitely help one get started on this path, by both the knowledge contained within, and the truly inspiring stories and passion of the author. Superior Tonic Herbalism is Ron Teeguardian's passion and mission in life and this book follows from this.

I have several good books on Chinese herbs, but Teeguarden's book is the only one with full, complete explanations. He includes:

1. Section on the five elements (water-wood-fire-metal-earth), what "cool" and "warm" and "yin" and "yang" mean.

2. Section describing the most-used and important herbs like Ginseng and Dong Kwai, Ma Huang and many others. This section includes photos of the herb shown as they are sold in herb shops, tips on getting the best herbs, the Chinese name (and Korean, sometimes) The names are both Romanized and in Chinese characters, with the Latin name, and the active chemical components and their effects.

3. Formulae for herb tonics, because Chinese herbs are not used alone but in combination (and the reasoning behind the combination.)

4. Philosophy of Chinese medicine for health (prevention versus cure) and much more.

The book is very readable, too. While I very much like other books I own, this one is such a classic, I consider it a MUST-HAVE if you are interested at all in Chinese medicine and definitely the first one you should own.

I found this gem in a used bookstore around fifteen years ago, and learned
enough about Chinese tonic herbs to change my life, energy levels and how I think about health completely.
This book is written in a comfortable, accessible style, yet is concise and informative as well. It is also perfect as a herbal reference.
For me, the section on prepared tonics has been invaluable.
A previous reviewer is correct about the supplier list being out of date, but a company called East Earth Tradewinds has everything you will require to concoct Mr. Teeguarden's formulas, as well as most of the patent medicines and
prepared tonics listed in the book.If you are interested in looking into the wonderful and amazing herbs of China, buy this book. It is truly excellent, and one you will be referring to for the rest of your life.

I found Ron Teeguarden's new book "Radiant Health" to be the most easily understood and comprehensive book on the subject that I've ever read. Many Westerners, during the last several decades, have become aware of the benefits of Chinese Medicine, specifically acupuncture. This book brings to light the extremely effective system of Chinese Herbal Tonics, which is an ancient tradition of promoting and maintaining a state of radiant health rather than treating disease once it has developed. Considering the cost of health care to both individuals and society at large, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in maintaining their own personal health or providing for the health of society. Not only does Ron Teeguarden explain in detail the properties and uses of each of the tonic herbs but he has a rare talent of making very complex and profound concepts easily understandable to the layman. One suggestion that I would make is not to miss the last chapter called "Six Lessons The Tonic Herbs Have Taught Me." Some readers might get bogged down in the middle of the book where each of the herbs is described. If that happens to you, just skip to the last chapter and then pick up the book, from time to time, to read about an herb or two. The last chapter was my favorite because it beautifully expresses the degree to which the tonic herbs can transform life and raise it to a pinacle that is the birthright of every human being.

Ron has certainly opened the eyes of those of us who wish to avoid the chemicals of modern day medicine. This book will guide you to the Chinese herb that is right for you and your health. While he makes no claims of cures, I can attest to the renewed energy and vitality I have attained from his advice and knowledge

As a distant relative of Oliver, I was surprised that I had never heard his story. What amazes me more is the fact that countless people like Ras never recieved recognition. All in all, however, the story is one of the best I've ever read in my life.

When I was a little boy, I grew up hearing about my Uncle Oliver's story and some of the wondrous adventures he had and shared with us. Finally I am able to read a accurate accounting and in-depth look at my family's history and its impact on my life.

When Oz's brother, Danwood, (my father), died, Oz became my father and mentor. Over the years, I would talk to him and feel his story come alive.

Before I took my turn as a warrior protecting my people, as a young Marine, I went to see Oz in California to talk about my turn in combat. His words to me gave me strength during my time in hell. Bakite ishin, "hit me if you dare," was his gift to me that protected me along with my heritage and my father's spirit.

Oz's spirit live on within these pages. His gift of life for his children, wife, and his relatives is one of struggle, within his own roots, happiness, and glory. To many in the Native American community, his life is one of the Ogitchidaa, (warrior): one who defends, protects, serves his family, community and their way of life. Now in this time of mourning over the World Trade Center disaster, his story can provide a special insight into a way of strength and overcoming the hardships of life.

My uncle's gift to me lies within those simple words,Bakite Ishin. They continue to give me the strength and insight to survive in today's world. I sit here now putting a Native American publishing house together with my wife. We suffer and endure for the people of our lives and heritage. Our first book, "Freddie Came Home & Other Coyote Tales," reflects the courage of my uncle's spirit and life. Our struggle with life, whether it be in business, traditions, family or community is supported by my Uncle Oliver's legacy. He truly gives hope to the world and to the people.

Bakite Ishin. Hit me if you dare. Words of the old ones in our proud heritage. Words for people to stand up to, to be proud of, and to stay strong. Che-Miigwech, Uncle, Che-Miigwech

This is a gripping tale of a real American hero surviving behind enemy lines in WWII. It is a definite must-read. Kudos to the author for bringing this story to print!

I met Oliver Rasmussen in the 1950s when I was a U.S. Navy apprentice and he was a chief. He was short, dark, rugged, didn't talk much and there was a kind of legend about him. He had walked down out of the Japanese hills at the end of the war and had quite a story to tell. But he didn't.

He also did strange things-going without food, making marathon runs (long before they became popular), and peeling paper matches to get two lights out of one. He didn't waste words or anything else.

Rasmussen had given a press conference after his ordeal in 1945. The media kissed it off as a joke with headlines like, "Aviator Wandered Around Japan." So he stopped talking.

I left the Navy in 1955 after a four-year hitch but I never forgot the mystery of Rasmussen's sojourn in Japan. In 1997 I was retired and decided to find him and ask him about it. I found his widow, Esther, living in California. She told me that in the late 1960s a friend asked her husband if she could tape his story. He agreed with the idea that she would write a book so he could "leave something for his children." But the book never materialized. Chief Rasmussen died in 1980 and his friend died not long after, without starting the project. The tapes were delivered to Esther Rasmussen who kept them in her garage for seventeen years, but didn't listen to them. Esther loaned me the tapes. The book they produced makes an exciting read, with plenty of tips on how to survive in the wild.

As Chuck Yeager put it: Rasmussen went down in Japan and I went down in Nazi-occupied France-a couple of bad places for Americans to visit during World War II. But both of us knew how to trap and hunt and live off Mother Nature. That helped. We were country boys-combat fliers, but still country boys. When our planes went down and we found ourselves in the wild, we knew what to do.

This book is about my uncle Oliver (Oz). I wish some reader has an "in" with Steven Spielberg. My uncle survived in Japan for 60+ days, undetected. His skills, stamina and heroism deserve legendary status. In our family he has that and more. I hope others find this book of interest. Heroes come few and far between, this book is a real heroic tale.

Obviosly well researched with good photos. Beats the hell out of Cunningham's book.

I just finished reading "Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts by Serge Mol", But I know this book wont get covered by dust. The content of this book is so rich that I will just have to return to it again and again. I placed it at my Dojo'd library and my students were very impressed too.

The techniques and weapons in the book are described in clear photos and always followed by fascinating historical and practical explanation. This book together with Serge Mol's other book -"Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu", are now like a treasure box for my practice and study.

This book is nothing short of amazing. Incredibly detailed and thoroughly researched, it is the Magnum Opus on the subject of non-sword weaponry in ancient Japan. Swords have been covered extensively in many books, so it is very worthwhile to give the rest of the arsenal their due.

A history lesson as well as a weapons guide, "Classical Weaponry of Japan" compiles the secret scrolls of the various fighting schools of old Japan, along with the collections of noted weapons-scholar Fumon Tanaka and the authors personal collection of ancient weapons. From these, Serge Mol not only describes the weapons, their fighting styles, their lineage, but also the historical genesis behind the creations.

The sword being the legal property of the Samurai class, and its wearing and use highly proscribed, the non-Samurai citizens of Japan were incredibly creative in their adaptation of daily implements into lethal weapons. Also, each fighting school, in order to attract students, created a unique and secret arsenal of weapons available only to their high-ranking adherents. In this way, a warrior could unveil a weapon that his opponent had never seen, and thus would be unsure as to how to defend against.

The book is divided into seven categories of weapons, such as bladed weapons, small hand-held weapons, truncheon-like weapons, shuriken and shurikenjutsu, and deceptive weapons. Each category then contains sub-categories, with several weapons described. Altogether, more than 100 different weapons are showcased, along with their histories and uses. Most weapons are accompanied by photographs, and several are shown in use. Some favorites include the spectacular Kusarigama (Sickle and Chain), which I have seen used in several films due to its visual flair, and the beautifully decorated Omamorito (Protection Knife) which high-ranking women carried in order to kill themselves should they be "dishonoured" during a castle raid.

A necessary book for weapons and martial arts enthusiasts, it is also a perfect reference book for writers and readers of ancient Japan, including those interested in Samurai films and comics.

At last, a decent book on Japanese feudal weaponry. Sure, there are many good books on the subject, but none of them are in English. If you want to know about the history of a lot of weapons, this is the definitive source. It's almost like looking through a catalog of lethal toys, and many times I found myself stopping to draw diagrams and write out dimensions so I can make some of them myself. As always, Amazon has the best price, so buy it now!

The work is extremely well researched, clear, and comprehensive; describing things I've never heard of in 30+ years of martial arts. The photographs and illustrations complement the wonderful text. While you can never truly learn any martial art solely from a book, no matter how well-written, this is a very worthwhile tome. It offers unique insight into the lessor-known weapons of feudal Japan, including kobuki (small/minor weapons), hibuki (secret weapons), and kakushibuki (hidden weapons).

Weapons addressed in detail include stuff like jitte, marohoshi, chidorigane, shuriken, and kusari-gama. Content includes bladed weapons (e.g., wakizashi, tanto, kubizashi, kama, jitte, marohoshi), small hand-held weapons (e.g., shutogane, tessho, dokko, suntetsu, tekken), truncheons (e.g., kabutowari, tetto, nashi, tetsuniyoi, hanbo, tanbo), miscellaneous hand weapons (e.g., kanamuchi, tamazue, hogu, kakute, kaginawa), chain weapons (e.g., konpi, kusariryuta, mijin, kusarigama, kursaibo, kusarijutte), shuriken (e.g., yarihogata, tanogata, kuji, senban, shiken, kamagata, tetsumari), deceptive weapons (e.g., yatate, shikomibue, tessen, jutte). A brief introduction on the history and use of each type of weapon precedes each section.

The book is easy and fun to read. I'm really impressed.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Outside of the page after page of cute cosplay girls, and some guys, this book also has chapters on cosplay design, hairstyles, lingo, information about both cosplayers and camekos - those people behind the cameras, how to pick a pose, and survival tips for going to events, such as rules of conduct. If you don't have a book on cosplay or are just started it, this WILL help you as it world also work with American Anime Conventions I go to.

This is a great reference guide for beginner and advanced costume makers. I highly recomend this book.

Another DH Publishing success! That's if you're into wacky Japanese pop culture! This book is full of cute J-girls dressed in every Anime and Manga character costume you can think of (and a lot you can't). Why do they do it? Well, it's all explained, plus bits and pieces about making costumes, doing your hair, posing, etc. There's also interviews with Cosplayers (who all seem a bit crazed) and the Cameko ... who follow them around with cameras (really are crazed) . It's a colorful, fun book, that you can look thru again and again and always find something strange and new. A great gift for somebody. And Amazon are offering 30%!

Ever since I was a little boy, I have dressed up as my favorite anime character. For the last eight years, I have lived my life in costume - Chun Li from Street Fighter. This book helped me realize that not only am I alone, but I could actually be popular. Thank you Jennifer Cahill!

WHAT A GREAT BOOK AND THE GIRLS ARE HOT TOO. HA HA

A great book if you are interested in old Japanese ways. Well written, but not hard to understand. Would recomend to anyone

Unfortunately, out of print - but seek it out any way you can. A fascinating, wonderful, and truthful account of the life of a daughter of the Samurai class, which had existed for centuries, just at the time when it was beginning its decline. Much of what you read in this book will explain the behaviour of modern-day Japanese. As an American living in Japan, that has proved invaluable. The book is well-written, focused, imaginative, whimsical, and resourceful, just like the author herself. If you can get your hands on a copy, be prepared to fall in love with Etsu-bo!

Unfortunately, out of print - but seek it out any way you can. A fascinating, wonderful, and truthful account of the life of a daughter of the Samurai class, which had existed for centuries, just at the time when it was beginning its decline. Much of what you read in this book will explain the behaviour of modern-day Japanese. As an American living in Japan, that has proved invaluable. The book is well-written, focused, imaginative, whimsical, and resourceful, just like the author herself. If you can get your hands on a copy, be prepared to fall in love with Etsu-bo!

I didn't want this book to finish so soon. I loved the style and became involved in the characters. I want to know how her children re-adjusted back to life in the USA - how did she manage as a single Japanese mother alone in the USA.

Nothing tumultuos happens, no sex, no violence - just a peek into the not-so distant past!

Especially interesting for me since I am a Brit who has lived in the USA and now living in Japan.

Can anyone reccomend more books of this calibre?

I was completely charmed by this beautifully written autobiography! I couldn't put it down! Not only did I learn some rich social history of Japan, but I was able to see into the Japanese heart for the first time. Although many of the customs mentioned are now outdated, they show the foundation that shaped and molded the Japanese people of today. I can now say that I have a much clearer understanding of the Japanese. Apart from what I learned of Japan, I also got a glimpse of America and how we haven't changed much over the years in our attitudes. I saw into the heart of the immigrant and the adjustments and readjustments they must face. I was awed and inspired!

"The Day Of The Bomb" is the best history book i have ever read. Giving in complete detail a day by day trial of everything that had happen before the atom bomb was dropped. Always making you question yourself on; "was this the exact manner that things should have been done in?" Hear the struggles that people had to go through in order to survive the horrific tradgedy of "The Day Of The Bomb".

Reviewer: Erin from Peoria, IL This book was one of the very few written on the Hiroshima bombing that I did not find both nauseating and horrifying. The way Mr. Bruckner used the views of characters ranging from a pair of young Japanese siblings, to the crew of the plane from which the Enola Gay bomb was dropped, was very interesting. At no time while reading this book did I find it tedious or drawn out. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to read historical fiction, but doesn't want to be put to sleep after reading the first page.

I read this book when I was 13. I've re-read it many times since to my children and grandchildren. The immediate association to the two main children characters endows the imagination of the young, whereas the story and the full horror of that day sinks deep in the heart of adults. An ageless book charming and deep.

This book was very realistic in my mind. Karl Bruckner's way of showing readers the bombing of Hiroshima during World War II through the eyes of two Japanese children is creative and fascinating. I would suggest this book to anyone who would like to know more about the atom-bomb explosion and how it affected the lives of all the men, women, and children of Japan.

My mother read this book to me as a child and I had all but forgotten it, although traces remained since I tried (and failed) to make a thousand cranes for my sister when she was ill. Now aged 42, I was sitting in a hotel in Paris watching a program on Canal 5 about Japanese cartoons, of all things, and one dredged up the memory of the book and how deeply it had affected me as a child. I am not sure if there is a Manga film based on the book or if it simply had a similar theme.

I would recommend it to anyone, especially with children, and would dearly love to own a copy now, not only for myself but for my mother. I would also welcome correspondence from anyone on the subject, for example, does anyone know why this was written in Austria of all places?

Gregory Michno has written what will surely become the reference work on hell ship voyages. Impeccably referenced throughout, with a bibliographic section that will keep me busy for years chasing up articles referred to in his research notes. Gregory draws on recently declassified American and Japanese records of their combined activities and inhumanities committed during desperate times - A master of his topic, with objective analysis revealing that neither side was truly innocent in creating hell on the high seas. At times a harrowing, poignant read. This is a 'must have' book for anyone interested in WWII history.

Author Michno covers a subject that has been neglected in World War II history, namely prisoners of war held on Japanese ships on the Pacific Ocean. The book is over 300 pages of the depressing conditions that POW's faced at the hands of the Japanese on their hellships. Prisoners who were deprived of water, food, and sanitary conditions and subjected to executions by their captors make for a very hellish read. It appears that those who survived were those who developed an intense hatred for their captors. Those who felt sorry for themselves were not among the survivors. This is a subject that has apparently been neglected in World War II history and the author says the Japanese continue to deny or cover up their atrocities. I found it difficult to continue reading such horrific treatment of human beings for over 300 pages, but, nevertheless, this is a story that has been needed to be told.

Death On The Hellships: Prisoners At Sea In The Pacific War is a sobering, comprehensive, superly written and accurate survey of life and death as an Allied prisoner of war aboard the Japanese submarines, under conditions as hellish as any concentration camp. More that 126,000 prisoners were transported on these hellships with more than 21,000 fatalities, due to beatings, starvation, disease, and worst of all, friendly fire. The statistics lead author Gregory Michno to conclude that it was more dangerous to be a prisoner on Japanese hellships than to be an active U.S. marine in the campaign. Disturbing in its detail, Death On The Hellships is a vivid and unforgettable reminder of the horrors of war and an invaluable contribution to 20th Century military history collections.

"Death on the Hellships" is a classic in research and documentation. Cross referencing from American records at the National Archives, interviews with Allied POWs who survived these nightmarish voyages, and the convoy records of the Japanese, Michno reveals a picture of depravity and horror. The sad truth is that the American Intelligence knew of almost convoy and merchant ship movement through spies and code breaking. Military intelligence even knew the cargo, including ships containing POWS. It was a "dirty little secret" that is only now available from the declassified records. A deliberate decision was made to withhold the fact from submarine commanders that specific ships and convoys contained prisoners. The decision was made "to sink them all" rather than take a chance the Japanese would realize their codes were broken. Submarine commanders, pledged to lifelong secrecy, knew the location and course of almost every Japanese ship. Many jokingly complained that, "The Japanese ship was ten minutes late.," before he was sunk. Michno masterfully documents and relates the experiences of those who suffered in the Hellships as they were carried to serve as slaves for Japanese industrial companies who now snub any thought of an apology or compensation. A compelling and well written classic for the bookshelf of any historian.

Gregory Michno's "Death on the Hellships: Prisoners at Sea in the Pacific War" is a harrowing account of one of the nearly forgotten stories of World War Two - the experiences of Allied POW's aboard Japanese transport ships. These prisoners, most of them captured during the early months of the war in the Pacific, passed through nearly unimaginable horrors, brutally mistreated by their captors, subjected to starvation, beatings, and deprivation of water, and held in crowded, grossly unsanitary conditions. And they often fell victim to Allied torpedoes and bombs. More than 20,000 Allied POW's died at sea, most of them when the transport ships carrying them were attacked by U.S. submarines and aircraft. Although Allied headquarters often knew of the presence of POW's aboard vessels targeted for attack through radio interception and code breaking, the general policy was to sink the ships anyway, evidently on the basis that the interdiction of critical strategic materials was more important in the long run than the deaths of prisoners-of-war.

"Death on the Hellships" is a veritable Dante's Inferno at sea, the tragedies chronicled month by month. Michno's research into previously classified records and with survivor first-hand accounts far surpasses that of anyone who has touched upon this topic before, and he deserves great credit for rescuing this important story before it was lost forever in the fog of the past. It is not a tale for the faint-hearted. Although the subject covers too broad a time and geographical area to permit in-depth narratives of every prison ship voyage, Michno does provide a wealth of survivor stories illustrating the experiences of these unfortunate men and women. Anyone who reads the history of this tragic episode of modern war will not soon forget it.

This book is short and sweet. Ruth's writing style has a natural flow and she displays a keen sense of humor that kept me laughing throughout. If you are interested in an authentic account of the exchange student life, a quick and smooth read, or just a good laugh, this book comes highly recommended.

Ruth Pennington Paget's "Eating Soup with Chopsticks" is a sentimental and sweet tale about one momentous exchange summer in Japan. Then-teenage Ruth is full of profound observations about life and shows a maturity beyond her years. These memoirs will help you see the world through "green" lenses! Pack your mental bags and head on a trip to Japan!

If you added what you know now to a diary you wrote 20 years ago without changing the original script, it would read like "Eating Soup With Chopsticks." This charming memoir of a life-defining experience captures the innocence and youthful enthusiasm of an adventurous spirit learning to see the world. The lessons of language, history, and cultural perspective are more important than ever as we evolve toward a global society.

At the age of sixteen, Ruth Paget traveled to Japan as an exchange student. Although she had traveled internationally before, she had never had such an intense immersion into a foreign culture. And Japan was very very foreign. "Eating Soup with Chopsticks" shows the remarkable poise with which this sixteen-year-old faced what many people would consider a challenge. In her search to understand her host family and culture, she jumped in with both feet. She did so by immediately identifying what she and her hosts had in common, which was a sense of respect that quickly developed into a sense of affection. It shows the growth that can occur when you appreciate and accept differences between people.

Ms. Paget's account of her summer abroad lovingly recounts scenes of daily life in Japan, and amuses with anecdotes of a Midwestern girl's first encounters with raw fish and wasabi. But the overriding lesson of this book is that wonderful things happen when you take off your blue glasses - and open yourself up to discovery. It should be required reading for every American teenager.

Through her new book, Ruth Pennington Paget takes us on a summer-long journey into a new culture (Japan) through the eyes of an adventurous and curious teenager. Twenty years after her exchange to Japan, the author recounts her time abroad and her vivid memories of the many experiences she encountered. The book is not a travel book as much as a book about dealing with differences, communication and human connection.

It teaches us that at the heart of understanding a different culture, we learn most about our own self and come to understand better our own values.

This book is a fun read!