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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Gail Tsukiyama's THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS.
Bonnie from Miskegon, MI
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
This is the first book I'd read by Tsukiyama; in fact, I'd never heard
of her before.She is agifted writer.
What other authors do you usually read?
I am a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction.Particular
favorites are Hampton Sides, Barbara Kingsolver,Harlan Coben,Jen
Lancaster, Bill Bryson, F. Scott Fitzgerald.... the list goes on.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
It's beautifully written, and the author made all the characters come
alive.Their joys and sorrows were my joys and sorrows.I especially
appreciated what I learned about sumo wrestling, Noh theater and
mask-making.Even more, I was overwhelmed by the Japanese view of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki --- this book made it all too real.It's obvious
she cares deeply about her cultural heritage and her characters because
she treats them with respect and gentleness.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Lisa from Chicago, IL
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I have read two of Gail Tsukiyama's previousbooks, THE SAMURAI'S
GARDEN and DREAMING WATER. Again, Gail Tsukiyama has written another
fantastic book with THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS. I will recommend
it formy book discussion group.
What other authors do you usually read?
Being in a book discussion group, I read various authors. However,
along with Ms. Tsukiyama, some of my other favorite authors are David
Hewson, Margaret George, Marilynne Robinson, Alice Munro, Tim O'Brien,
Ann Tyler, Anchee Minand Kaye Gibbons.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
As with the previous two Gail Tsukiyama books that I have read, she has
captured and developed her characters perfectly. I can always envision
her settings and characters because her writing is so poetic. She
manages to capture the smallest struggles in her characters, which
makes them very believable. I also enjoyed how Ms. Tsukiyama evolved
the story by the various view points through the years.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I would most definitely read future books by Gail Tsukiyama. I often
recommend her books.
Lois from Maitland, FL
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
Yes, I would like to read another book by the author. I preside over a
book club for senior citizens and I believe they, too, would enjoy the
book. There is so much to discuss.
What other authors do you usually read?
Lately, I have read many books by Jodi Picoult, Yann Martel, Philippa
Gregory, and Barbara Kingsolver.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
I very much enjoyed THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS. It showed me a
life in Japan after the war of whichI was not aware. Her characters
were, for the most part, believable and interesting. The book was very
emotional and, at times, I felt near tears.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I know the 39ers book club at the JCC in Maitland, FL would appreciate
THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS.
Mimi from East Hampton, CT
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I have not previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama.
What other authors do you usually read?
Some of my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Maeve Binchey, David
Baldacci, Ann Rivers Siddons, Harlan Coban and Elizabeth Berg.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
I read wide variety of books and particularly like family sagas, and
would put this book in that category.I thoroughly enjoyed this book
that follows a family from pre-war days to the 1960s.The author has a
beautiful way with words and I found myself re-reading passages and
wondering how she found those words.Also, I really liked learning so
much about Japan --- their language, people, customs, and gardens.This
is a story with every emotion --- from hope to despair, from happiness
to tragedy.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
Definitely, and I will go back and read prior books.
Michelle from Calgary, AB
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I have not read a book by her before.
What other authors do you usually read?
Other authors I have been reading include Jane Austen, Philip Pullman
and Lloyd Jones.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
I thought the book was very evocative of the time and place in wartime
Japan. I had not read an account of civilians during the war
before.This book can be nicely paired with MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, which
I had read earlier this year and had more background on the
sumo-wrestling world.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I would read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama.
Richard from Milwaukee, WI
Have you previously read a book by Gail Tsukiyama?
No, but my wife has and recommended her to me.
What other authors do you usually read?
I usually read international thrillers.
What did you think of THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS?
I thought the main part of the book, showing the effects of World War
II on the Japanese people, was the best part of it. The scenes of
deprivation and personal courage were vividly drawn, and I just could
not stop reading.I also really enjoyed the information on sumo
wrestling (the training, the ceremony, the traditions) and the mask
artistry (I've always appreciated this type ofart).
But, for me, the book bogged down towards the end. The characters (and
the plot) seemed to be slogging through molasses. I guess it's the
right way to write about depression and what's happening to the
characters, but it made it difficult for me to keep reading.It's just
not my style of book.
Would you ever read a future book by Gail Tsukiyama?
I might still try THE SAMURAI’S GARDEN (because my wife insists I'd
like it), but I'm not sure I'm eager to read another of this author's
books.
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