Many expat executives in Japan say to themselves, "I should write a book about all the strange stuff that I see." Then they read Max Danger by Robert Collins, and realize that book has already been written. It is very funny, and holds up surprisingly well over time. Long time expats to Japan will chuckle at the shared experiences (so true that if they didn't happen, they should have!) while others can just enjoy the fun.
A classic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
While some of the humor of Max Danger is showing its age, it still remains one of the most entertaining and educational books about the culture clash that faces a foreigner living in Tokyo.Max Danger's hilarious mis-adventures give readers a picture of Japan as it is today, rather than a romanticized portrait of a land that no longer exists. This book is a must for any westerner living in Japan, or planning to do so.
Fantastic, even for stay-at-homes
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I thought it was hilarious and I haven't ever been to Japan! I had lived in Europe for a few months, but that's the closest I'd been. So don't think you need to live in Japan before you can appreciate it!I will say, however, that you might want to read the sequel first. The sequel is funny, but not *as* funny as this one. Thus if you read this one first, the sequel is a bit of a letdown.
An Instant Classic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I moved to Japan for a few years back in 1991. Within the first few weeks of my trip, no less than five people told me I needed to read this book (but not until I'd lived there a few months). I did, and I loved every chapter. It's funny to the average reader, but it really resonates with anyone who's been there. To them, it's HYSTERICAL. The only other books I remember laughing out loud to were The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Catch 22. In a sense, this book is like Scott Turow's book One L -- in that it's a must-read for those embarking on the adventure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Max Danger is someone all gaijin can relate to! *laugh*
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Any gaijin who has lived in Japan for any length of time will absolutely adore the escapades and situations that Max Danger and his beautiful wife, Gloria, continually find themselves in. Even if you haven't personally experienced "company trouble," a golf outing in pouring rain and lightning or any of his other hilarious stories, chances are, you know someone who has. I was a gaijin for 10 years (hey, who am I kidding? I'll *always* be a gaijin!), and, for me, Max Danger, expat extrordinaire, captures all the quirks and nuances of being a foreigner in Japan in a wonderfully funny, true-to-life fashion. Just thinking about it is enough to make me smile and look forward to my next trip back home to Tokyo!
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