A Magnificent Exchange: (Subara Shii Kokusai Koryu)

Stephanie Allen-Adams
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 0595376983
Reviewed by Kornelia Longoria for Reader Views (11/06)

Raised in Chicago, Stephanie and her son Christopher were accustomed to the everyday American lifestyle. They lived in quite homogeneous neighborhood, went to American schools and ate typical American food. However, Stephanie, who gained some teaching experience, decided not to settle down in a cozy and comfortable routine and without much hesitation she accepted the offer to move to Japan for a year to teach English as a second language. Within few months she makes all necessary arrangements and with big hopes and even more optimism, she leaves with her son for this one-in-a-lifetime adventure. A “Magnificent Exchange” is a very captivating as well as instructive account of the two following years.

She is welcomed in Japan with incredible warmth and hospitality and really quickly adapts to the new culture. She and her son do experience some culture shock at first. Her son is enrolled in first grade in a Japanese school, and without knowing the language he soon becomes overwhelmed and discouraged. However, they soon overcome the problems to enjoy their very exciting year in Japan.

Stephanie Allen-Adams’ book is not only an engrossing memoir but also a great source of information about Japanese lifestyle, customs and even the language. What’s more, it is written in a very positive spirit and I found it quite motivating. In fact, I felt like packing my bags and going to Japan myself. I admired the author’s sense of adventure and bravery. It’s not easy to leave everything and jump on the plane for the unknown, especially with a child.  I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Japanese food, customs and even the educational system. At the end of the book, the reader can find a little bonus and a tool to expand the knowledge of Japanese – a few pages of some Japanese vocabulary and phrases as well as pronunciation guide. I think “A Magnificent Exchange” is an excellent tool to help expand the horizons. It also confirms the well known truth that if you really want something, no obstacle can stop you from achieving your goal.

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