Now and Zen
Nori Tanaka is thrilled to be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, but it isn’t exactly what she had imagined.
She expected tranquil gardens and swoopy-roofed houses, not concrete and neon. And everyone assumes that, with her traditional Japanese features, she’s a native instead of the naïve Japanese-American that she really is. Even Erik, a gorgeous German student, mistakes Nori for Japanese, and treats her like a personal tour guide.
It doesn’t take long to realize that she has a lot to learn about Japan, and about herself, before she can pass for a native. But after exploring the karaoke clubs in Tokyo, the peaceful temples in Kyoto, and the tranquil heights of Mt. Fuji, Nori knows she has a good chance of finding the hidden Japanese spirit and Zen mindset within herself.
“Well-rounded characters, unusual dilemmas, a fresh look at Japan”
–Kate Coombs, author of Water Sings Blue
“Fantastic, action-packed novel… interesting scenes and characters… just the right amount of romance.” –Flamingnet Book Review
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“Great blend of fictional plot and cultural facts.” —A Patchwork of Books
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“Fast-paced story line. Nori is a winner.” —KC Dyer, author of Ms. Zephyr’s Notebook
“Vivid and enriching sense of place… well crafted characters.” —M Swist, American School in Japan
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ALA Popular Paperback Nominee
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Additional Information:
This is a standalone book in the Students Across the Seven Seas Series
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214 pages | Age range: 12 years & up | ISBN: 9780142406571
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: September 7, 2006