The Geographer

By Jim Riva

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1891262017
• ISBN13: 9781891262012
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: SOARING SPARROW PRESS
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The Geographer by Jim Riva

Once I began reading "The Geographer", I could not put it down. It was very insightfull, witty, and just plain entertaining. Whether or not you have visited Japan, this book will surely inform, and enlighten you to the cultural differences between the main American character, and his Japanese colleauge's. The style in which this book is written is unique, yet easy to read. I am a very avid reader, and read the "mainstream" as well as the "offbeat" authors. Jim Riva's style and talent are sure to put him in that "mainstream" group in the future. I hope that Jim writes a sequel to "The Geographer" so that we can find out the whereabouts of Weenstone-san.

One funny Book!

OK, I bought this book on a recomendation of a friend; even though I'm more of a techno thriller kind of guy. I started reading it on an airplane flight home and by the time we leveled off at crusing altitude I was laughing out loud. It is the story of Winston Baldry the Geographer who had never been out of Oregon (!). After his wife's death he travels to Japan to teach. What follows is one of the funniest fish out of water stories I've ever read. I suggest that you buy and prepare to laugh.

An absolute Hoot

Having spent some time in Japan with the Navy, I found the Geographer's insight into the experience of an American in Japan to be a hilarious reminder of the unique foils and foibles that only a foreigner in Japan could understand. The Geographer's acerbic witt will keep you entertained long after this short work is read. Beware ! Reading this book in public will lead to embarrassing sudden outbreaks of laughter. It happened to me! I am immediately on to Mr. Riva's other works.

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Regarding this dark horse book, who or what is the Geographer? A. Winston Baldry (the main character who is a geographer) B. offbeat fiction with laughs aloud galore C. a nonfictional cultural primer on Japan for Americans. D. a magical/romantic romp Is that your final answer? Well, if you are reading this review you lilkely do not know the answer anyway, so here it is. The answer is A, B, C, D, and even much more than those four brief descriptions. Even if you had the correct answer(s) I have no million dollars for you, but if the word on this book gets out, the author could be a millionaire quickly! Rarely does a combination of wit, romance, editorializing, humor, and story telling combine into such a tale. Buy this book and take a cheap trip to Japan and find out what really goes on there (It's not the politically correct goop you'll get from mainstream media.). The best thing is you'll be taught a lesson (not necessarily a geography one) about Japan, laugh like hell, and enjoy a good story with twists throughout.

A Rare, Exotic Treat - Can Be Enjoyed Over and Over

My wife and I have both read "The Geographer." I have read it twice. The book is absolutely hilarious and at the same a rare insight into the Japanese culture. I have been to Japan twice and found the book "right on." The book is very well-written, using a very clever device of printing some passages in Japanese folloowed by the English translation. This helped convey the feeling of immersion in the Japanese culture.The story of the American teacher, living in Japan and teaching world geographer, was fascinating. Seeing the Japanese world through this American's eyes, pointed out all the ironic paradoxes and contradictions inherent in this, as in most, cultures. I believe this book is a rare treat whether or not one has plans to visit Japan. I highly recommend it to all curious readers.Dennis and Linda Kottler