30. The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery (This was a very engaging autobiography-style portrait of Japan as it was opening to the west, of the evolution of gaijin [foreigner] from the differences in cultural etiquette, and how a traditional art form updated itself to remain relevant in changing times.)

31. A Year in Japan by Kate J. Williamson (A delightful volume of wonderfully executed watercolors and observations.)

32. Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto (Two novella, engaging & sparse writing style.)

33. Stitches: a memoir by David Small (Tragic, moving, inspiring. The terror of a childhood made of secrets.)

34. The Floating World by Cynthia Gralla (Toyko's entertainment world in the '90s with amazing descriptions of the power of dance and feeling admired, heart-wrenching narration of anorexia.)

35. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (re) (As good as it was in elementary school, probably better. "Whole Story" edition was an added entertainment.)

36. High-Spirited Rose is Rose by Pat Brady