Suzanne Kamata Book order

Exploring themes of family dynamics and cultural identity, the narrative follows an American writer in Japan who returns to South Carolina to fulfill her brother's last wish. As she navigates familial expectations and her Indian American sister-in-law's aspirations, unexpected connections arise, including a reunion with a famous college friend and her daughter's first love. This tragicomedy delves into the complexities of death, divorce, and the surprises that summer can bring, all through the perspectives of three resilient women.

Set against the backdrop of a holiday bake sale in Tokyo, the story explores the lives of Laura, a university professor and single mother, and Kazu, a widowed dentist raising his son. Their paths cross as their children, Maya and Max, form a close friendship, leading to unexpected connections and the potential for new beginnings. The narrative delves into themes of parenting, love, and the complexities of family life in contemporary Japan.

The collection features spare, lyrical poems that weave a poignant narrative about a town and family confronting loss while clinging to hope. Each character is vividly portrayed with minimal words, creating a haunting yet compelling story that resonates deeply. The author's ability to evoke such emotion and depth in her poetry leaves a lasting impression, showcasing her talent in both fiction and verse.

"When Christine, an idealistic young American teacher, meets and marries Hideki Yamada, an aspiring Japanese high school baseball coach, she believes that their love with be enough to sustain them as they deal with cultural differences. However, Hideki's duties, and the team of fit, obedient boys whom he begins to think of as a surrogate family, take up more and more of his time, just as Christine is struggling to manage the needs of their multiply-disabled daughter and their sensitive son. Things come to a head when their son is the victim of bullies. Christine begins to think that she and her children would be safer - and happier - in her native country. On a trip back to the States, she reconnects with a dangerously attractive friend from high school who, after serving and becoming wounded in Iraq, seems to understand her like no one else. Meanwhile, Daisuke Uchida, a slugger with pro potential who has returned to Japan after living abroad, may be able to help propel Hideki's team to the national baseball tournament at Koshien. Not only would this be a dream come true for Hideki, but also it would secure the futures of his players, some of whom come from precarious homes. While Daisuke looks to Hideki for guidance, he is also distracted by Nana, a talented but troubled girl, whom he is trying to rescue from a life as a bar hostess (or worse). Hideki must ultimately choose between his team and his family. The Baseball Widow explores issues of duty, disability, discrimination, violence, and forgiveness through a cross-cultural lens. Although flawed, these characters strive to advocate for fairness, goodness, and safety, while considering how their decisions have been shaped by their backgrounds"--Amazon.com

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Pearl Dubois, a Southern belle from a wealthy New Orleans family, embarks on a daring journey to support the Allies. She secures a position in Paris with the Office of Strategic Services, the United States' inaugural spy agency, tasked with gathering crucial intelligence on the Germans. This narrative explores themes of courage, patriotism, and the complexities of a woman's role in a male-dominated world during a time of global conflict.

The story follows Satoshi, who has thrived as a baseball star in Atlanta for three years. Upon returning to Japan, he faces the pressure of becoming a local hero but quickly encounters challenges when he makes a significant mistake on the field. This pivotal moment tests his resilience and ability to cope with expectations, setting the stage for a journey of redemption and self-discovery.

Exploring various modes of transportation, this travel memoir chronicles a mother's journey with her daughter, who is deaf, has cerebral palsy, and uses a wheelchair. Their adventures span from Tennessee to Japan and the Eiffel Tower, highlighting both cultural experiences and accessibility challenges. The narrative emphasizes themes of independence, personal growth, and the importance of advocating for inclusive travel, showcasing the transformative power of their shared experiences.

Elise Faulkner feels more connected to Lake Michigan than her landlocked life, where she faces pressure from her beauty queen mother and jealousy over her sister's romance. With her penpal's marriage ending their correspondence and family secrets surrounding her glamorous great-grandmother, Elise seeks solace in books. Her world shifts when she meets the eccentric Chiara Hanover and Miguel, a carnival worker with a troubling prophecy, sparking unexpected adventures and self-discovery amid her longing for escape.

Exploring the scenic Inland Sea of Japan, a mother-daughter duo embarks on an artistic adventure filled with unique sculptures and museums, including attractions dedicated to renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama. As they navigate the challenges of accessibility, communication, and cultural differences, they strengthen their bond and discover the islands' hidden treasures. This journey not only highlights the beauty of art but also the resilience of a family facing obstacles, making it a heartfelt narrative of exploration and connection.

Trudy Sin cranks up her major chops as a singer and starts a band, gathering around other girls ill at ease in their own lives.Together, they are Screaming Divas, and they're quickly swept up as a local sensation. Then, just as they are about to achieve their rock-girl dreams, a tragedy strikes.