Bad Review

I just read my first bad review on my book. The reviewer said based on his three month experience living in Tokyo, he thinks that I am "blinded by my own beliefs", that I am "unable to give an open minded opinion", that I "didn't think about anything I saw, but just placed judgement", and that the book is "offensive".

Now, I'm not going to lie - I am horrible with any criticism. But, for some reason, people criticising my writing for all to see is like someone stuck a knife in my belly and turned it while also spitting on my face and insulting my mamma.

First of all, Book Reviewer Man (who will never read this), living for three and a half years the-middle-of-no-where Japan is in no way comparable to living in Tokyo for three months. That's almost like trying to compare three months as a tourist in New York City to a prolonged stay while working on a ranch in Wells, Nevada. In other words, EVERYTHING is different.

Plus, in three months, culture shock never sets in - everything seems hunky dory all the time and everything you see is wonderful and magical. Believe me, the blinders come off later on. And, humor is at least a constructive way of dealing with it. In my opinion, it is much better than gathering with other gaijin every weekend, getting slobbering drunk, and complaining about how Japanese people never tell you what they actually mean (even if it's true).

Second, exactly what beliefs blinded me? I'm going to assume that since I spoke of my religion often in the book, that's what he's referring to. Being an American, Christian, female, conservative makes me blind??

Third, I would never, never, never call myself close minded nor quick to judge. Sure, there are some things I definitely don't agree with, but I think that other people are free to be who they want and do what they want with their lives.

Fourth, yes, I suppose that if you were looking for a deep cultural study on the ins and outs of Buddhism (due to the fact that I often make fun of their religious festivals - believe me, no Japanese person knows why they do things the way they do either!) or on the joys of animae, my book could be offensive (because I am sorry, but animae lovers are geeks...no offense).

However, judging by what it says on the back cover, I think it's safe to assume that it's not that kind of book. I would hate to have to live in Book Reviewer Man's Japan - where everything is serious and where you have to think deeply and analyze everything. Dude! Sometimes culture is just culture and it CAN be funny.

So, here is my review of your review, Book Reviewer Man: Take the stick out of your rear end.

And just a short note to myself: get some thicker skin. Man, I wish I could pretend I didn't care...