Review: Terrific read. Great writers all here in one book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 16, 2011
Twenty-one authors accepted the challenge set down by Tim Hallinan: write a short story that would be one part book, one part gift of time--which by the way, is no mean gift. These are professional authors with deadlines of their own to meet, the Japanese culture not necessarily part of their repertoire. And yet,  Cara Black, Dale Furutani, Brett Battles, Dianne Emley, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Rosemary Harris, Debbi Mack, Jeffrey Siger, Adrian McKinty, Naomi Hirahara, Vicki Doudera, Tim Hallinan, Ken Kuhlken, Kelli Stanley, Wendy Hornsby, Stefan Hammond, Gary Phillips, Jeri Westerson, CJ. West and IJ Parker all said yes. I couldn't do it, not in the time allotted these authors as they jumped into a completely unique and foreign culture, making a deadline that would choke most of us writers. But, they did it, allowing the book to have its most immediate impact for the 2011 Japan Relief Fund.The stories range from 11th century Japan to post WWII in America to present day Japan. But, each story, whether it's a simple noodle girl who balks at tradition in order to decide her own fate, to a gang of cutthroat Yakuzi  murdering each other so that one can be credited for the much needed supplies after this last earthquake, will capture, leaving you with memories of places you may never visit, but will always remember.I was delighted by the simplicity of the plots laid out in patterns that effortlessly walked across the pages of my Kindle. This is a full length book of wonderful stories, and yes, I have my favorites, adding some new names to search out when it comes time to pick up a new book, but I'm sure you will find your own. Buy it. You won't be sorry.RPDahlke, author[...]