Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
By the time he graduates from high school in Vancouver, Josh is confident that he has the skills and looks to make it as a guitarist, only if it weren't for his introverted nature and fear of playing in front of people. To overcome his social anxiety, Josh throws himself headfirst into the crazy hustle and bustle of Tokyo's Shibuya music scene, starting his challenging journey to build a life as a musician. Helped by his familiarity with the culture and language thanks to his Japanese mother, Josh tries to navigate through an urban jungle of eccentric characters and big egos, with the support of warmhearted mentors and newfound friends.After seeing the stunning Miki perform, a passionate singer with a spellbinding voice, Josh becomes fascinated by her and secretly writes a song for her. When he gets a chance to play it to her, a powerful chemistry is born between them that catapults Josh into a thrilling trajectory he had never imagined. Through the observant eyes of the sensitive Josh, the author Alex Lund, a Tokyo resident since childhood, offers a lively portrayal of the colorful neighborhood of Shibuya, oozing with youthful energy and creativity, alongside deep-rooted tradition.
Synopsis
"...a superb read for young adults and adult readers alike." (Readers' Favorite review by K.C. Finn)Super-guitarist and songwriter. The looks of a rock star. Josh, straight out of high school in Vancouver, has what it takes to make it. The only problem is that as an extreme introvert, he has only ever had the guts to play in front of his own brother. As Josh struggles to find a path for himself as a musician, not knowing how to deal with his social anxiety, an opportunity arises to move to Japan, his mother's native country. Josh gathers courage and plunges into the vibrant music scene in Tokyo's Shibuya district, where he meets Miki, a passionate singer with a spellbinding voice. Soon a powerful chemistry is born between them that catapults Josh into a thrilling trajectory he had never imagined. "Josh's story is very different, involving a wonderful exploration and assimilation of a new culture as he tries to find his place in the big bright world of Shibuya, and the descriptive techniques truly bring the colors, flavors, and sounds of this exciting place to life. Most of all, the emotional sensitivity of a young man with social anxiety who is trying to put himself out there in the world resonates through every experience that we live through Josh's eyes, and this is certain to endear him to readers and keep them captivated from beginning to end." (Readers' Favorite review by K.C. Finn)