Dave Barry Does Japan

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Arte Johnson

Without bothering to get approval from the President, the State Department, or even the FTC, Dave Barry's publishers sent him to Tokyo. You'd think they would have known better. Now the word is Barry has set back our diplomatic relations with the whole Pacific Rim by a couple of decades. Japanese culture, dining, sport, and industry all come under Barry's relentless scrutiny. So if you think President Bush committed a social gaffe by losing his composure and his lunch in front of the Japanese Prime Minister, wait until you hear Barry's commentaries. And if you're planning a trip to Japan, don't leave home without Barry's pearls of wisdom about the mysterious East. This complete, unabridged recording is read by Arte Johnson.

©1992 by Dave Barry (P)1992 Dove Audio, Inc.

Excellent!

I rarely write reviews, but I have to recommend this one. Contrary to a prior reviewer, I really liked Arte Johnson's narration. Yes, his Japanese accent may be construed to be offensive, but just relax. It's funny. Not everything has to be PC. I started the book thinking Dave Barry's humor was somewhat corny - and maybe 10% is - but mostly I find myself laughing out loud. Get this book and enjohy it. No, it's not a travel narrative, but it is a good introduction to culturally understand the Japanese.

Will have you in stitches

This is, hands down, the most hilarious book ever written. Often it becomes such a non-stop string of funny that you will laugh until you're ready to faint. If you need a pick-me-up, especially if you lived through the 1960s or earlier (or at least the '70s), this book is guaranteed to lift your mood sky high. Domo arigato gozaimasu!

One of the best!

Although the story is about events in 1992, this is hilarious yet insightful. Starts with stereotypes of the Japanese that made me dread what he would say, but as he went along, it was clear that he had real admiration for the Japanese people. The last chapter actually bordered on the profound (which for Dave Barry is saying a lot!) Contains profanity typical of his writing but not excessive or used meanly so don't listen if that would bother you) Highly recommended for laughs. Excellent narrator too.

Lighthearted entertainment

If you could sum up Dave Barry Does Japan in three words, what would they be?

Funny, a little out of date, but still funny

Who was your favorite character and why?

Barry, the writer. He sees the funny side of things in everything. A bit sophomoric at times but gives me a lot of hearty laughs.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are countless of them. Highschool baseball, Tokyo Disneyland, No street names in Japan... to name a few.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The book is a collection of Barry's reports on Japan. To listen to it in one sitting is okay but I'd rather enjoy several episodes at one time as I don't want to feel numbed with all the punch lines that come one after another.

Any additional comments?

The performer is great with his comedy timing. The sound quality leaves something to be desired. Not as cear as more recent audiobooks.

Laugh out loud writing, so so narration

This is one of my all time favorite Dave Barry books. I laughed my way through it in print some years ago, but I found the narration of the audio book somewhat distracting. When you end up thinking more about the voice than the story being told, that's not good. And I'm surprised to have to say it - this is NOT a travel book! I can't imagine picking up a book by Dave Barry looking for vacation advice. If that's what you want, there is a world of travel guides waiting for you out there. For a really good laugh, check out "...Does Japan" in paperback.