Moon over Tokyo

by Siri L. Mitchell, Siri Mitchell

Siri L. Mitchell (The Cubicle Next Door) invites readers to an exotic and mysterious land on a journey of self–discovery.

Though Stars and Stripes reporter Allie O’Connor has lived in Japan for two years, she still feels like a foreigner. As her best friend prepares to move away, she prays for a new friend. Just a friend.

Soon after this prayer she runs into Eric Larsen at church, an old classmate from high school. Eric has recently been assigned to the U.S. embassy and lives in Allie’s district in Tokyo. In school they had been polar opposites. He had been captain of the debate team; she had edited the literary magazine. He drank espresso, while she preferred green tea. He is definitely not the friend she was looking for. And yet...here he is. Here she is.

Will Allie accept this unexpected answer to her prayer? And will she be brave enough to really see the person she once chose to overlook?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

also published under the name Siri Mitchell & Iris Anthony

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best for Ages: 18 and up due to some of the humor

I honestly don't think I have laughed this hard at a fiction book in years. I laughed into my pillow some nights so I wouldn't wake up my sister. I laughed out loud and tried to explain to my family only to just tell them they would have to read it. Much of the humor felt like situations that happen in real life. I don't know how Mitchell did it but she managed to have me laugh at some very awkward moments without making the situations crude. Still, I some of the humor might make some people uncomfortable.
The story itself was so, so good. I love stories about writers. I love stories that feel like they are about real people that God brings together. Mitchell is the queen of those kind of stories if you ask me.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, clean romance. I think it's officially categorized as "christian romance" but in this book that just means that they maintain their morals throughout, and that they go to church...most of the time.

I did feel like the main character was a little dense. She either has super low self-esteem, or is an particularly deluded time of her life, because I can't see how she doesn't get that he really likes her. Especially considering how many relationships she said she had been in before.

The descriptions of Japan were interesting, but did comprise a lot of the story. It did all seem a bit superfluous. But I didn't mind it because I was interested.

All in all, cute. A quick read. Sort of fluffy but if you're looking to learn something, about Japan in particular, you could.

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read this book about a year and a half ago and I am having trouble recalling it. I love this author, but I think this book bored me. I remember liking the descriptions of living in Tokyo, that was fascinating. But the story line didn't stick with me. However, I have read other books by this author and her story lines in other books definitely struck me and stayed with me for days after.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

American woman working in Tokyo meets a guy she went to high school with who is also working there. She has to overcome her fears and lack of language skills.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This season that I love must pass before the next one that I love can come.

[Valerie (Val's Vicinity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never given much thought to Japan before, but this novel manages to paint a vivid picture of the foreign culture as seen through the eyes of Allie, a reporter for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Even after two years of living in the Tokyo metropolis Allie still feels like an outsider; not knowing the language limits her understanding of the culture and keeps her isolated in a small world that consists only of her co-workers and a few people from her church.

After Allie sends up a desperate prayer for a friend, her biggest enemy from high school suddenly shows up in Tokyo. Eric is everything she doesn't want in a friend, and yet there he is... an English speaking person with a good grasp of the Japanese language and culture, offering to open up Japan for her to explore and discover.

I really liked how much time Allie and Eric spent together, and the amount of bantering dialogue between them. Often times in books the characters will have a sudden attraction that seems completely out of the blue, but that is definitely not the case here. We get to see their relationship grow and progress from rivals, to friends, to possibly more.

While Japan isn't high on my list of places to go, I did enjoy reading about it from Allie's perspective. I will admit that I found her personal life much more interesting than the touristy places she visited... but thanks to her travels in and out of Tokyo I now have something to picture in my mind when I hear about Japan, rather than just a shape on a map! :)

I thought it was very cool how the whole story sort of revolves around Allie's prayer at the beginning for a friend. A simple thing for most people, but to Allie a friend who she could communicate (in English!) with and spend time with was everything, and it was just so cool to see how God answered her prayer. Eric wasn't anything like what she wanted, but was exactly what she needed. The book is fictional of course, but nevertheless it's still a great example of how God is always at work in our lives.

[Kandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally got to read this. Siri Mitchell is becoming one of my favorite authors, for sure. Her voice is always fresh and convincing...her characters truly sound like real people with intriguing personalities. I love how they laugh at themselves and how they have hang-ups to get over.
I really enjoyed the romance in this book. Eric did seem almost too perfect, but who cares? It's great fun to read about a perfect guy, right? Why not? I love how kind he is, but yet how he pushes Allie to confront her fears and weaknesses. He knows what is good for her.
And yes, there is a TON of Japanese information here, but the title kind of warns us that the book is set in Tokyo. If you don't want to read about a lot of Japanese places, experiences and customs, pick a different book! I was truly entertained by it all. It completed the narrative and helped it seem more "real."
The only reason I give it four stars out of five is because of the expectation I had that it was Christian fiction. If I'm wrong, and it isn't marketed as Christian fiction, then I apologize! But as a Christian, I usually don't have to find the characters drinking alcoholic beverages and dancing in clubs, in Christian fiction novels. This element disappointed me; I am aware that it would not bother most readers.

[Andrea Larson · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it hadn't been for my mother telling me I would love this book, I would not have read until the end - waiting to find out what she meant by that. Yes, I did learn some things about Japan that were interesting, but romance novels tend to make me go "oh, puhleez!" and make the gagging motion of finger-down-the-throat. Although this one wasn't gag material, the main character, Allie O'Connell, bothered me a great deal.

Allie is a 6' tall gorgeous blonde, well-traveled throughout the world, as a journalist for Stars & Stripes, which is the assignment that brings her to Tokyo. After she's there for a year, she meets a high school nemesis, Eric, and they pick up where they left off with their antagonism for each other - or at least she for him. He apparently has always admired her, but due to her hang-ups, she can't see past his political leanings, which are opposite hers. What amazes me is how insecure this world-traveler is, how blind she is to see Eric's admiration for her, and how hostile she is toward a woman who she thinks is moving in on Eric's affections - when she seemingly doesn't care.

You'd have to read the book to see how inane it is, which I don't recommend.

PS When I explained the above to my mother, she agreed. Sigh!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to double check the publisher's name to be sure this was Christian fiction. It was mostly clean but seemed to lack God. At least it didn't go overboard with a conversion scene.

I am learning Japanese and am really looking forward to a visit to Japan in my future. I thought this book would be enthralling, since it's about an American learning to appreciate Japan's culture. For some reason, it just didn't work for me. The main character couldn't even be bothered to learn any of the language once she got frustrated by counters. Ok, counters are difficult; agreed. But she didn't even try to understand the culture or it's people. For an international traveler and a journalist, the main character seemed to have an annoying ignorance for appreciating another culture.

The author has lived in Japan and I'm curious what her experience was like. The blurb says she is a military spouse so did she venture out from the base? Most Americans do not, from what I've read on blogs of Americans currently living in Japan. Even though Mitchell herself lived in Japan, and this book was (supposedly) written from her experiences, I still didn't really feel I'd gotten much insight into the people beyond the superficial superiority complex of the "typical" American tourist.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this wasn't a perfect book, the overall picture of a young woman working her way through her romantic, personal, and work life while living in Japan was an interesting journey. Her dilemmas as she gets reacquainted with a high school classmate now assigned to work as a diplomat in Japan made for an engaging courtship. Her life as she tries to live her Christian life (a part of the story), and figure out her dreams, and resolve her differences and misperceptions with her friends and her love life, made for a engaging read. Her explorations of her surroundings, trying to figure out her 'way' through life, through her relationships, with all the little details of travel, weekends, dreams, and everyday work made for a real portrait of her developing understanding and developing feelings throughout the novel.
I have read others reviews, and it may not resonate for everyone. I found her journey and the tender kindness shown by Eric, her high school classmate, a tender unfolding. All the small moments of their companionship, meals, worship, phone conversations, made for a sweet budding romance.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. Just okay. I approved of the ending, but getting there was a bit of a struggle. The main character was not always likable; she had lived in Japan for two years but had never explored anything on the island. She built up a dislike of one of her high school classmates, for no real reason, other than perceived political notions and beliefs. Now, ten or so years later, when they meet up in Japan, she's still antagonistic towards him. Her main hang-up? He's a Republican and she's a Democrat. Like that really stopped Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger or James Carville and Mary Matalin.

I enjoyed reading about the Japanese culture but there were also a lot of slow points in the book, such as endless descriptions of various temples.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie O'Connor is living in Japan working as a reporter for the Stars and Stripes. She's got a church, job and really good friend who is about to leave. Allie prays a simple prayer to the Lord, asking for a friend. She also makes a vow not to kiss a guy for one year. The next Sunday, she meets an old classmate--Eric Larsen--who has just moved to Tokyo to work for the State Department. She helps him find some things and slowly gets to know him. And even though they disagree about some things, they get to know one another better.

Good chicklit with a lot of interesting cultural notes about Japan--sites, sights, and festivals and customs.

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish after page 85. It seemed like it would be ok, but I have a toddler and if I'm going to read a book, I need it to be pretty close to amazing because I just don't have the time. I liked how the main female character lived in Japan since I live in China and deal with a lot of the issues she dealt with. The romance seemed like it would become sweet but there just wasn't enough. The characters had strange qualities and there was a lot of emphasis on political agenda. I thought the Christian aspects were mediocre and skin deep in a way.

[Courtney Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this was a nice, clean romance. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Japan (although toward the end they were getting to be redundant).

I didn't find the characters particularly believable. In particular, I found it hard to believe that Allie would decide in high school that she hated a boy she didn't even know because he was a Republican. I also got lost reading the dialogue sometimes... "Wait, who just said that line?" While the writing was just OK and the story was predictable, I still found this to be an easy and enjoyable read.

[Jennifer Fluegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me..I really liked it when I wasn't expecting to! But I guess, I shouldn't be surprised because I have pretty much liked every other book by her (with certain caveats). It was interesting to read about the life of an expat in Japan--it made me want to go. I like how she incorporates travel and touristy type stuff into her books in the different countries' settings. It makes it authentic.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the first few pages I felt the author was my kindred spirit. Within the first few chapters, I couldn't wait to keep reading! This is Christian chick-lit at it's best - the heroine of the novel isn't obsessed with clothes or shoes and doesn't have a million guys chasing her, but actually has friendships and lives a life that is thoughtful and introspective. She does discover romance, but she would be a complete character without it.

[Alcieta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written rather tediously with long, overbearing descriptions that distracted interest in short duration, this early work of Siri Mitchell's is better left skipped. Which is surprising for me, since I adore all things Japan. But Mitchell, despite having lived there, made her character seem a little too disconnected from the culture. As if she (the main character) was too lazy to genuinely bother with it. I was irked by this book in a few instances, and that was enough for me to put it down.

[Lana Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie wants to be a novelist. However, she is settling for being an American journalist living in Tokyo, hopeing to find inspiration. Her High School nemisus, Eric, shows up at her church one Sunday after his State Dept. job brings him to Tokyo.

Together they tour the many Temples, navigate the crush of humanity, and freqauently disagree on politics.

Allie's experiences writing her first novel are especially delightful.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but not as much as I have liked the author's other books. The main character just frustrated me-- both by her refusal to take in the culture that surrounded her and her obliviousness to Erik's affections. I did learn some about Japan, but did not feel enchanted by her descriptions as I did with her books set in France.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lead character is so sarcastic and negative it's hard to find her likeable. The lead and supporting character are supposed to be falling in love, but they spend 90% of their conversations making political jabs at each other and banal Democrat vs. Republican jabs. Worst of Mitchell's books by far.

[Saralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

2012 - Mitchell's perspective on living in Japan was the thing that kept me most interested in the book. I wondered if I would have a hard time with the same things and be interested in the same things.

2024 - Loved it this time around. Still loved how much the book whetted my interest in Japanese culture, but this time I really enjoyed Allie's journey, too.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite by Siri Mitchell, but I enjoyed reading about Japan, which was new to me. The plot is minimal, which is fine for a character-driven novel such as this; the last chapters made me cry. I absolutely loved Eric's speech to Allie ("If you love me, have me...")

[Mallory Kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't quite know why I loved this book so much. Maybe it's because I related to the main character a little. But I found the romance very moving and the imagery wonderful. I recommend this book for a nice, weekend on the porch kinda read.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the other Siri Mitchell books I have read, but still features a heroine that I found hard to relate to, and I found the constant Republican/Democrat conversations tedious. But at least in this one I could see the chemistry between the hero and heroine.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. But I could not sympathize with Allie - heck, I could barely remember her name! The premise was there, but the execution was soft in my opinion. I like Siri Mitchell and assume that this was just a fluke. But I'm happy I can move onto my next book.

[Mary M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Probably my second favourite Siri Mitchell novel (I keep hoping they'll live up to "She Walks in Beauty". I liked the characters and writing but it did seem to take a long time to get through the book. Enjoyable escape to expat Japan.

[Caran R Bruner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very first page. I am a little sad to have finished it so quickly. The story is finished but I want more. Will probably read this book again and again like I have Kissing Adrian.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about all the sites and the culture of Japan but the story aggravated me. I hated the main character. All the Republican/Democrat talk made me want to vomit. The ending was good though.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more like the author's earlier contemporary novels than her later historical ones. I still like her more recent novels better. I like this book, but it wasn't my favorite of hers.