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Gaikokujin - The Story: Hip Hop, Race, and Pursuing the American Dream
This is a spiritual rags to riches adventure. I have been blessed to live a 'storybook life' but not in any glamorous way. Writing this book has allowed me to examine my role as a person of color-which I refer to as 'melanin-rich'-in a society which has proven itself to be hostile toward non-Caucasian people. Because this is part memoir, part historical treatise, and part survivor's guide, it is my intention to stretch the parameters of a conventional novel. Book 1 of this Trilogy, entitled "Genesis," is told through the eyes of a confused child. A stranger in my own home, like so many neglected children, I found a surrogate family in the street-mainly at our neighborhood basketball courts. After learning how to 'make a dollar out of fifteen cents, ' I was headed down a tried-and-true path for disaster until, ironically, a Beast and a Serpent came to my rescue.
315 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2015
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 16, 2016
Gaikokujin-The Story by Taknan Amarn is one powerfully yet captivating story. A novel like this is a must read. Taknan Amarn gives his readers a story rich in culture, history, and philosophy. His characters give readers a show not tell, version of life and how society operates. Society doesn't always operate in a way to benefit all people. Those of color and gender were mistreated in ways none of us can expect. That and the issues of poverty didn't help these groups much either.
Gaikokujin - The Story is told by the Taknan Amarn's point of view. His fictional world allows readers to see a side of the world most of us choose to ignore. Society's norms take control of us like the Devil having complete control over what we say or do. Readers will follow a survivor's journey through these troubling times. A refreshing and symbolic novel that readers will enjoy reading. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer and highly recommend his novel to readers worldwide. Gaikokujin - The Story is the story readers won't want to miss. Absolutely inspiring...and suspenseful.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
Gaikokujin - The Story is told by the Taknan Amarn's point of view. His fictional world allows readers to see a side of the world most of us choose to ignore. Society's norms take control of us like the Devil having complete control over what we say or do. Readers will follow a survivor's journey through these troubling times. A refreshing and symbolic novel that readers will enjoy reading. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer and highly recommend his novel to readers worldwide. Gaikokujin - The Story is the story readers won't want to miss. Absolutely inspiring...and suspenseful.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
November 21, 2016
"gaikokujin) a foreigner, a person from a foreign country; ..." resource: Wiktionary
This was an interesting story. It was not your usual "growing up different than your friends" kind of tale.There were issues of race, choices that were made, and paths taken by many. Only this man used what he learned to make a different life from the one he ultimately started with.
From sports, to illegal activities, and family dysfunction, led Takuan to an interesting life, ultimately the army of all places.
The book is rather unique. Not my usual kind of genre, which is why I accepted the offer review. I think we all benefit when we learn about others, other cultures, other choices than those we have lived.
Thank you Takuan Amaru
This was an interesting story. It was not your usual "growing up different than your friends" kind of tale.There were issues of race, choices that were made, and paths taken by many. Only this man used what he learned to make a different life from the one he ultimately started with.
From sports, to illegal activities, and family dysfunction, led Takuan to an interesting life, ultimately the army of all places.
The book is rather unique. Not my usual kind of genre, which is why I accepted the offer review. I think we all benefit when we learn about others, other cultures, other choices than those we have lived.
Thank you Takuan Amaru
February 15, 2016
Gaikokujin-The Story by Taknan Amarn is one powerfully yet captivating story. A novel like this is a must read. Taknan Amarn gives his readers a story rich in culture, history, and philosophy. His characters give readers a show not tell, version of life and how society operates. Society doesn't always operate in a way to benefit all people. Those of color and gender were mistreated in ways none of us can expect. That and the issues of poverty didn't help these groups much either.
Gaikokujin - The Story is told by the Taknan Amarn's point of view. His fictional world allows readers to see a side of the world most of us choose to ignore. Society's norms take control of us like the Devil having complete control over what we say or do. Readers will follow a survivor's journey through these troubling times. A refreshing and symbolic novel that readers will enjoy reading. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer and highly recommend his novel to readers worldwide. Gaikokujin - The Story is the story readers won't want to miss. Absolutely inspiring...and suspenseful.
Gaikokujin - The Story is told by the Taknan Amarn's point of view. His fictional world allows readers to see a side of the world most of us choose to ignore. Society's norms take control of us like the Devil having complete control over what we say or do. Readers will follow a survivor's journey through these troubling times. A refreshing and symbolic novel that readers will enjoy reading. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer and highly recommend his novel to readers worldwide. Gaikokujin - The Story is the story readers won't want to miss. Absolutely inspiring...and suspenseful.
October 18, 2016
A Thought-Provoking Story
This well written fictional account explores race relationships and the drug culture in America as seen through the eyes of Takuan Amaru, the son of an African-American father and a Japanese mother. The author explores the assumptions and stereotypes reinforced by society, which can have a detrimental influence on one’s perception of self and the world. As the story evolves, we witness the trials and tribulations Takuan faces during his adolescent years. Thinking he has all the answers, he begins to engage in illegal drug dealing but his continuous attempts to get over may soon catch up with him. The narrative reflects not only some of American’s ills but the world at large when it comes to the issues that affect people of color on a day by day basis.
This well written fictional account explores race relationships and the drug culture in America as seen through the eyes of Takuan Amaru, the son of an African-American father and a Japanese mother. The author explores the assumptions and stereotypes reinforced by society, which can have a detrimental influence on one’s perception of self and the world. As the story evolves, we witness the trials and tribulations Takuan faces during his adolescent years. Thinking he has all the answers, he begins to engage in illegal drug dealing but his continuous attempts to get over may soon catch up with him. The narrative reflects not only some of American’s ills but the world at large when it comes to the issues that affect people of color on a day by day basis.
May 9, 2016
This was my first read by author Takuan Amaru, and I will admit I was pleasantly surprised. The cover art grabbed me in first; it almost made me want to frame it. Once I sat down with my favorite cup of coffee, and opened the book, I was hooked. The book is well written, and gives a fresh perspective on a subject that is sensitive to most, and ignored by some – race. As the story is being told by the author, you get the sense that you are almost there with him, seeing everything unfold with your own eyes. It was enjoyable from start to finish, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an eye-opening book. I am indeed a fan, and look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews