Wrong About Japan by Peter Carey

In this travel memoir, a father and his anime-obsessed son embark on a journey to Japan in an attempt to understand the son's fascination with the country's pop culture. Their adventure leads them to meet manga artists, anime directors, and cultural commentators, through which they explore the nuances of Japanese animation and its historical contexts. As the father attempts to bridge the cultural gap and connect with his son, he confronts his own preconceptions and discovers the complexities of modern Japanese culture, which cannot be easily understood through the lens of Western perspectives. The narrative delves into themes of cultural exchange, the generational divide, and the search for authenticity in a land where the line between reality and fiction often blurs.

The 8449th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 72

Since this book was first published in 2005, there is a penalty of 49.6%. The age adjusted score is 36.29.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.