About the AuthorKeiko Amano was born and reared in Yokohama, Japan. She writes both in English and Japanese. Her short stories were published, from most recently, in the East Jasmine of Southern California, the Bicycle of San Francisco, Contemporary Literary Horizon of Bucharest, Romania, and Eye-Ai Magazine of Tokyo. She was an infrastructure systems programmer for large business computers for many years. After her mother died in October 1996, she seriously decided to write in English and dived in to tell her mothers story. where can i buy books besides Ocha Teacher: A Memoir
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I loved it! As an AnthropologistBy Frances BorellaI loved it! As an Anthropologist, I see it as an excellent story of culture change, yet it also demonstrates how we strive to understand our selves from our traditional past. As humans, as social animals, we need that community and continuity, regardless of our desire to be be independent and unique. I was deeply touched by Keiko's discovery of her grandmother's past and her understanding of how her mother dealt with it through teaching Ocha. Great story, and beautifully told.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. a terrific story for all generations.By Julie RileyA very insightful story of a young woman breaking away from family and traditional society. It is a story all generations and ethnicities can understand and relate to. The fact that the story begins in Japan makes the story all the more universal.I like the style of writing. The author makes her journey seem personal and revealing of the doubts and fear we all face when leaving our parent's home and striking out on our own. The fact that English is the author's second language really gives perspective to the rite of passage we all go through. A wonderful story.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. has written a wonderfully thoughtful, honestBy robert colemanKeiko Amano, has written a wonderfully thoughtful, honest, and humorous memoir of her Mother and her family. You can hear the authors challenging yet funny take on her Mothers Tea Ceremonies. The author shares the growing acknowledgement, that while she loves her mother, Keiko has her own plan for her life and the family will, eventually understand she needs to go her own way. It is a good read, easy and breezy I laughed out loud several times and smiled throughout, when I wasn't tearing up. I strongly recommend it a great read.