Tamiko Takeda and her parents leave their homeland of
Japan to Greenville, Virginia where Mr. Takeda has agreed to spend several years in the U.S. assisting his biggest customer
Joe Cooper improve his business of raising quality Koi.
Tamiko enrolls and begins High School and on her first
day she learns of a missing classmate named, Sergio, as well as his illness- Hodgekins Lymphoma. Upon his return to class
Sergio valiantly shares his experiences with the class, in hopes of answering their questions and dismising fears.
Several days later it's Tamiko's time to shine as she
gives a presentation on Koi. Nervous, with broken English and all Tamiko comes out on top, ending with an open invitation
for the entire class and their families to gather at the Takeda home.
Royal Koi and Kindred Spirits is not just great reading material. It's a learning experience on many levels
and a fantastic teaching tool for anyone interested in the Far East, raising Koi, the value of communities, social differences,
history, faith and friendship. There is so much a reader can take away from this exceptionally well-written book.
On a personal level Royal Koi and Kindred Spirits
brought back fond memories of the 5 years I spent in Japan, as well as the loss of 2 brothers to cancer and I was easily able
to relate with Tamiko as she entered this new strange world for the first time.
This is truly one book you'll want to share with family
and friends - excellent job and many thanks Mr. Wainwright!
Reviewed by Betsie
