A Zen Romance: One Woman's Adventures in a Monastery.

New York, NY Kodansha International , 1997. Paperback First Edition Thus [1997]; First Printing indicated. First Edition Thus [1997]; First Printing indicated. Fine in Near Fine DJ: Book shows no flaws; the binding is square and secure; the text clean. The DJ shows only the mildest rubbing and the faintest sunning to the peach-toned background field of the rear panel; the price is intact. Virtually 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 12mo. 258 pages. The hardcover edition was published the previous year. Paperback: French Wraps [with DJ]. I loved 'A Zen Romance'. It is the true story of a young woman's years in Japan in the sixties and her experiences in all facets of the world she encountered - religions, monasteries, men, food and many wise and not so wise, fascinating characters. Far from being a self-aggrandizing memoir, a travelogue or a spiritual manual, this book reads like a rich, delicious novel. Sandra Boliver Boehm writes with a sense of humor about her college-age self, and with meticulous and sensual detail about her experiences in Japan in the 1970's. Her relationship with the men in the Zen monastery she lived near is a great story in itself. Another story is that throughout she was a "militant virgin." Her descriptions of the food she ate are enough to make a reader crave sushi every night. This is a phenominal coming-of-age tale, and a must for any intelligent young woman with a lust for adventure. What I especially loved was that she kept her perspective and especially her sense of humor. Everyone should read this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.