Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin invites readers on a witty, unfiltered romp through 2008 Japan as experienced by Alia Luria, a self-proclaimed "clueless foreigner." Luria dives headfirst into the quirks and challenges of Japanese culture, from decoding onsen etiquette and enduring public embarrassment to exploring the oddities of love hotels and the loneliness of bustling crowds. With laugh-out-loud anecdotes and moments of poignant self-reflection, she unpacks the universal hilarity and humanity of navigating the unfamiliar. Whether she's fumbling through train etiquette, braving bizarre foods, or embracing the messy beauty of cultural exchange, Luria's candid storytelling is blunt, occasionally cringeworthy, and always unapologetically real. This collection is a hilarious and heartfelt reminder of the chaotic, awkward, and transformative adventures that shape us all. " A Sharp, Witty, and Thought-Provoking Exploration of Culture, Identity, and the Absurdities of Life: Alia Luria's Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin is a perceptive and engaging collection of essays that explores the complexities of cultural identity, expatriate experiences, and the often surreal nature of life in a foreign country. With a sharp sense of humor and an unfiltered voice, Luria offers an insightful look at Japan, language, and cross-cultural encounters that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining." - Book Viral "Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin is perfect for anyone who enjoys irreverent humor, cultural observations, and the messy reality of being an outsider in a foreign land. If you're easily offended, this isn't for you. But if you love Anthony Bourdain-style storytelling with an extra dose of chaos, you'll eat this up. It's crude, hilarious, and unexpectedly insightful, a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like a total idiot in a new country." - Literary Titan "Her anecdotes have clarity of detail even over a decade on, and my favorite parts were misadventures with food etiquette and the quirks of daily life. Luria turns the lens on herself frequently and her role in the broader context of integration, and development from a "baka gaijin" (silly foreigner) to someone who finds a sense of belonging. This makes the memoir a worthy read for those interested in cross-cultural living." - Readers' Favorite "Luria's prose crackles with self-aware wit, right down to the chapter titles, but her gift isn't limited to humor; she writes with rich imagery and deep insight that make this a joy to read." - The BookLife Prize "On the surface, Geri o Shimasu offers readers humor, awkwardness, and the schadenfreude of watching someone else stumble through cultural landmines. But inside, like a Trojan horse, it hides profound commentary on memory, gender, personal transformation, and the psychological realities of 'outsider-ness.'" - Spotlyts If David Sedaris, Bill Bryson, and a self-deprecating haiku master co-wrote a book about living in Japan, Geri o Shimasu would be the result. It is equal parts memoir, social commentary, comedy, and poetry—a blend as unique as the author's experience. Whether you're an avid traveler, an armchair adventurer, or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted tale of triumph and mortification, this book delivers. Just don't read it while eating sushi. You've been warned." - Atlas of Stories "Geri o Shimasu is not for those seeking a polished, postcard-perfect travelogue. Readers who prefer their memoirs free of bodily mishaps, sharp humor, or unfiltered honesty may find some parts too unrestrained. But for those who revel in the chaos of real-life adventures, who understand that growth often comes wrapped in embarrassment, and who appreciate the beauty of a story told with fearless authenticity, this book is a rare treat. Fans of Jenny Lawson's Let's Pretend This Never Happened or Laurie Notaro's The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club will find a kindred spirit in these pages. Geri o Shimasu is more than a travel memoir; it's an exploration of what it means to truly step outside one's comfort zone, to stumble, to laugh at oneself, and to find unexpected joy in the process. Like an unpredictable Tokyo subway ride, the journey is sometimes smooth, sometimes turbulent, but always unforgettable." - The Chrysalis BREW Project