Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This perky debut chick lit novel by Tang gently pokes fun at Asian culture and the life of Christian singles. Lex Sakai is a 30-year-old single Asian-American volleyball coach whose control-freak grandmother is determined to fix her up with a man. Lex is more passionate about making a prestigious volleyball team than dating one of her grandmother's candidates. Although a secret in Lex's past makes romance difficult, she has a six-point list from the biblical book of Ephesians detailing the godly man she wants. Disaster, of course, is right around the corner. The sassy narrative is solid chick lit, with all the requisite chatter about boobs, yummy food, body type, finding a guy and loser dates. Amid the nice touches of humor are some trouble spots: more food and drink are spilled in the first 100 pages than belong in a whole novel, and Lex's ultimate leading man is a foregone conclusion. The idea that her grandma would penalize Lex's young volleyball team because she doesn't have a boyfriend is a weak plot element. Although some of the content would feel stereotyped if written by a non-Asian (Lex refers to Asians as her yella-fellas), it's still refreshing to have Tang's voice in Christian fiction. (Sept.)
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Review

"An absorbing tale of finding love in the city." — Romantic Times Book Reviews

(Romantic Times Book Reviews )

"This is one busy story. Not a dull moment at all….Sushi for One? is a romp….the kind of chick lit story that demonstrates 'sometimes romance needs a kick of wasabi.' And the powerful, touching ending should bring tears to your eyes. It did mine. I can't wait for the next installment!" — Edgy Inspirational Author

(Edgy Inspirational Author )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310273986
• ISBN-13: 978-0310273981
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #455,680 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ok honestly I hate sushi but I loved this book!, September 12, 2007

By	Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" (Reston, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Lex Sakai is being tortured by her grandmother to find a husband or else her volleyball team will have to suffer. So now Lex has to find a boyfriend in a mere matter of weeks or else suffer the wrath of having no funds for the team. Everyone seems to want to set her up, from the losers her brother keeps pointing her towards to the guys who only want to get her because of her insider info to the latest game. Lex decides there must be a guy who meets every one of her requirements and plans to stick to her Ephesians list. Then she meets Aidan, who is everything NOT on her list, but seems to be everything that she wants. A wonderful story blending chick lit with Asian culture.

I have been dying to read this book since I first started visiting Camy Tang's blog. Being an Asian American myself, there are few choices even in mainstream for books written by Asian Americans, let alone in Christian fiction. So when I heard that there was going to be a Christian chick lit book written by an Asian American author, I nearly passed out. And this book definately made all my expectations and more. Even if you're not Asian, you will still be able to follow the story and you get to learn about new cultures as well. Some people might say there's some stereotyping in this book with the Asian culture. Well let me say that we really do act like this. I love how there's a distinction of two different types of Asian cultures in this book and it shows readers that Asian are not one big group to be lumped together. I love how Lex loves sports and is not afraid to let her sports knowledge show. There are lots of hilarious spots in this book, my favorite is cameo of the author herself involving a volleyball accident. However there are serious moments in this book as well which makes this story extremely well written. The book goes from downright hilarity to painful memories within the same chapter. I really felt for Lex in this book and enjoyed her adventure. The only negative thing I have about this book, and I'm sorry, but I don't like the grandmother. Why does she want to force Lex to get married? All her insults were really spiteful and I don't blame Lex at all for what she does near the end of the book. I'm hoping we learn why she acts like this so that I don't hate her for the rest of the series. And yes I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out. An excellent debut, a wonderful cultural chick lit novel and an inspiration to aspiring Asian Americans writers!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Debut Novel A Hit!, April 10, 2007

By	Robin C. Miller "Author of Southern Stories o... (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Camy Tang's debut novel is a well written, funny story about an Asian girl, trying to get her life in order with a lot of dependence on faith. What is best about this book is the level of characterization Camy Tang demonstrates in her characters. Multi-layered, with deep inner conflict, goals and motivations, the reader can't help but be pulled into Lex's life, rooting for her every page of the way!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sushi never had it so good, September 15, 2007

By	Audra Harders (Longmont, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bold. Gutsy. Unique.
This debut book by Ms Tang is certain to open your eyes to a new culture alive and well and flourishing in gorgeous California. Bringing to life Asian customs, the characters never let you forget you're in the United States, yet the mouth watering descriptions of Oriental foods and the fine examples of dedication to time honored traditions encourage the reader to consider looking up the closest sushi bar in town.

Lex Sakai is perfectly happy with her life. Grandma is not. Lex has high aspirations for her life, many of which seem to be falling just within reach. Grandma wants Lex married and pulls all stops to get what she wants. Who will win?

With a delightful cast of characters, Ms. Tang introduces us to the worlds of volleyball and physical therapy. Goals, ethics and dreams. Lex is thrown together with strangers, friends and relatives alike in a bizarre competition where the prize appears to belong only to Grandma. Drawing on her Christian faith, Lex juggles the obstacles thrown in her way and just when we think she is down for the count, Lex discovers miracles really do happen when you let go and let God.

Excellent read. I look forward to next book in the series.