Lorna and Larry Collins, of Dana Point, have writ a book! Called 31 Months in Japan: The Building of a Theme Park. I highly recommend it. Try www.iuniverse.com or Amazon.

    The book received an Excellent rating (5 stars!) in a review by Heather Froeschel on http://www.BookReview.com/

..."31 Months in Japan" is a down to earth, friendly, travelogue/memoir/cultural exchange/inside glimpse at the makings of a theme park icon. You'll come to know the Collins', a little bit about the makings of your favorite Universal rides, a bit of Japanese culture and language, and even some of the nuances of chopsticks usage. This is a very well written and enjoyable book.

... 31 Months in Japan is a must for anyone planning on traveling to or working in Japan. It teaches about & shows a very different lifestyle, & how our American ways of doing things can make for both funny & embarrassing moments. Throughout, you sense the authors' excitement, their appreciation of beauty, hard work & friendship.

A unique & engaging read.
(11/06/05)
Rebecca

January 10, 2006 - Review
    Shelley Bush reviewed the book for Book Review Cafe and gave it a four coffee cup rating. Unfortunately, the online magazine is not currently posting their reviews, but it was sent to us and appears on several online websites:
... 31 Months in Japan will fascinate readers as the Collins' show their sacrifices to build a theme park in another country. They allow readers into both their behind the scenes work and their personal life as they struggled to find their way in a new culture. The Collins' show readers into the Japanese lifestyle as their own way of life is so different. They show both the good and bad things that happened along the way as Universal Studios Japan grew until it was finished.

August, 2006 - Review
   Ramona reviewed the book for Lighthouse Literary Reviews and gave it a five beacon rating - the highest on the site:
FIVE BEACON REVIEW FOR 31 MONTHS IN JAPAN
by Larry and Lorna Collins

Come along as Larry and Lorna Collins spend time living in Japan while building the Universal Studios theme park there. Having no prior interest in either the Japanese country or culture, I surprisingly found this book quite entertaining. I liked the way different chapters were alternated between the authors, the inclusion of Japanese words and definitions and the personal experiences they had. They story had a very real and honest feel to it that I think all readers would appreciate.

The authors shared the good and the bad and offered a realistic portrayal of their adventures. I thank you for the read and especially for opening up a new interest in Japan for me. I will remember your story every time I hear or see something involving that country and culture. That’s a very cool gift to give your reader!

Reviewed by:  Ramona

August, 2006 - Review
   Julie Falkner reviewed the book for AllBooks Reviews and called it a "must read":

... This is a super book that radiates joie de vivre.  You’ll be inspired as you read of life-enriching episodes, and a little overwhelmed as you learn about the many small misunderstandings and irritations of expatriate living.  At times humorous, surprising, and moving, “31 Months in Japan” is a must-read for all travelers, armchair and otherwise.

Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Julie Falkner, AllBooks Reviews.

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