Book Review by Reva Schafer, M. Ed.

Inside The Torii Gate is a journey -- a journey through Japan and a journey through hyperlexia. Both are journeys of insight and success. Jonathan Buchanan, a young man with hyperlexia, teaches us by and through his writing what similarities can be found between the culture of a country and the "culture" of a syndrome.  His honesty, openness and forthrightness enable us to experience what he has encountered not only in Japan but throughout his life.

It is most interesting that he visited a country whose culture embodies so much of what hyperlexia is and what hyperlexia requires and, certainly, it is not surprising that he has returned there to live and teach.

To illustrate:
"I had no idea that adjusting to such a different culture from ours could be so difficult.  Communication was a major problem. In spite of the language barrier, I was determined to fit in but it wasn't easy."

"Although English is a compulsory subject...the conversational skills...are usually very poor.  The Japanese complicate matters by teaching obscure rules from outdated texts.  Even I would have difficulty with some of their tests... I enjoyed helping out with these classes that enabled students to focus on their conversational skills through various role-playing activities."

"Sometimes, I felt as if I was living in a time warp."

"We were constantly reminded to persevere and do our best when the going got tough." ["gambatte"]

"I discovered that the smallest nuances, even facial gestures and the tone of voice, often conveyed the message more accurately than spoken words."

"There was no escape from the rigid and structured lifestyle."

 This book provides an opportunity for readers to view hyperlexia "from the inside out" and to learn the "what" and the "how" that can enable these individuals to achieve the language, communication and social skills which seem just outside their grasp.

Inside the Torii Gate is a must for parents of children with hyperlexia, who will see what perseverance and advocacy can do for their children. Young adults with hyperlexia will see what they are capable of accomplishing, others will learn about hyperlexia, and professionals will gain greater insight into this syndrome.
 
 

Inside The Torii Gate is available through Chapter's web site, www.chapters.ca. Inside The Torii Gate is approved by the Toronto District School Board for the High School reading list. (One may request that this book be placed in their school's library.)