"An exciting tale with an engaging young hero, grounded in a well-informed understanding of Japanese culture." - Kirkus sAbout the AuthorJim Mather graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Communications and minor in Creative Writing. He went on to receive a masters degree from Stanford in Education and reach Ph.D Candidacy in the same subject. He has published hundreds of articles in various periodicals, including years as a columnist for Black Belt magazine. He spends his days writing, teaching, and hiking along the Big Sur Coast, where he lives with his wife, Diane, and his dog, Mira. He especially enjoys writing fiction, especially thrillers, suspense, and action adventures stories. His first novel,The Arrow Catcher, is a historical suspense thriller as is itssequel, The Arrow Shooter. A third novel in the Jonathan Lusk Trilogy is in the works.He has spent many years in the Japanese martial arts, hold grandmaster status, and still teaches at one of the country's oldest karate schools. He is a former national karate champion and served for several years as a national coach for the official USA Karate Team under the U.S. Olympic Committee. In the late 70s, he caught arrows on the old ABC TV show, That's Incredible!, and was the subject of a PBS short feature entitled The Arrow Catcher. how can i get ibooks for free The Arrow Catcher
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating glimpse into JapanBy Kindle Customer...first, as an American outsider, and then as a beloved, adopted "Japanese" warrior. Starting the story with the 1948 birth of the nation Israel was confusing. Is the author anti-Israel? Anti-Palestinian? I thought that these countries would have something to do with the story following, but they did not. The beginning also seemed a little slow; however, the extraordinary childhood experiences and common American attitudes (such as entitlement and love of ease) that shaped Jonathan's early years provided a wonderful backdrop and contrast to the seasoned, valiant protagonist that he became. Once he matured into a disciplined and humble student, Jonathan developed all the sterling characteristics of a true hero. I felt that the Japanese people were painted respectfully, on the whole. The people had a great respect for their ancestors which, coupled with their natural veneration of their country, understandably resulted in animosity toward Jonathan and his family. Although Jonathan was dropped into this extreme clash of cultures, he came to admire and emulate the nobility of honor that is so strong in the Japanese culture.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Lovely Coming of Age StoryBy Chrinda Jones Jones18Set in the years just after World War II, The Arrow Catcher is an interesting coming of age story, filled with wonderful settings and interesting traditions.Author, Jim Mather, begins his story with a family tragedy that leaves a young Jonathan Lusk fatherless, nearly motherless and without a permanent home. Jonathan suffers through the eventual suicide of his mother and a move to Japan where he lives with his grandfather and new Japanese grandmother. He learns very early that life is not fair and he must make the best of things if he is to survive in a culture that is not his own.Jonathans real journey begins after he is sent to live at a famous Dai Kan school. There he is looked down on as a gaijin, (someone who is not Japanese and therefore inferior) and subjected to abuse by the other boys and teachers in the school.Mather is very good at writing fight scenes that leave you feeling exhausted by their end, and seems to have a deep knowledge of Karate. He is also very adept at explaining the nuances of a culture that was defeated, yet still fighting for their right to maintain their culture. His description of the land around the school is lovely. He writes . . . he came across a white-water stream deep inside a pine forest carpeted with lime-green clover and feathery emerald ferns.The Arrow Catcher is well written and interesting, due mainly to the culture its set it. Mather has not added a new twist to the coming of-age story, but he has written a delightful and interesting story that will capture most any reader.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Arrow Catcher is Memorable and CompellingBy Bill ZarchyThe Arrow Catcher, Jim Mathers first novel, surprised me on many levels. I was expecting something more cerebral, more zen, more focused on inner change as reflected in outer action.What I found instead was a gripping saga, laced with tragedy, packed with action, and impossible to put down. I raced through it in a few days, breathless with anticipation, unable to get the story line out of my mind.Set mostly in post-war Japan, the world of Jonathan Lusk, the main character, collides with new values and challenges. He encounters a society vastly different from his earlier lifea nation stung by recent defeat, resentful of outsiders, and haunted by violent gangster yakuza.Mather tells a story of strict schooling, stringent martial arts training, violence and action, friendship and loyalty. Its a tale about growing up, about good vs. evil, about the triumph of a pure heart. The author excels in describing karate matches and military maneuvers, all the while maintaining respect for the mental discipline and physical toughness it takes to excel in Jonathans world.Ive visited Japan a dozen times, but The Arrow Catcher has shown me sides of that country I could only guess about. Knowing that author Jim Mather actually catches arrows adds to the genuine feeling. A great read. Hoping for a sequel!