By 
Shigeko Ho, the Author of “The Pond Beyond the Forest” writes a reflective, heartfelt and intriguing memoir of her life. The Genres for this book are: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs of Asian People, Dysfunctional Families, Motherhood and Families. The Author arrives in the United States from Japan when she is twenty two. The author reflects on her emotionally neglectful and emotionally abusive Japanese family. When the author, herself becomes a mother, she is faced with the reality and memories of her childhood life. I appreciate the author sharing her intimate moments, and discussing how she was in a hospital for signs of a nervous breakdown. The Author is aware of her problems,and tries different ways to make herself more functional and feel “normal”. I appreciate that she discusses therapy, and ways of coping. The author is comforted by her pet dogs, and searches ways to emotionally grow, and show forgiveness. I recommend this interesting book.
