"31 Months in Japan--the Building of a Theme Park" is the story of two Southern Californians embarking on the adventure of a lifetime--moving to Japan to participate in the construction of the Universal Studios Japan(R) theme park.

Join authors Larry K. & Lorna Collins on an odyssey into a foreign culture where they are often misunderstood and frequently confused. Discover the challenges and frustrations of building a world-class entertainment venue outside the United States. Enjoy the adventure as they discover the beauty and the people of Japan. Share their laughter, tears, surprise and final triumph as the park is completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Meet fascinating characters like Jurassic Jack, the Nihon Cowboy and Dote-san through their eyes.

"31 Months in Japan--the Building of a Theme Park" combines interesting details and behind-the-scenes descriptions of how magic is made in the entertainment industry with funny and touching personal remembrances. The stories will be of particular interest to those visiting or intending to live or work in Japan, people doing business with the Japanese, theme park aficionados and anyone with a sense of adventure.

The Memory Keeper is the story of Tomas Romero, a native of the Acjachemen band, whom the Spanish renamed Juaneno. Born in 1820 in San Juan Capistrano, Tomas attends the mission school where, in addition to the catechism, he learns to read, write, and cipher-uncommon for the Indians in San Juan at the time. Because Tomas assists the padres, he becomes aware of the world outside the small religious community. During his lifetime, he experiences the rule of Spain, Mexico, and finally, the United States. He survives drought, floods, plagues, the secularization of the mission property, and its return to the church. He also marries, raises two children, makes many friends, and provides assistance to the priests. He becomes co-owner of a mercantile. Although his story is rich with local history, it is, in the end, an engaging family saga with characters who come alive on the pages."

"Many people enjoy Lakeview Park, and each one has a unique story. Between the pages, you ll meet: Clarence, who thinks he might have found a winning lottery ticket Kuniko, a grandmother and widow who discovers that friendship can bloom anywhere Wayne, a former guitarist who rediscovers the joy of music Jenny, a mother whose husband is serving in Afghanistan Carol, whose journalistic assignment teaches her more than she expects Shirley, who discovers that some dreams are worth keeping Alex, for whom friendship bridges age differences and soothes a broken heart Gloria, who discovers her blessings and makes peace with her past Alice, who loves to tell jokes, even though her memory is fading Carl, who discovers that reality may hold more promise than long-held fantasy Carolina, a ghost searching for her lost child Tiffany, a teenager with hopes and dreams George, whose life is ebbing, but not his love Sheila, a young woman estranged from her family Carlos, the groundskeeper who has devoted his career to the park

Lakeview Park is a collection of O. Henry-like slice-of-life stories about the people who frequent a fictitious park. These tales reveal folks of all ages, from a small child to the elderly."

31 Months in Japan - the Building of a Theme Park is the story of two Southern Californians embarking on the adventure of a lifetime - moving to Japan to participate in the construction of the Universal Studios Japan theme park. Join authors Larry K. & Lorna Collins on an odyssey into a foreign culture where they are often misunderstood and frequently confused. Discover the challenges and frustrations of building a world-class entertainment venue outside the United States. Enjoy the adventure as they discover the beauty and the people of Japan. Share their laughter, tears, surprise and final triumph as the park is completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Meet fascinating characters like Jurassic Jack, the Nihon Cowboy and Dote-san through their eyes. 31 Months in Japan - the Building of a Theme Park combines interesting details and behind-the-scenes descriptions of how magic is made in the entertainment industry with funny and touching personal remembrances. The stories will be of particular interest to those visiting or intending to live or work in Japan, people doing business with the Japanese, theme park aficionados and anyone with a sense of adventure.