Kanji (the most complicated Japanese script) may look daunting, but the characters are full of fun and life--if you know how to decode them. Crazy for Kanji provides a "map" to orient people by examining characters and compounds from every angle. Passionate and playful, the book is filled with enlightening discussions, fun facts, photos, exhibits, anecdotes, and games. It's a reference source, workbook, and entertaining read all in one. Novices and kanji experts alike will find treasures in its pages.

Eve Kushner, based in Berkeley, California, is a student of Japanese and an incurable kanji-holic.