Press Release
Available: Available: January 1, 2024
Published by: GAOPRESS, Los Angeles, CA 90210
ISBN: 9-798850639532 (Paperback)
ASIN: B0CP36VH11 (Kindle eBook)
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2023915437
Contact: Nick Anis, 951-377-3789, nickanis@aol.com
The Adventures of Kenzo the Fisherman
A Hero’s Journey
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 1, 2024)—
The Adventures of Kenzo the Fisherman: A Hero’s Journey, a semi-fiction book written by 15-year-old high school freshman Jiaqi Gao (now a 16-year-old sophomore), is the story of Kenzo, the village fisher, who sets out to rescue the village maiden, Mishu, from a fiendish monster “with many arms” who has kidnapped her. Kenzo, who comes from a long line of fishermen, is the best fisher in his coastal fishing village. He’s 34 years old, hardworking, good-natured, and still unmarried. Mishu is 22 years old and said to be the most beautiful unmarried woman in the village. Mishu has had a crush on Kenzo since she was 12 years old, but Kenzo first rebuffed her because she was too young. Later, he failed to notice the beautiful person she had become. Kenzo sets out to save Mishu. The two of them must then set out to save one other, their village, and their entire country.
Included with the book is a treasure trove of historical colored plate photographs, drawings, maps, paintings, and block prints. Some of these have rarely been seen because they’ve not been on display and are among the archives of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and other private collections.
The book includes: 163 8-inch by 10-inch full-color pages, glossary, freediving safety chart, useful links and suggested reading, and 130+ illustrations including high-resolution color photography, historical woodblock prints, drawings, maps, colored-plate photography, and more. The book is for general audiences of all ages, but it is also useful in schools, so a student and teacher’s guide are also available.
The print edition of the book is available NOW on Amazon and select bookstores for $29.95; an e-book edition for $9.95 is available NOW. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to Heal the Bay, Habitat for Humanity, and The Inland Valley Humane Society & A.S.P.C.A.
For further information, interviews, or book signings dates and locations, contact GAOPRESS at 951-377-3789 or visit:
Highly Acclaimed:
“I am so amazed by Jiaqi’s views of people, history, and the environment we live in. It’s clear and honest and so related to our daily lives.” —Janet Jan
“This book is full of action and surprises, and it stretches the imagination, tugs at the heartstrings, and reminds us of what really matters in life.” — Gary Larson
“Jiaqi Gao has created a new kind of fiction that’s a blend of historical details and celebrates mavericks in the past restrictive societies, helping to pave the way for gender equality and for environmental sustainability.”—Rebecca Cruz
“Having taken related coursework at Dartmouth, I am profoundly impressed by Jiaqi’s knowledge base and narrative abilities. I was amazed by the story’s seamless integration of history. I was profoundly touched by many of the experiences of the book’s charming characters, and I feel privileged to have gotten to know them.”— Mellie Wang
“The high-resolution photos of sea life, paintings, historic plate photos, drawings, and wood block prints are an amazing collection, complementing an exciting, captivating, and touching story that’s easy reading and highly entertaining.”—Debbie Safir
“This book is a pleasure to read. Despite the inclusion of life’s trials and tribulations, the overall message is positive and uplifting. I was awestruck by the book’s detail, historical setting, interpersonal connections, and vibrant photos and paintings. As a working mom with two daughters, I seldom get time to read something so beautiful and so touching.”—Andrea Holmes
“There are too few stories like this with adventure, danger, humor, and love, where good triumphs over evil. The book’s deep-rooted connections to history and between the characters serves to create a touching story with a positive message that everyone will enjoy.”—Kevin Chadwick
“This book rocks! My only wish is that it was part of a series because I would love to follow the story along and find out what happens next.”—Marissa Chavez
“As an avid recreational fisherman in the ocean and freshwater, I am amazed at Jiaqi’s storytelling abilities on the sea and on land. The book’s storyline and characters are highly captivating. I am also honored to have shared some fishing experiences on my boat with this talented young author, and I’m amazed by what he has accomplished.”—Kevin Lord