"Thorp's novel is a comedic gem, seasoned with just the right amount of insight and wisdom so it lingers long after you've finished."-William Cook, author of Gallery of Gangsters: A Driftwood Mystery "Heart, humor, and the indomitable human spirit infuses Thorp's follow-up to Uncle Joe's Band. A delightful read."-Jacqueline Vick, author of Frankie Chandler Mysteries "Micah Thorp's sequel second novel, Uncle Joe's Senpai, is like a great encore at a concert by your favorite band. The tuneful story features familiar players from his debut book, a storyline of mysterious paternity, and the dry comic touches that make Thorp's prose so enjoyably readable. Some heavy-metal song lyrics, a series of haikus, cameos by historical figures, and an all-girl punk band harmonized to deliver an international music adventure tale that will have you rising up out of your seat."-Jeff Wallach, author of Mr. Wizard and Everyone Here Is From Somewhere Else The band is back! Instead of playing in rundown bars, Uncle Joe's Band now sell out concert halls.
Prior to a tour in Japan, a letter arrives claiming one of the band members, Ian, is the father of an unnamed young woman, who coincidentally is the member of another band, Stygian Teal. In the hopes of identifying Ian's daughter, Uncle Joe's Band attends a Stygian Teal concert. Much to their surprise, they find not one, but four Stygian Teal band members, any of which could be Ian's daughter.
Meanwhile, as the band's namesake Uncle Joe, an aged deadhead, makes his way across North America during the '60s, '70s, and '80s, another Uncle Jo, Joji Kinsara, makes his way across the Japanese archipelago. Everywhere he goes, Joji leaves large painted haiku poems, which become noted works of art. In his travels Joji visits the Nagano Winter Olympics, starts an environmental revitalization of Mt. Fuji, and helps ensure that a young Masako Owada becomes a future empress.
As they journey through Japan, Uncle Joe's Band attempts to discern which young woman is Ian's daughter, how to deal with newfound fame, and what it takes to formulate a family.
