The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka is a fast-paced, informative novel about the lives of the picture brides that were brought from Japan to America in the early 1900s. The author uses a first person plural style with poetic overtones to evoke strong emotions and provides a unique perspective on the experiences of Japanese immigrants in the United States. The book is a haunting tale of suffering and resilience, and is a great read for those interested in Japanese descent in America.