Iwao Takamoto was a man of many talents….including being a magnificent artist, a thoroughly engaging conversationalist and an amazing storyteller. Beyond his talent though, Iwao was a wonderfully kind and generous human being. Always cheerful, a chat with Iwao was the highlight of my day for many years. In this book, Leslie Stern has documented a life of an inspiring man, husband, and stepfather. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Iwao are all the better for it. By reading Leslie's book I'm inspired again by the story of a truly unique American whose well-lived life will hearten us all.