Alia Luria
I’m a writer, storyteller, and creative strategist who blends narrative craft with nerdy passion—whether it’s privacy tabletop games, speculative fiction, or poetic experiments with form. I believe stories are powerful tools for connection, curiosity, and change. In this newsletter, I’ll share fresh writing, behind-the-scenes looks at my current projects, and thought-provoking insights for fellow creatives, privacy pros, and worldbuilders. Welcome aboard!
RELEASING AUGUST 12
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About Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin
In Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin, Alia Luria takes readers on a candid, humorous journey through 2008 Japan as seen through the lens of an outsider. From grappling with cultural adjustment and the paradox of isolation in crowds to navigating onsen etiquette, public shame, and the peculiarities of love hotels, Luria's stories are a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and raw introspection. Whether she’s tackling train etiquette, sampling strange foods, or reflecting on the unifying hilarity and humanity of it all, this collection offers a relatable and thought-provoking glimpse into what it means to navigate the unfamiliar. Blunt, occasionally gross, and always self-aware, these tales are a reminder that we're all just trying to make sense of the chaotic, awkward, and beautiful experiences that shape us.
Early Praise
"On the surface, Geri o Shimasu offers readers humor, awkwardness, and the schadenfreude of watching someone else stumble through cultural landmines. But inside, like a Trojan horse, it hides profound commentary on memory, gender, personal transformation, and the psychological realities of 'outsider-ness.'" - Spotlyts
"If David Sedaris, Bill Bryson, and a self-deprecating haiku master co-wrote a book about living in Japan, Geri o Shimasu would be the result. It is equal parts memoir, social commentary, comedy, and poetry—a blend as unique as the author’s experience." - Atlas of Stories
"With a sharp sense of humor and an unfiltered voice, Luria offers an insightful look at Japan, language, and cross-cultural encounters that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining." - BookViral
"[F]or those who revel in the chaos of real-life adventures, who understand that growth often comes wrapped in embarrassment, and who appreciate the beauty of a story told with fearless authenticity, this book is a rare treat. Fans of Jenny Lawson’s Let’s Pretend This Never Happened or Laurie Notaro’s The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club will find a kindred spirit in these pages." - The Chrysalis BREW Project
"[I]f you love Anthony Bourdain-style storytelling with an extra dose of chaos, you’ll eat this up. It’s crude, hilarious, and unexpectedly insightful, a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like a total idiot in a new country." - Literary Titan
"Luria's prose crackles with self-aware wit, right down to the chapter titles, but her gift isn't limited to humor; she writes with rich imagery and deep insight that make this a joy to read." - BookLife
"Despite the unfortunate title (GERI O SHIMASU translates, according to the author Alia Luria, as “I Have Diarrhea”), this book is a delight, a lively, entertaining, and not infrequently profound account of the author’s stay in Japan for a semester as a law student." - Indie Reader