Welcome to the Bookshelf of Author W. Nikola-Lisa

Ichiro and the Great Mountain is the result of my undergraduate days studying the migration of Buddhism from India to Japan. Told in brief, repetitive episodes, the story follows a young, free-spirited boy through the stages of life as he searches for his true self, making this original literary folktale set in pre-industrial Japan a story of becoming or, in the Buddhist tradition, a tale of enlightenment. Ask your local bookstore to order a copy for you, or purchase one online from one of these retail bookstores:: IndieBound, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

Awards

Global Award Winner, Reader Views Literary Awards

Runner-up, Juvenile Fiction, Reader Views Literary Awards

Distinguished Favorite List, Independent Press Book Awards

Runner-up, Juvenile Fiction, Society of Midland Authors Awards

Runner-up, Juvenile Fiction, IBPA Ben Franklin Book Awards

Reviews

Ichiro and the Great Mountain will provide important life lessons and insights for all ages and be enjoyed time and again…. W. Nikola-Lisa's tale is timeless, ubiquitous, and transcendent. Book Review Directory

The black-and-white illustrations use shapes with patterns, forms, and earthy hues to embody the protagonist’s growth that occurs within. Both text and art complement each other perfectly. This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for the upper elementary/middle school student and beyond. A stunner. Prairies Book Review

Ichiro and the Great Mountain is a thought-provoking book with a deeper message in between the lines. If you are the type of person who enjoys deceptively simple books, books that really encourage you to think, I would definitely recommend this one! Reader Views Reviews