In Thorp’s follow-up to his masterful Uncle Joe’s Muse, the boys—and Allison—are back in town. But things have changed for the better. They play concerts in big arenas instead of little seedy dives, they have a recording contract and a full-time agent, they’re going on tour in Japan. If only Ian can figure out who of the all-female punk rock band Stygian Teal is the daughter he never knew he had. Perhaps he’ll find out if Uncle Joe’s Band signs up Stygian Teal to be their opening act in Japan.

As with Uncle Joe’s Muse, Uncle Joe’s Senpai tells two entangled tales, that of the band’s (mis)adventures and that of the mysterious nomadic poet Joji Ojisan, who treks across Japan leaving a trail of haiku poems in his wake. Along the way, Joji meets Satoshi Tajiri and inspires him to develop the Pokémon game franchise. He encounters Hayao Miyazaki and helps him create what becomes the classic animé “My Neighbor Totoro.” He provides encouragement for a young Masako Owada, the woman who will become empress of Japan. And he helps some American Marines catch lobsters for dinner.

A note of caution: don’t read this book in a place where you have to be quiet, like a library or the middle seat of an airplane. Your laughter may disturb those around you. 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.

Reading Uncle Joe’s Senpai is like eating oysters with a fine Chardonnay—you savor every delicious morsel and you don’t want it to end.