With The Same Moon, Sarah’s memoir of abandoning her wrecked life in Minnesota for two years in rural Japan, Sarah is available for community, library and bookstore events, book club conversations and class visits. She might even bring her koto (Japanese zither) or a folk dance!
Sarah also leads Obituary Parties, workshops where people explore their memories and legacies, and turn them into obituaries — for themselves and/or their loved ones.
Upcoming events
Author Event/Moon Viewing
Thursday, August 27, 2026 — 6:30 pm
Overbooked, 619 2nd Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 58102 (map)
In Japan, gathering to enjoy the beauty of the seasons—like cherry blossoms in spring and the full moon in autumn—is a centuries-old tradition.
At this event, taking place under the August full moon, I will share music of the koto (Japanese zither), a Japanese folk dance and a reading from my memoir, The Same Moon: a Young Woman’s Season of Entanglements in Rural Japan.
The Same Moon is Sarah’s story of escaping the disappointments of her early twenties by running off to an isolated area of rural Japan in the mid 1990s.
She will describe what it was like to be the first foreign English teacher in her rural Yamaguchi community, and she’ll share a few life lessons from the two years she spent there.
Later, as the sky darkens, why not take a walk outside and enjoy a few moments with the full moon?
Past events
Check out past events below the photo gallery and book clubs on the book club page.
Sampling of past events
The DIY Obituary—an Opportunity to Review, Reflect and Write — April 27 and May 4, 2026 — Vancouver, Washington (please contact me for more information)
The Same Moon talk: A Visit to 1990s Rural Japan — May 4, 2026 (3 pm) — Vancouver, Washington — Touchmark at Fairway Village
The Same Moon talk: A Visit to 1990s Rural Japan — May 2, 2026 (1 pm) — Spokane, Washington — Touchmark on South Hill
The Same Moon talk: Misadventures, Opportunities and Lessons Learned on the JET Program — April 26, 2026 (2 pm) — JETAA Portland, Oregon — open to the public!
Microsoft Fargo: “WEvolve,” women’s leadership conference — Dec. 9, 2021. “Your Heart is Where Home Is” presentation focusing on The Same Moon: a memoir; the meaning of “home” and its connection with identity; how identity is less about what we do than who we are; and that, like trees in autumn, sometimes we need to shed old parts of ourselves … and sometimes hang on.
Washington State University Pullman virtual class visit to Communication Strategies 383 with Professor Rebecca Cooney — Sept. 27, 2021. Conversation about memoir writing/publication, and working as a communications/PR manager and consultant.
Touchmark at Harwood Groves, Fargo, “An Afternoon with Sarah Coomber” — Sept. 15, 2021. The Same Moon reading, koto presentation and talk on “Finding Home.”
JETAA (Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association) Author Series — July 22, 2021: virtual Reading and Q & A about The Same Moon.
Power of the Pen presentation at Courtyard Fountains Senior Living, Gresham, OR (via Zoom) — Oct. 7, 2020: The Same Moon/”Why We Should All Be Writing” talk.
Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR — Jan. 30, 2020: The Same Moon book talk and signing with my friend Rachel Carter and her book, Enduring the Cure: My MS Journey to the Brink of Death and Back.
East Park Church, Vancouver, WA — Dec. 7, 2019: I spoke on “Recognizing a Rescue” at their two Comfort & Joy Christmas teas.
Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA — Nov. 30, 2019: The Same Moon book signing for Small Business Saturday with my friend Rachel Carter and her book, Enduring the Cure: My MS Journey to the Brink of Death and Back.
Main Street Vintage Home, Vancouver, WA — Oct. 19, 2019: TSM book signing at Women’s Empowerment Night with other local artists, writers and crafters.
Ferguson Books, Bismarck, ND — July 28, 2019: TSM book signing
Ferguson Books, Grand Forks, ND — July 27, 2019: TSM book signing
Zandbroz Variety, Fargo, ND — July 25, 2019: TSM reading / conversation / book signing
Beagle & Wolf Books, Park Rapids, MN — July 23, 2019: TSM book signing
The Willow Bookstore, Perham, MN — July 23, 2019: TSM reading / conversation / book signing
Japan Exchange and Teaching Program orientation, Portland, OR — June 23, 2019: “Wherever you go, there you are” keynote presentation on self-care/culture shock at orientation for Americans heading to Japan to teach English
Educational Service District 112, Vancouver, WA — June 21, 2019: The Same Moon reading / book signing
Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA — June 8, 2019: The Same Moon reading / book signing / koto playing
Clark College, Vancouver, WA — April 27, 2019: The Same Moon book launch
Sarah Coomber 