Take a deep breath, exhale, and relax; you're aren't going to get it.
"This book does what it promises to do. In addition, it scares you into never speaking Japanese as a gaijin, because there is no way you are going to get it right. After reading about the intricacies of keigo, you are probably going to be so self-conscious speaking Japanese (especially in Japan) to anyone other than your own closest and most indulgent and forgiving Japanese friends (who probably can speak English anyway since they befriended you when you couldn't speak Japanese). On a stranger in Japan, you are probably better off just using English! By the way, this book is rather old, but I doubt that keigo, or its grip on society, has changed much in Japan."
"Great. The author describes her own experiences as a woman (=lower than men) and professor (=higher than most men) with great and subtle irony. A joy to read and very insightful. Recommended"
Greg