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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 for 4: all of the books in multi ethnic american lit were absolutely devastating. Thanks for that william
So far in my Asian American lit class, this is my favorite read. I am somewhat familiar with the harrowing history of Japanese Americans during World War II, particularly their unjust internment in American concentration camps, as well as the status of "no-no" boy to those who answered no to questions regarding 'loyalty' to America. however, what truly captivated me was Okada's unflinching portrayal of the trauma and enduring repercussions endured by those unjustly incarcerated and subsequently forced to grapple with their identities as either "Japanese" or "American".
John Okada's No-No Boy was a difficult read in the sense that it was raw about its emotions of anger and frustration. Okada does such a good job at navigating internal conflicts and external pressures faced by "no-no" boys, but even Japanese Americans as a community. What sets "No-No Boy" apart is its unflinching exploration of the psychological and emotional toll exacted by the trauma of the war and being ostracized due to race. Through the mc, Ichiro's, journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, Okada sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, offering profound insights into the enduring legacy of historical injustices and the quest for healing and reconciliation.
In delving into "No-No Boy," I found myself moved and enlightened by Okada's poignant portrayal of a chapter in American history too often overlooked or marginalized- which has resulted from years of both the Japanese American community and the American government wanting to sweep this tragic time under the rug. "No-No Boy", being Okada's only surviving novel, stands as a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers, offering an insight into the trauma that Japanese Americans endured during World War II and a reminder of the importance of confronting the past in order to forge a more compassionate future.
John Okada's No-No Boy was a difficult read in the sense that it was raw about its emotions of anger and frustration. Okada does such a good job at navigating internal conflicts and external pressures faced by "no-no" boys, but even Japanese Americans as a community. What sets "No-No Boy" apart is its unflinching exploration of the psychological and emotional toll exacted by the trauma of the war and being ostracized due to race. Through the mc, Ichiro's, journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, Okada sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, offering profound insights into the enduring legacy of historical injustices and the quest for healing and reconciliation.
In delving into "No-No Boy," I found myself moved and enlightened by Okada's poignant portrayal of a chapter in American history too often overlooked or marginalized- which has resulted from years of both the Japanese American community and the American government wanting to sweep this tragic time under the rug. "No-No Boy", being Okada's only surviving novel, stands as a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers, offering an insight into the trauma that Japanese Americans endured during World War II and a reminder of the importance of confronting the past in order to forge a more compassionate future.
back to back books on war and brutality made me die inside. Good writings, solid execution. I wish we're more gentle to each other.
A tale of a community irreparably damaged by persecution that could have done with some editing to its the often diffused dialogue.
This book was considered a landmark book in Asian American literature. When first published it was rejected by the literary establishment and John Okada never wrote another book. Although a veteran himself (he went through the WWII interment and served as a way to get out of the camp and demonstrate loyalty). The Japanese-Americans were forced to answer a two question survey which were very ambiguously worded and pretty much put the men up for military service. Those who answered no to both questions (the "n0-no" boy)had to go to prison because their answers were considered treasonous and they became social pariahs in their community. Okada puts himself in the head of a No-No Boy and follows his rough life upon release from prison and trying to reenter society with both the labels of "Jap" (which led to rampant discrimination by many in the community) and of "no-no" which led to rejection from other Japanese Americans, especially those who had served. The book ends at a point where perhaps the protagonist has finally figured out how to cope - but not before the deaths of his mother and of a friend who accepted him in spite of his situation.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great novel and important literature. One of my favorites.
I feel like everyone should read this book, then think about it, then probably read it again. It thinks deeply about so many societal issues - racism, generational divides, sense of self, patriotism - but never falls into simple answers. It's brilliant.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes