Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I had heard that 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' was a good book, but I resisted. Maybe something about the cover made me think it would be a sappy romance novel. While it does have a romantic relationship at it's heart, it was a much better novel than I anticipated. Relationships are at the heart of the novel, but they are more complex.
The main character is Henry Lee. In the present, 1986, he is recently widowed. In the past, 1942, he is a boy living in the International District in Seattle with his Chinese family. At the core is Henry's relationship with Keiko, a Japanese girl he goes to school with. There are many other relationships. Henry's dysfunctional relationship with his father, and with his son. Henry's relationship with Sheldon, the street musician that defends and understands him.
It's all set against the background of Seattle in 1942. Jazz music, segregation, internment camps, a world at war and unexpected friendships all weave a tapestry. There is love and loss that is both bitter and sweet. I really loved the story and felt it was pitch perfect and never heavy handed in it's subject matter.
The main character is Henry Lee. In the present, 1986, he is recently widowed. In the past, 1942, he is a boy living in the International District in Seattle with his Chinese family. At the core is Henry's relationship with Keiko, a Japanese girl he goes to school with. There are many other relationships. Henry's dysfunctional relationship with his father, and with his son. Henry's relationship with Sheldon, the street musician that defends and understands him.
It's all set against the background of Seattle in 1942. Jazz music, segregation, internment camps, a world at war and unexpected friendships all weave a tapestry. There is love and loss that is both bitter and sweet. I really loved the story and felt it was pitch perfect and never heavy handed in it's subject matter.
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book has been on my to be read list for some time, extremely happy I decided to read it. Highly recommend it to everyone
why am i crying about a romance between fiction preteens?
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an enjoyable audiobook listen. I appreciated the focus on father-son relationships in the context of a significant historical event.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. But it was totally worth the ride!
I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Japanese internment camps. I was somewhat familiar with that time in history, but felt like it was breezed over pretty quickly in school. It's disappointing to me that such events even took place and that they kind of continue to be swept under the rug. Hearing about those events from both the perspective of Japanese and Chinese youth was incredibly interesting and insightful.
I will admit the story felt a little slow in the beginning, but it really does pick up. By the end, I just couldn't put it down.
There were some really lovable characters. And I love the way that the story ends! This book made my little heart go pitter-pat!
I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Japanese internment camps. I was somewhat familiar with that time in history, but felt like it was breezed over pretty quickly in school. It's disappointing to me that such events even took place and that they kind of continue to be swept under the rug. Hearing about those events from both the perspective of Japanese and Chinese youth was incredibly interesting and insightful.
I will admit the story felt a little slow in the beginning, but it really does pick up. By the end, I just couldn't put it down.
There were some really lovable characters. And I love the way that the story ends! This book made my little heart go pitter-pat!