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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Heartwarming story that made having COVID more bearable
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence
Set in Seattle during World War II, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is about a Chinese-American, Henry Lee, and his friendship with a Japanese-American girl, Keiko. It is a fascinating story of national identities and persistence. Henry's father insists that he wears a "I'm Chinese" button, while sending him to an all-white American elementary school. There, he meets and becomes friends with Keiko, who is a second-generation Japanese-American. As this story unfolds during World War II, their friendship is far from simple. Faced with racist taunts from their classmates and Henry's father's hate of the Japanese, Henry and Keiko's relationship deepens until they are separated by the deportation of all Japanese further inland, as ordered by the American government. I had two minor historical quibbles (Marty couldn't have run an online Chemistry group, as there really wasn't much internet in 1986, not even for summa cum laude graduates. Also, the Japanese remained in China until 1945, so it is unlikely that the Canton region would be considered "safe" in 1942), but otherwise, this was a great page-turner.
One of those stories that you know will just "stick" with you for a long time.
The title really does say it all- this book is equal parts bitter and sweet.
I loved this book because I learned a lot. I’ve read from the perspective of Japanese people who were interned, but the outside perspective was also so enlightening. I think Jamie Ford creates a window to look at history through that just worked really well for me. Henry was a thoughtful, sensitive boy living in a time of ruthlessness. His perspective and experiences added depth to the reality of internment. It didn’t just accidentally happen, there were wheels in motion and vultures ready to pounce once folks were removed.
I also loved the focus on father/son dynamics- even found father/son dynamics (I would argue that Sheldon acts as a father figure toward Henry).
And all of the Seattle history? So good! Just, so so many little gems.
I guess 2024 is the year I read a bunch of books about Seattle/Washington from ~1880-1950??
I loved this book because I learned a lot. I’ve read from the perspective of Japanese people who were interned, but the outside perspective was also so enlightening. I think Jamie Ford creates a window to look at history through that just worked really well for me. Henry was a thoughtful, sensitive boy living in a time of ruthlessness. His perspective and experiences added depth to the reality of internment. It didn’t just accidentally happen, there were wheels in motion and vultures ready to pounce once folks were removed.
I also loved the focus on father/son dynamics- even found father/son dynamics (I would argue that Sheldon acts as a father figure toward Henry).
And all of the Seattle history? So good! Just, so so many little gems.
I guess 2024 is the year I read a bunch of books about Seattle/Washington from ~1880-1950??
emotional
informative
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:
No
This took me awhile to get in to but once I gave it some time, I really enjoyed it. It was very sweet and a little sad but still cute
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Lovely
The title really says it all! You will feel both reading this touching romance and family saga. Two thumbs up!
The title really says it all! You will feel both reading this touching romance and family saga. Two thumbs up!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced