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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I thought this was a great read. It was not written perfectly, nor even eloquently at times, but it enabled the reader to see the Japanese Internment through different sets of eyes. We don't talk enough about the fact that our government voted to imprison citizens without just cause. Would we be as horrified today, or would we let it happen? I think this adult book would make a great YA crossover book. I'd love to read this while studying WW II. I think it would be a good book for ages 12+.
Loved this book! I don't know much about life in the Pacific Northwest during WWII. It was interesting to learn a little even if it was through a fictional story. I loved the characters in this book and really connected emotionally. It was a great read.
The story was somewhat interesting, but I wasn't a fan of his writing. And he was not very good at portraying the time periods. I wasn't drawn in by anything really and didn't care all that much about the characters. It was all very bland to me. You'd think that a book about the Japanese internment during WW2 would be a book that moves you emotionally, but unfortunately this one was forgettable.
I really loved this story for several reasons, but in this case particularly the redemptive aspect. A good book that didn't leave you with any yucky feelings that would come with selfishness, even "righteous" selfishness Henry chooses love and promises over himself. He is rewarded for such. And we are rewarded with a story that appeals to our higher selves rather than the usual idolization of "love". This book shows so many examples of true love.
Many of the anachronisms and other little details were bothersome to me as to others; most particularly the Japanese phrase translated "How are you today, beautiful?" is actually "I'm happy to meet you." This didn't bother me when it first appeared as Sheldon was introducing the phrase and himself didn't speak Japanese so it would naturally be off, but as it became a thread through the story and the emphasis was on the "beautiful" part and also wrongly translated by Keiko's mother it became an annoyance that distracted me from the story.
Many of the anachronisms and other little details were bothersome to me as to others; most particularly the Japanese phrase translated "How are you today, beautiful?" is actually "I'm happy to meet you." This didn't bother me when it first appeared as Sheldon was introducing the phrase and himself didn't speak Japanese so it would naturally be off, but as it became a thread through the story and the emphasis was on the "beautiful" part and also wrongly translated by Keiko's mother it became an annoyance that distracted me from the story.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Nice, sweet read. Not incredibly deep or earth-shattering, but I really liked the characters and enjoyed reading about these particular cultures.
I really liked this book. Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a step away from what I'd normally pick up, but it's good to 'get out' every once in awhile. The author kept up the pace throughout the entire novel and as I read on it was interesting enough to where I always wanted to know what came next. The chapters flip-flop back and forth between a young Henry in 1942 and an aged version later in 1986. Each new chapter, though one would be set more than forty years later than the other, brings something new to think about. A new perspective or idea that had not previously been present. That style really keeps the two sides together, instead of letting them become more than just 'sides', rather stories that the readers puzzle to figure out how it ties in to the rest.
On top of a sort of romantic yet twisted love story, the novel shows a piece of history. It details an accurate account of the prejudice towards Japanese of any sort, second generation American or just over on the boat, and how some people against the camps felt after they were taken away. Ford, being Chinese himself, told the story through a young Chinese boy, Henry, as he experienced the period of time during and after the war, the result of the Pearl Harbor bombings. It's a good balance of a story and a history lesson. There's never too much in the way of information overload; Ford releases the bits and pieces of the times nice and easy.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story, both younger and older, regardless of their preferences. It shares a time in US history the country is not most proud of, a time after Pearl Harbor many young people don't know existed. To be truthful, up until now I hadn't known Japanese internment camps ever came into thought, let alone being, but I think it's important people do know and Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a good place to start.
On top of a sort of romantic yet twisted love story, the novel shows a piece of history. It details an accurate account of the prejudice towards Japanese of any sort, second generation American or just over on the boat, and how some people against the camps felt after they were taken away. Ford, being Chinese himself, told the story through a young Chinese boy, Henry, as he experienced the period of time during and after the war, the result of the Pearl Harbor bombings. It's a good balance of a story and a history lesson. There's never too much in the way of information overload; Ford releases the bits and pieces of the times nice and easy.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story, both younger and older, regardless of their preferences. It shares a time in US history the country is not most proud of, a time after Pearl Harbor many young people don't know existed. To be truthful, up until now I hadn't known Japanese internment camps ever came into thought, let alone being, but I think it's important people do know and Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a good place to start.
Well, well.. another hotel book checked off of my list.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet sounded pretty interesting to me. Mostly because my life and personality also sit on the corner of bitter and sweet. I'm like a mini surprised and have no idea how my day or mood will go once I wake up. It keeps me on my toes.
In it, you will meet Henry and Keiko. He is a Chinese American boy and she is a Japanese American girl. They are living in Seattle during WWII. From the moment that they met, they formed an instantaneous friendship. From there, it does seem like there's a possibility for something more to happen between these two but then something unexpected happens.
Keiko and her family are sent to an internment camp.
Honestly, this book was written beautifully. I loved everything from the past and present versions of Henry. He went through so much and at this point, I just wanted him to be happy. I went through an emotional roller coaster ride while reading this book.. which was interesting while working during my busiest time of the year. I was something guys but this book was also something.
In the end, I enjoyed each and every page that came my way.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet sounded pretty interesting to me. Mostly because my life and personality also sit on the corner of bitter and sweet. I'm like a mini surprised and have no idea how my day or mood will go once I wake up. It keeps me on my toes.
In it, you will meet Henry and Keiko. He is a Chinese American boy and she is a Japanese American girl. They are living in Seattle during WWII. From the moment that they met, they formed an instantaneous friendship. From there, it does seem like there's a possibility for something more to happen between these two but then something unexpected happens.
Keiko and her family are sent to an internment camp.
Honestly, this book was written beautifully. I loved everything from the past and present versions of Henry. He went through so much and at this point, I just wanted him to be happy. I went through an emotional roller coaster ride while reading this book.. which was interesting while working during my busiest time of the year. I was something guys but this book was also something.
In the end, I enjoyed each and every page that came my way.