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ljacks60's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aundreanevaeh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
votesforwomen's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so this was actually really good!
I loved the characters, a LOT. Evalina was the kind of girl I feel like doesn't show up enough in fiction--her fiery, compelling spirit was amazing and her love of political science and desire to seek justice made her very relatable for me. She's the kind of girl I am. And then there was Taichi, who was really just the sweetest guy. I approved of him very much.
Other than them, I really liked James, and I liked Evalina's parents. I thought I would like Aiko more than I did, but she turned out to have a smaller part than I'd anticipated and so I didn't feel I'd gotten to know her as well as I might have hoped. The rest of the side characters, while compelling, were kind of basic.
I really liked the story, but therein lies my biggest quibble: This story felt sort of disjointed.
There were a LOT of big moments, and big decisions, and plot twists, but I kept feeling like I was missing something. And finally, I figured out why: it's because the story kept skipping those beats. Something big would happen and we'd find out after the fact. Within these Lines jumped over the important moments a bit too much in my opinion, which is disappointing, because I would have LOVED to feel just the tiniest bit more emotion within the story. The disjointedness was rather disconcerting.
Other than that quibble--which may be a Faith quibble and not one that concerns anyone else--I really enjoyed this one! The characters were compelling, and so were their struggles; the epilogue made me super happy. I can definitely recommend this one. :) 3.5 stars!
I loved the characters, a LOT. Evalina was the kind of girl I feel like doesn't show up enough in fiction--her fiery, compelling spirit was amazing and her love of political science and desire to seek justice made her very relatable for me. She's the kind of girl I am. And then there was Taichi, who was really just the sweetest guy. I approved of him very much.
Other than them, I really liked James, and I liked Evalina's parents. I thought I would like Aiko more than I did, but she turned out to have a smaller part than I'd anticipated and so I didn't feel I'd gotten to know her as well as I might have hoped. The rest of the side characters, while compelling, were kind of basic.
I really liked the story, but therein lies my biggest quibble: This story felt sort of disjointed.
There were a LOT of big moments, and big decisions, and plot twists, but I kept feeling like I was missing something. And finally, I figured out why: it's because the story kept skipping those beats. Something big would happen and we'd find out after the fact. Within these Lines jumped over the important moments a bit too much in my opinion, which is disappointing, because I would have LOVED to feel just the tiniest bit more emotion within the story. The disjointedness was rather disconcerting.
Other than that quibble--which may be a Faith quibble and not one that concerns anyone else--I really enjoyed this one! The characters were compelling, and so were their struggles; the epilogue made me super happy. I can definitely recommend this one. :) 3.5 stars!
itratali's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
chickchick22's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This is one of the most amazing books I’ve read ever about the Japanese internment. Never before have I read such an intricately woven story full of friendships, romance, and family. Stephanie Morrill forces us to see the harsh truth of the Japanese internment and how it ripped friends, family, and lovers apart.
Taichi is interned with his family, but continues his relationship long-distance. But as it became increasingly obvious that the internment would last much longer than a few months, he pushes his girlfriend away. After all that happened within the barbed wire fence of Manzanar, however, he realizes that letting her go to make her feel better is making her feel worse.
However, WITHIN THESE LINES is not just about the Japanese interment. Morrill decided to add one huge detail to the book: Evalina Cassano. Evalina is the most lovable girl around: smart, bold, and fierce with kindness sprinkled all around, she is the definition of a brave activist fighting for change. As the story goes on, Evalina becomes more and more vocal about her beliefs. So much, in fact, that she gave up the ‘Concerned Citizen’ act and wrote under her name. She loves Taichi fiercely and believes that no matter how hard it is to date long-distance, he is worth it.
For me, Evalina is so admirable. She is brave, and speaks up for what is right. Taichi is so kind and considerate that he will make choices that would hurt him in order to possibly make another loved one feel better. What I adore the most though, is their love. So strong. So powerful. Powerful enough to bring them all the way through the internment and into adulthood. I am sure that their love will stay strong to the very end.
Again, love love love.
Taichi is interned with his family, but continues his relationship long-distance. But as it became increasingly obvious that the internment would last much longer than a few months, he pushes his girlfriend away. After all that happened within the barbed wire fence of Manzanar, however, he realizes that letting her go to make her feel better is making her feel worse.
However, WITHIN THESE LINES is not just about the Japanese interment. Morrill decided to add one huge detail to the book: Evalina Cassano. Evalina is the most lovable girl around: smart, bold, and fierce with kindness sprinkled all around, she is the definition of a brave activist fighting for change. As the story goes on, Evalina becomes more and more vocal about her beliefs. So much, in fact, that she gave up the ‘Concerned Citizen’ act and wrote under her name. She loves Taichi fiercely and believes that no matter how hard it is to date long-distance, he is worth it.
For me, Evalina is so admirable. She is brave, and speaks up for what is right. Taichi is so kind and considerate that he will make choices that would hurt him in order to possibly make another loved one feel better. What I adore the most though, is their love. So strong. So powerful. Powerful enough to bring them all the way through the internment and into adulthood. I am sure that their love will stay strong to the very end.
Again, love love love.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this historical romance about an interracial couple torn apart by racism and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Morrill paints a vivid portrait of life inside Manzanar and out, starring two sympathetic and likable main characters. It's easy to root for Evalina and Taichi even as their lives become increasingly tense and dangerous. All of these elements combine to create a compelling, thought-provoking, and memorable read. Other than violence, it's a clean book that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Soon after the attack of Pearl Harbor, life becomes much more difficult for teen Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki. Evalina and Taichi have been hiding their growing relationship since Taichi's family began delivering produce to Evalina's family's restaurant. Now, resentment for their Japanese- American neighbors are growning in California and talks of relocation centers are starting to arise. Taichi's family is preparing for the inevitable and unknown that awaits them at a War Relocation Center. Evalina is preparing for college without Taichi while wondering how her fellow Americans can be treated with such cruelty. When Taichi and his family are moved, Evalina is there. She continues to fight for the rights of her friends in the Relocation Center while Taichi struggles to navigate his new life.
Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
angiew23's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! I had read another Japanese internment book a few weeks ago and decided I wanted to read another. I was a bit worried about it being young adult, as I was looking for a more mature read, however I found it still tackled important topics of race, interment and the pro-Japan uprising within the internment camps. As with many YA books there were star crossed lovers but I felt the author was able to tell a story that would hold the interest of a young adult reader while still engaging anyone interested in the historical significance of the setting. I would definitely recommend this book to adults of all ages, and am glad to see a historical fiction book that might engage younger audiences to learn about the past!
yourbookishgamermom's review against another edition
5.0
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I fell in love with it from page one. This book broke and repaired my heart only to then break it again moments late. It's a beautiful and moving piece of fiction by Stephanie Morrill. I have to say that I simply adore how this book not only navigated a beautiful, precious and tedious relationship between an Italian-American girl and Japanese-American boy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. A time when rasicm and injustice against the Japanese living in America occurred. I just loved this story of Evalina and Taichi. Two young people in love in a time where it was illegal in most states for them to be married, a time where they were both at risk because of their relationship but still they pushed through.I was rooting for them the whole book! Just couldn't put it down because I NEEDED to know what happened next .
Looking at the characters I loved Evalina's heart and passion in this story. Her heart for the injustice inflicted on many people. Her heart for the one she loved and the passion she put into raising awareness for what was going on that so many people were blinded to. Seeing this passion and this heart in Evalina, I found that I related to her very much in that sense as I saw myself in her.
This book is an absolutely amazing piece of fiction you should not skip out on getting for yourself.
Looking at the characters I loved Evalina's heart and passion in this story. Her heart for the injustice inflicted on many people. Her heart for the one she loved and the passion she put into raising awareness for what was going on that so many people were blinded to. Seeing this passion and this heart in Evalina, I found that I related to her very much in that sense as I saw myself in her.
This book is an absolutely amazing piece of fiction you should not skip out on getting for yourself.
eowyns_helmet's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story and it's a great way to introduce teens to the racism of World War II, sadly still so much a factor in contemporary America. Smart, well-written, perceptive. Recommend.