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alpinelake's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readsbylaura's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/3 Stars because it was an interesting read, but I was reading it for school so it kind of was ehhh to me. Yet learning more about the internment camps that he Japanese were taken to during WWII was eye opening because I don’t remember learning about this in any history class and it’s just crazy knowing that an internment camp is literally so close to me and was turned into a popular mall in the Bay Area.
calluna222's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lezreadalot's review
4.0
Why is it that, in my freedom, I feel more imprisoned in the wrongness of myself and the thing I did than when I was in prison?
A really complex and compelling novel about a young Japanese-American man trying to negotiate his re-entry into society after being imprisoned for refusimg to serve in WWII, and also refusing to pledge allegiance to America. A no-no boy. There are different reactions within and without his community; his proud mother who was the propelling force behind his decision, his bitter and angry little brother, another no-no boy, other Japanese-Americans who did serve and returned, maimed and unscathed both. There's a lot of striking language and observations about race, class, the yearning to be American in an America that despises you, all while Ichiro grapples with his decision, whether or not he regrets it, and what it means for him to have to live with that choice. It's a very feelingly written book. It lost me a couple times; had a tendency to sort of meander after itself sometimes, and the writing could have used a polish. But it was definitely a really insightful read, with some really great passages about identity and anger and family. Enjoyed it a good deal.
A really complex and compelling novel about a young Japanese-American man trying to negotiate his re-entry into society after being imprisoned for refusimg to serve in WWII, and also refusing to pledge allegiance to America. A no-no boy. There are different reactions within and without his community; his proud mother who was the propelling force behind his decision, his bitter and angry little brother, another no-no boy, other Japanese-Americans who did serve and returned, maimed and unscathed both. There's a lot of striking language and observations about race, class, the yearning to be American in an America that despises you, all while Ichiro grapples with his decision, whether or not he regrets it, and what it means for him to have to live with that choice. It's a very feelingly written book. It lost me a couple times; had a tendency to sort of meander after itself sometimes, and the writing could have used a polish. But it was definitely a really insightful read, with some really great passages about identity and anger and family. Enjoyed it a good deal.
jonlaboy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ekshya's review against another edition
5.0
Well-written, raw, and truly enlightening on the historical racism faced by Japanese Americans. Captures the complexities.
scaraquin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
leslielu67's review against another edition
5.0
READ THIS BOOK INSTEAD OF "HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET". Japanese-American man in Seattle after WWII, after he has spent 2 years in an internment camp; while offered the chance, he refused to sign up to fight on America's side in the war.