September Book Choice

The book chosen for September is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

Here is a description:

Fifth-grade scholarship students and best friends Henry and Keiko are the only Asians in their Seattle elementary school in 1942. Henry is Chinese, Keiko is Japanese, and Pearl Harbor has made all Asians-even those who are American born-targets for abuse. Because Henry's nationalistic father has a deep-seated hatred for Japan, Henry keeps his friendship with and eventual love for Keiko a secret. When Keiko's family is sent to an internment camp in Idaho, Henry vows to wait for her. Forty years later, Henry comes upon an old hotel where the belongings of dozens of displaced Japanese families have turned up in the basement, and his love for Keiko is reborn. In his first novel, award-winning short-story writer Ford expertly nails the sweet innocence of first love, the cruelty of racism, the blindness of patriotism, the astonishing unknowns between parents and their children, and the sadness and satisfaction at the end of a life well lived. The result is a vivid picture of a confusing and critical time in American history.

We hope everyone can join us to discuss this one next month!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dianne Rotenberry on August 18, 2011 at 9:05pm

Sounds great!

Permalink Reply by Meghan Kornegay on September 5, 2011 at 11:03am

Is anyone enjoying it so far? Or are you guys ready to stone me? I hope you all like it as much as I do. If not, I'll make it up to a couple of you by staying strong on "Room" for October's selection. For those who hate "Hotel..." and "Room" I don't know...witness protection program too much? Maybe I can just come in costume to October's meeting ; )

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Thomas on September 7, 2011 at 11:28am

Wow the description has caught my attention! I can't wait to start reading it :)

Permalink Reply by Courtney Darden on September 11, 2011 at 2:44pm

I am almost finished with the book and I am LOVING IT! It took me a minute to get into it, but it's a really great read! When will the meeting be?

Permalink Reply by Dianne Rotenberry on September 19, 2011 at 8:28am

Ditto - do we have a date and local yet?

Permalink Reply by Dianne Rotenberry on September 19, 2011 at 9:23am

Courtney,

I just found the post that Zarkarella is using to organize the dates and times for Book Club, etc. It's at
http://tuscmoms.ning.com/forum/topics/september-meet-ups

Courtney Darden said: