Book Short
Facing the Mountain
An Inspiring Story of Japanese American Patriots in WW2
By Stephanie Miller
Some immigrant integration stories in the United States make painful reading, and the internment on our own soil of tens of thousands of Americans of Japanese descent during World War 2 is pretty sobering.
However, under the talented pen of award-winning author Daniel James Brown, “Facing the Mountain” is also incredibly inspiring and engaging. We learn the hero stories of four American boys – all of whom happen to be of Japanese descent. Three volunteered to fight in Europe and one conscientiously objected to being drafted by the government that had destroyed their businesses, foreclosed on their homes, stripped away their civil rights, and then imprisoned their parents and families.
After a grueling training, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was deployed to Italy and assigned an impossible task. Take a barren mountain from the Nazi’s without adequate soldiers, weaponry, or support. Like most soldier stories, these are heartbreaking, awe-inspiring, reckless, and compassionate. Bottom line: Americans of Japanese descent served well, with pride and courage, died for their country, and achieved much. Many of their fellow Americans (and their Army chiefs) didn’t think they could or would do it – and let them know it even as they entered the battlefield.
“Facing the Mountain” – The Conscientious Objector
Back in the courtrooms, jails, and workcamps of Seattle, Texas, and Washington, the courageous story of Gordon Hirabayashi unfolds. He was one of a handful of resistors who stood up to the government. He repeatedly argued that it was undemocratic to demand he pledge allegiance to a nation that deprived him and his family of their rights as citizens. Especially while the US was proclaiming the goal of making the world safe for democracy.
I knew that we put Japanese Americans into camps, but this book showed me the deeper despair and crisis of conscience that many young Japanese men and women endured. They were American – shocked at the devastation of Pearl Harbor and eager to serve their country as loyal patriots. They were also raised with Japanese traditions like gaman, enduring the seemingly unendurable quietly and with patience while fighting for the group over yourself. Despite their varied upbringings, almost all these young men were told some version of the same thing by their fathers before they left. Whatever you do, don’t bring disgrace to the family.
Brown writes nonfiction like a novel. While there is a lot of deep research here including actual quotes and photos, the story is so compelling it makes this history a page turner. It’s also timely, as America once again struggles to decide who belongs here and who does not.
Micro Shorts
“The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper,” by Phaedra Patrick
This light novel about a charm bracelet is (wait for it) charming. Arthur Pepper is a widower who finds a beautiful bracelet buried in a boot while cleaning out his late wife’s closet. He has never seen this jewelry before. Each of the charms seems to tell important stories about her life. One has an inscription. On impulse, he calls a number in India and speaks to a man who claims Arthur’s wife was his beloved childhood ayah (nanny). Arthur never even knew his wife went to India. What else is she hiding?
Arthur is compelled to follow the clues for every charm – a road of surprises and self reflection. This is a good rainy day read, as it doesn’t require much of the reader and moves along quickly. The key question: If your spouse had a whole, interesting, meaningful life before you met, but never shared anything about it with you, is that worrisome or insulting? Or freeing? Or just part of what made her love you?
“Everyone Knows but You, A Tale of Murder on the Maine Coast,“ by Thomas E. Ricks (PART TIME MAINE AUTHOR)
This is a wonderful mystery by journalist and nonfiction writer Thomas E. Ricks. FBI agent Ryan Tapia requests a remote posting in northern Maine after a family tragedy. When a murder happens off Liberty Island, he takes a professional and serious approach to uncovering the truth.
In this insular island community, it seems everyone knows what happened but they aren’t telling. He remains persistent in the search though troubled by the layers he uncovers. Of course, like all crime fiction heroes, he perseveres and sorts through the lies and sabotage.
I loved it for the portrayal of a tight-knit Maine community, the respectful treatment of both rural populations as well as tribal leaders, and Ryan’s very human struggle to put his life back together.
“The Bangalore Detective Club,” by Harini Nagendra
In 1920’s Bangalore, educated math wizard Kaveri leads her husband Ramu into the middle of a deadly mystery. She is determined to uncover the real murderer after a vulnerable, low caste young woman (of questionable repute) is framed for the crime.
This is a fun, joyful romp through India during the time when citizens first started to rebel against the British Raj and women began to advocate for the right to be equal players with men. Perhaps unrealistically, both Ramu and the lead detective are supportive of Kaveri’s crime-solving skills and persistent interference. Bonus: a lot of amazing food is eaten and there are simplified recipes in the back.
“Fourteen Days, A Collaborative Novel,” by The Authors Guild, Margaret Atwood & Douglas Preston
Attracted by anything Margaret Atwood touches and the idea of a collaborative novel, I read this with great anticipation. It’s a collection of stories told by residents on the roof of their New York City apartment building during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unable to go out, they meet every night on the roof to cheer for essential workers and share their stories as a form of entertainment.
There is a mystical element woven through that I enjoyed. The stories are mostly interesting. Although I got that “trapped by a dull person at a cocktail party” feeling several times. And the unexpected ending is amazing.
