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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
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In 1986, Henry Lee joins a crowd outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has discovered the belongings of Japanese families who were sent to internment camps during World War II. As the owner displays and unfurls a Japanese parasol, Henry, a Chinese American, remembers a young Japanese Ame
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"Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" is as saccharine and overly sentimental as the title suggests. It is historical fiction for the Nicholas Sparks set -- an emotionally heavy-handed novel that is well told, but not particularly well written.
There are some diamonds in the rough, though: the historical aspects of the novel are very interesting; the relationships depicted in the book, while not always believable, are complex; and, the issues related to cultural identity and racial discrimin ...more
There are some diamonds in the rough, though: the historical aspects of the novel are very interesting; the relationships depicted in the book, while not always believable, are complex; and, the issues related to cultural identity and racial discrimin ...more
Original review posted: Mar 19, 09
I have to admit that I did not like this book. Mr. Ford is a decent writer, and while he did research 1942 fairly extensively, he did a crappy job portraying 1986. I was alive in '86. I was ten, in fact. While my memory of the time is going to be different than that of a 50 year old character, I wound up being very tired of the repeated anachronisms. In one paragraph--on page four of the book, I believe--the narrator tells the readers that the main character's s ...more
I have to admit that I did not like this book. Mr. Ford is a decent writer, and while he did research 1942 fairly extensively, he did a crappy job portraying 1986. I was alive in '86. I was ten, in fact. While my memory of the time is going to be different than that of a 50 year old character, I wound up being very tired of the repeated anachronisms. In one paragraph--on page four of the book, I believe--the narrator tells the readers that the main character's s ...more
Set in Seattle during the Japanese internment during WW2. This book has a sweeping feel to it. It starts out slow - but not slow in the sense who feel like you are waiting for paint to dry - but slow in the "This is really going somewhere" kind of way. It does go somewhere by the way. Once the ball gets rolling, this book sweeps you up into the lives of two friends who made a promise to see each other again.
The book begins as Henry Lee stands in front of the Panama Hotel. This hotel has been boa ...more
The book begins as Henry Lee stands in front of the Panama Hotel. This hotel has been boa ...more
I loved this book, but I had one minor annoyance with it. The author had 4 anachronisms: the book is set (in part) in 1986, and yet the son is in an "on-line" grief support group, and used the internet to look up a lost friend, and there is talk twice about digital conversion of records to CDs.
This book is told by a 50+ year old second generation Chinese-American. It is told in two different time periods, and flows back and forth between the 1940's to 1986 seemlessly. It is the story of a young ...more
This book is told by a 50+ year old second generation Chinese-American. It is told in two different time periods, and flows back and forth between the 1940's to 1986 seemlessly. It is the story of a young ...more
For me Jamie Ford's heralded, multiple award-winning Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was an entirely luke warm reading experience from start to finish.
The emotional heat that should have brewed within a story of this nature, considering the volatile subject matter, failed to materialize. I never tasted the venom of injustice as I should have. The details of Japanese internment in America during WWII was certainly interesting to read about, especially since I know so little about it. See ...more
The emotional heat that should have brewed within a story of this nature, considering the volatile subject matter, failed to materialize. I never tasted the venom of injustice as I should have. The details of Japanese internment in America during WWII was certainly interesting to read about, especially since I know so little about it. See ...more
Oy vey.
I really did want to like this book. It sounded like the perfect book for my mood: Not too highfalutin or literary, but a good story I which I can immerse myself and escape to a different time and place.
As I went on Goodreads a few days ago to add the book to my list of 'currently reading' however, I came across a number of really bad reviews. Disappointed, and somewhat deflated, I nevertheless read on trying to ignore the negativity, stay positive and try to like the story and get into ...more
I really did want to like this book. It sounded like the perfect book for my mood: Not too highfalutin or literary, but a good story I which I can immerse myself and escape to a different time and place.
As I went on Goodreads a few days ago to add the book to my list of 'currently reading' however, I came across a number of really bad reviews. Disappointed, and somewhat deflated, I nevertheless read on trying to ignore the negativity, stay positive and try to like the story and get into ...more
Jan 03, 2013
Florence (Lefty) MacIntosh
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
Cultural: Asian - Chinese & Japanese
Recommended to Florence (Lefty) by:
GR Group read - LoveOfReading
Switching between 1942 and 1986 this is an easy read on a complex subject. A historical romance with a Romeo & Juliet twist, this time the doomed love affair between Henry, a Chinese American and Keiko, a Japanese American; its historical focus the internment of Japanese Americans during WW2.
I loved the inclusion of Seattle’s music scene, the symbolism of the lost jazz record interwoven throughout, the passages that escalated it above a pure romance novel. (view spoiler) ...more
I loved the inclusion of Seattle’s music scene, the symbolism of the lost jazz record interwoven throughout, the passages that escalated it above a pure romance novel. (view spoiler) ...more
Set in Seattle, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells of the forbidden friendship between a Chinese-American boy named Henry Lee and a Japanese-American girl named Keiko Okabe during the Second World War. Henry and Keiko are both just twelve years old when they become friends in 1942. Life is difficult for both of them. They face racism and prejudice on a daily basis and Henry's father does not approve of the friendship. After the devastation of Pearl Harbour, the US government decides t
...more
I'm always a little behind the curve when it comes to reading blockbuster NYT bestsellers. I think a part of me resists because I love finding "little" books that deserve kudos and talking about them. But I had heard so many good things about THE HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET that I bought it, though I sat on it a while before I cracked it open to read. Once I did, I was hooked instantly by the wonderful character of Henry Lee, a 12-year-old boy in Seattle's Chinatown during the early
...more
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Release Date 1/27/2009, $24.00
I've just finished reading Jamie Ford's forthcoming novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and am still basking in the glow. The characters are fully realized, the title is a real attention grabber, and the story fleshed out with plenty of local and period detail. Ford provides an intimate look at life on the homefront during WWII from the uncommon perpective of an earnest Chinese-American boy and his ...more
I've just finished reading Jamie Ford's forthcoming novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and am still basking in the glow. The characters are fully realized, the title is a real attention grabber, and the story fleshed out with plenty of local and period detail. Ford provides an intimate look at life on the homefront during WWII from the uncommon perpective of an earnest Chinese-American boy and his ...more
I am Chinese
This was a touching story of friendship, love and loss. I enjoyed this very much. Great characters, rich history and beautifully written. My local library picked this as the second book in their book club. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of it.
This was a touching story of friendship, love and loss. I enjoyed this very much. Great characters, rich history and beautifully written. My local library picked this as the second book in their book club. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of it.
Apr 12, 2017
مرجان محمدی
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
:نامه نویسنده به خوانندگان ایرانی
Dear friend,
When I heard that my debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, was going to be published in Persian, my first thought was, “Fantastic! Perhaps I could attend the Tehran Book Festival.”
You see I would love to visit your country.
I’ve had friends travel to Iran in the past and they’ve told me wonderful things—about the history, the culture, and especially the kind and generous people.
Also, whenever the leaders of my country say there’s somepl ...more
Dear friend,
When I heard that my debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, was going to be published in Persian, my first thought was, “Fantastic! Perhaps I could attend the Tehran Book Festival.”
You see I would love to visit your country.
I’ve had friends travel to Iran in the past and they’ve told me wonderful things—about the history, the culture, and especially the kind and generous people.
Also, whenever the leaders of my country say there’s somepl ...more
May 16, 2012
Laura
rated it
did not like it
Recommends it for:
no one
Recommended to Laura by:
book club
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I'm always seeing those posts on Facebook of kids of different cultures and races playing together, hugging each other and only seeing what they love. These are messages to the wider world that adults shouldn't really be imposing their racist, prejudicial fears on their kids. Henry and Keiko are 2 such beautiful little souls. In 1942, while the world is fighting and killing each other these two are just managing to get through the day without being picked on, smacked around or abused because one
...more
Oct 16, 2009
Karla
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
american,
china,
japan,
friendship,
historical-romantic-fiction,
historical,
mourning,
romance,
tear-jerkers,
2010
A rich, tender, personal story so touching and full of history I should know, but didn't. Pulled at my heartstrings and made me longingly linger over and over the last few chapters.
Set durring the height of Nihonmachi district (JapanTown) area of Seattle, Washingtom. You jump from 1986 to 1942 thoughout the story. To tell the tale of Henery Lee an intelligent, brave, 12yr old Chinese American quickly growing into a man thru struggling WWII times. He has a strained relationship with his father mi ...more
Set durring the height of Nihonmachi district (JapanTown) area of Seattle, Washingtom. You jump from 1986 to 1942 thoughout the story. To tell the tale of Henery Lee an intelligent, brave, 12yr old Chinese American quickly growing into a man thru struggling WWII times. He has a strained relationship with his father mi ...more
No. Just, no.
I had pretty much decided to abandon this book unfinished when I received notification that the audiobook I had requested from the library was now available for download. Well, that clinched it.
And so, in the style of Goodnight Moon, I am bidding this book good-bye. Good-bye book. Good-bye hopelessly twee title (which should have been a clue). Good-bye awkward dialogue, and good-bye emotional manipulation. Good-bye, poor cliched struggling immigrant adolescent Henry. Good-bye, clea ...more
I had pretty much decided to abandon this book unfinished when I received notification that the audiobook I had requested from the library was now available for download. Well, that clinched it.
And so, in the style of Goodnight Moon, I am bidding this book good-bye. Good-bye book. Good-bye hopelessly twee title (which should have been a clue). Good-bye awkward dialogue, and good-bye emotional manipulation. Good-bye, poor cliched struggling immigrant adolescent Henry. Good-bye, clea ...more
Wow, just wow. This book was masterfully told and while it started slow, it built into a crescendo of feelings and emotions. The character development was amazing, the storyline outstanding, and the writing masterful.
Recommend this. Pick it up, read it.
Recommend this. Pick it up, read it.
I had heard lots about this book, but had not put it on my TBR list. So when I saw the audio at the library, I figured...what the heck, may as well try it! I might not have finished it if I had an alternative book in the car to read. Sometimes the reader annoyed me when he said the main character's (Henry's) words with a Chinese accent (inconsistently at that!) .... since Henry had been born in the US.
I usually do not like when an author switches back and forth from one time period to another, b ...more
I usually do not like when an author switches back and forth from one time period to another, b ...more
Great book. I love novels based on historical fact. I finished it in just a day and a half. Hard to believe it is a first novel. I am looking forward to more from this author. I looked up some of the people and places mentioned in the book, just to see if they were real - and was pleased to find that they were. Of course if I had read the acknolwedgements at the end of the book I would have known that already.
Hotel made me cry, made me laugh and brought me joy. It's a beautifully written and tender story about first love, the human experience surrounding racial divides, generational conflicts, and the internment of Japanese Americans. You won't be disappointed with Hotel.
After reading how many people absolutely adore this book, I almost feel a little guilty giving it a "meh" review. But....a "meh" review it deserves, and that's what it shall get from me.
First, the good: My sense is that this story has raised awareness of the internment camps that many Japanese-Americans were placed in during WWII. As someone who believes that without knowledge of history we're doomed to repeat it, I think that's timely and important knowledge for people to have. The story of Hen ...more
First, the good: My sense is that this story has raised awareness of the internment camps that many Japanese-Americans were placed in during WWII. As someone who believes that without knowledge of history we're doomed to repeat it, I think that's timely and important knowledge for people to have. The story of Hen ...more
Great title and a great book! It took me a while because of changing residences, but that way I was able to stretch out the enjoyment factor. The book not only brings to the forefront a dark time in US history, but the story is sweetened by the fully fleshed-out characters and the swirl of events in which they find themselves. These are characters you're not likely to forget. Highly recommended.
"O Gosto Proibido do Gengibre" é um livro com uma história muito bonita...
O autor, Jamie Ford, alterna dois momentos distintos da história ao longo do livro: o passado, aquando da Segunda Guerra Mundial, e o presente, relativo ao ano de 1986, sendo que esta alternância confere ritmo e aumenta, na minha perspectiva, o interesse na história, que remonta a um período algo conturbado da história mundial, da história norte-americana e da história japonesa.
Um jovem americano de origem chinesa (mas q ...more
O autor, Jamie Ford, alterna dois momentos distintos da história ao longo do livro: o passado, aquando da Segunda Guerra Mundial, e o presente, relativo ao ano de 1986, sendo que esta alternância confere ritmo e aumenta, na minha perspectiva, o interesse na história, que remonta a um período algo conturbado da história mundial, da história norte-americana e da história japonesa.
Um jovem americano de origem chinesa (mas q ...more
If this isn't an eye opening book, I don't know what is.
This is a story of a 1st generation Chinese American boy named Henry in 1942 Seattle. During World War II his father wants to ensure no one confuses him for the ostracized Japanese and sends his son to an all white school with an "I Am Chinese" button on his clothing. There he meets 2nd generation Japanese American girl named Keiko. Though Henry's father has a passionate hatred for the Japanese, Henry develops a sweet, deep and secretive f ...more
This is a story of a 1st generation Chinese American boy named Henry in 1942 Seattle. During World War II his father wants to ensure no one confuses him for the ostracized Japanese and sends his son to an all white school with an "I Am Chinese" button on his clothing. There he meets 2nd generation Japanese American girl named Keiko. Though Henry's father has a passionate hatred for the Japanese, Henry develops a sweet, deep and secretive f ...more
Gostei muito deste livro. Um livro doce e tão bonito que nos faz pensar que somos uns sortudos em termos nascido na época em que nascemos. Um escrita agradável com uma história bonita que nos faz acreditar que a amizade e o amor pode quebrar barreiras e fazer com que o mundo seja um sitio mais bonita para se viver. Recomendo a quem ainda não leu
** 3 1/2 stars **
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford follows the life of Henry Lee during 1942 and 1986 in Seattle, Washington. Henry is a first-generation Chinese American whose father's heart is still in China. Henry is sent to an all-white school on scholarship because his father wants Henry to "be American". While there, Henry befriends a Japanese girl named Keiko who is also accepted at the school on scholarship. Henry knows his friendship with this young girl will upset h ...more
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford follows the life of Henry Lee during 1942 and 1986 in Seattle, Washington. Henry is a first-generation Chinese American whose father's heart is still in China. Henry is sent to an all-white school on scholarship because his father wants Henry to "be American". While there, Henry befriends a Japanese girl named Keiko who is also accepted at the school on scholarship. Henry knows his friendship with this young girl will upset h ...more
Originally posted on The Book Musings
I’m a fan of historical fiction, especially if it’s set during World War II, but romance novels are something I’m not a fan of. With Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford blends these two genres together and gives us a historical romance that I’m delighted to say I enjoyed so much. I lived in this novel and when there were days when I just couldn’t find the time to read, I found myself thinking of Henry and Keiko…
It is 1942. Twelve year old Hen ...more
I’m a fan of historical fiction, especially if it’s set during World War II, but romance novels are something I’m not a fan of. With Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford blends these two genres together and gives us a historical romance that I’m delighted to say I enjoyed so much. I lived in this novel and when there were days when I just couldn’t find the time to read, I found myself thinking of Henry and Keiko…
It is 1942. Twelve year old Hen ...more
My book club read this book and when I passed the cover in an airport I knew I just had to read it. When my girlfriend found it on sale it put it on my list.
Okay this is a do not pass up book, the reading is light goes quickly but the story is deep. I can't help but think of my very first real crush I had in the seventh grade, it my first attempt at understanding the very adult feeling I was having towards Tony. The funny thing is I can't tell you my husbands birthday but I can still remember th ...more
Okay this is a do not pass up book, the reading is light goes quickly but the story is deep. I can't help but think of my very first real crush I had in the seventh grade, it my first attempt at understanding the very adult feeling I was having towards Tony. The funny thing is I can't tell you my husbands birthday but I can still remember th ...more
Jamie Ford's, 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' lived up to my expectations. This book has a title that begs you to pick it up. It's about history and culture and music. But, like most love stories that take place during war times - there's sadness and heartbreak.
I enjoyed 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'. It is deceptively low-key and emotionally even-tempered, but it actually is about certain painful intersections of time, place and cultures, specifically 1942 and 1986, seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old Chinese-American boy at first, and then those of a 56-year-old widower, both of whom are Henry Lee, born in and having lived his entire life in Seattle, Washington State, in America to immigrant Chinese parents. He speaks English, but his
...more
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| Bookworm Bitches : March 2018: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet | 20 | 87 | Apr 05, 2018 08:07AM | |
| Around the Year i...: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford | 8 | 58 | Mar 21, 2018 06:54AM | |
| AP Language SHS: Aspen Lambert Historical Fiction | 3 | 7 | Jan 05, 2018 11:05PM | |
| ENJOY THE HAMPTONS IN THE FALL! | 1 | 6 | Jan 02, 2018 01:33AM | |
| The french riviera... let's explore together! part one. | 1 | 1 | Sep 29, 2017 04:08AM | |
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Jamie Ford’s debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list and went on to win the 2010 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Jamie’s work has been published in 34 languages. Also, because Jamie feels weird writing about himself in the 3rd person, he’s going to say…
Hi, this is me.
Not a publicist. Not some weird aggregated bit of ...more
Hi, this is me.
Not a publicist. Not some weird aggregated bit of ...more
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“The hardest choices in life aren't between what's right and what's wrong but between what's right and what's best.”
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