Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Ja..., by Daniel James Brown 5 stars

[Joanne]

Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II 5 stars

A stunning work. I don't think I have ever felt compelled to write to an author to praise his work. This may be a first for me.

In 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, racial tension within the country exploded. It did not matter that most of the ethnic group was American born. Areas were cordoned off, this ethnic group denied livable space. Most of them were locked away, in camps that could only be deemed, IMO, as concentration camps. Then an extraordinary occurrence happened. Young Japanese/American boys, willing to go out and prove their loyalty began to volunteer for the Armed Forces. At the beginning they were denied entry, based solely on their race. As the war raged on it became apparent these boys were needed. Some refused, due to the treatment of their families. However, the large majority felt they had a point to prove. They signed up in droves, and formed some of the best soldiers/troops the world has ever seen. This is their story, and the story of the families left behind in the concentration camps. It is a tremendous story that should be read by everyone.

Thank you Daniel James Brown for bringing the story to the world. I repeat, everyone should read this book. I just may write that letter.

[Joanne]

Thank you, Ann. It is really a great book.

[Joy D]

So glad you loved it too, Joanne! It is so amazing that these guys signed up when they and their families were confined to camps. I pass the Manzanar camp in the California desert near the Eastern Sierras when I travel from northern Nevada to Phoenix every year. The camp itself is no longer there, but they have built a replica of the guard tower and there is a museum at the site.

[Robin P]

I want to read this because I loved The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (something I would never have thought I was interested in!) Brown has a great way of bringing an era to life through individual stories.

[Joanne]

Robin P wrote: "I want to read this because I loved The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (something I would never have thought I was intere..."

He really can make you feel as if you are there-get to it soon Robin, it is worth the time.

[Joanne]

Joy D wrote: "So glad you loved it too, Joanne! It is so amazing that these guys signed up when they and their families were confined to camps. I pass the Manzanar camp in the California desert near the Eastern ..."

Have you ever stopped at the Museum?