What this book is about: Usually I cut and paste the synopsis trying to shorten it up to give you just a glimpse into the story. Today I would like you to watch the trailer for this book. I enjoyed the author telling how she came to write this compelling and moving book.
First thoughts after finishing: The author broke my heart.....
I am always grateful to authors when something they crafted with love touches me on such a deeply emotional level. This book pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn't bear parting with the characters when the story ended. I have to say that I found this story thought provoking, often stopping to tell my husband what was occurring because I would get so upset over some of the actions of Americans toward Japanese Americans. I couldn't imagine operating under the sheer terror and panic of Pearl Harbor and have that event color my perception of my Japanese neighbors, friends, and ones that I would call family. Kristina wrote a story that needs to be talked about and remembered. I wasn't aware of some of the laws preventing those of Asian descent home ownership. I love it when I learn and acquire new information about a time period where most of the attention is drawn to Germany and the Holocaust.
Her story came alive and these people were real to me. I cherished the love story between Maddie and Lane. They had my heart from the very beginning. Could you imagine having people stop and stare at you just because you were holding hands with someone of a different race? This story shows that love knows no race, skin color, or facial features.
Recommend? Without hesitation! I think this would make for a wonderful book club selection too. I read the discussion questions in the back and really feel that there is so much to talk about and share with this beautiful book. Lane and Maddie's love story had me reminiscing about the time I spent in Japan as an exchange student. I felt blessed to have grown up when I did because I found love there during my stay. We didn't have to worry about holding hands in Niigata, where I was an exchange student. No one really paid us much attention and honestly, I never once thought of him as being any different from me. I just fell in love with him and his gentle ways. We were the lucky ones who benefited from those who braved the prejudice, shame, war relocation camps, and showed the rest of the world that we are all human and we all love.
Make sure that you listen to Bach's Second Partitia, The Chaconne. It added so much to the last twenty pages of my reading experience. Trust me on this!

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 437
Published: March, 2012
*Uncorrected ARC
Please visit Kristina's website for more information on this book, to schedule a bookclub visit, and to view her photo album from her research trips.
Review Book #6
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
This is the first I've heard of the book, Staci, so thanks for reviewing it. It's going on my list because now I have read it! Thanks for including the video.
ReplyDeleteWow!! This sounds AMAZING!! I need to read this one!!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a great book club selection. I enjoyed the video, too.
ReplyDeleteI agree, this sounds amazing! And such a gorgeous cover!
ReplyDeleteStaci! I have so missed reading your wonderful heartfelt reviews. I am back from my blogging break:) The book trailer was a wonderful way to get the feel for this book along with your fabulous review. It sounds like you connected to this book as well from your own experience as an exchange student in Japan. I read Kristina's first novel, Letters from Home and she is gifted writer. I am adding this to my wishlist. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this! What a pretty cover the book has.
ReplyDeleteNo blurb, but a trailer...I am intrigued :)
ReplyDeleteAnd nice choice after having watched it
This sounds like a very emotional story! I'm glad it touched you so much. I loved the video.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely cover, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a powerful book.
I want to read this book! It is hard to believe what we will do to each other out of fear, it still goes on today.
ReplyDeleteI have this on my wish list but after reading your wonderful review I am moving it up to the top of my list! I know this is a book I will love too! Between the video and your review, you have sold me on this book!
ReplyDeleteGood choice to use the trailer! I've read a few novels about the internment camps (The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Tall Grass are two that come to mind) and this sounds like another winner. Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep this in mind when it is my turn for book club
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed this book and I love this trailer...What a great book for me...how the heck did I miss out on this one!
ReplyDeleteWow, how did I miss out on this one??? It would be a good read for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is not my normal genre, but something tells me that I may enjoy this one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThe book cover is so pretty and I enjoyed the video!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so amazing and most definitely the kind of book I usually am drawn too. I'm glad it was such a good experience for you.
ReplyDeleteI knew some of what happened to the JApanese after Pearl Harbor, but not all. It just sickens me. This does look good.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing read as usual Staci!!! Good thing that my TBR list is never-ending :)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review, I am sure I'd like this book! That period of history is a very interesting one. Thank heavens things have changed/are changing.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this one until reading your review. It sounds fantastic and of course, heartbreaking. Will definitely keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteOH! the cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI said earlier that I loved the cover of this one and after reading your review it sounds like the contents more than lived up to the packaging. Like you I love learning about events in a particular time period. I didn't know you were an exchange student in Japan either ...
ReplyDeleteBridge of Scarlet Leaves is definitely going on my wishlist. Thanks Staci