After pining for this book last year, I got to buy it 2 months ago and was able to start reading it just last week and I finished just it yesterday…

Such a heartfelt novel to read,  I cried at climatic part when Henry (the protagonist) after proposing to Ethel saw the love of his life Keiko during V-J Day and then later finding out that his bedridden father has masterfully broke them apart (take note, while he’s BEDRIDDEN after suffering a stroke!)  Okay, enough ranting, might spoil the novel for you…  Below are my outtake/favorite parts of the novel.

Favorite Character: Henry’s saxophone player friend Sheldon Thomas. 

I also like Henry, that is, the 12 year old Henry.   The rebellious streak in him and how determine he is to fight for Keiko is easy to relate to.  But Sheldon is an integral part of Henry’s childhood and his and Keiko’s love story. Sheldon is Henry’s confidant in world he felt he doesn’t fit in .  It was just great to know that until the very end, they still remained friends.

Favorite Line/Quote: “The hardest choices in life aren’t between what’s right and what’s wrong but between what’s right and what’s best.”

Funny thing is, this is Henry’s father’s quote.  There is a lot of truth in this quote.  That was his father’s belief.  That is why he mastered everything in Henry’s life even the separation with Keiko.

Favorite Scene: When Henry sneaked in Camp Minidoka and the moments he and Keiko spent together, especially the tender moments they shared.

All in all, this is a great novel to read.   I hope this gets made into a great movie.  And if does, hope they don’t screw up casting. (Just saying!)

(Source: hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet)