factually inaccurate with dates

We loved this book. There were so many stories within this story. Not only was this a love story, it was also very insightful into the lives of those Japanese who were interned during WWII.

We enjoyed this book. The characters had depth and we all learned more about the Japanese internment camps than we previously knew. Interesting relationships are developed in the book as well.

All club members really enjoyed this novel. It provided many unknown details about the tragic treatment of Japanese-Americans during WWII as well as telling a lovely story about the friendship and love between a young Chinese boy and his Japanese-American schoolmate. We highly recommend this book.

I would have forgiven some of this book's faults if it had been rated as a young adult selection. The writing style was rather sophomoric, cliched, and predictable.

All members enjoyed this book. There was much lively discussion using the discussion guide.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet contains many elements which make it an excellent choice for book clubs to talk about. We were of the same opinion that cultural diversity and prejudices and loyalties were at the heart of Ford’s book. The story is told from the past and the present. It alternates from Henry as a 56-year-old to Henry as a 12-year-old boy living in Seattle at the time of World War II. It revolves around Henry Lee, who is Chinese and his friendship with a Japanese girl, Keiko Okabe. It’s a story of young love and the lengths one will go for it.
It was informative as to the pride of the Chinese and how it played an important role in the book. Henry’s relationship with his father was a component of the novel we probably addressed throughout the evening because as the book proceeds to the present, the reader learns of Henry’s relationship with his own son, Marty.
Music, in particular, jazz, plays an integral ingredient as well. Henry becomes friends with jazz musician, Sheldon Thomas, which in turn introduces Henry as well as Keiko, to the music of Oscar Holden and the song, “The Alley Cat Strut.” The 78” record of this song we all felt was very symbolic also.
The Panama Hotel seemed to be a character in itself throughout the book. Our group felt this is where “the bitter and the sweet” converged from beginning to the end.
We all agreed our favorite quote from the book, referring to Henry’s father, was, “His father had said once that the hardest choices in life aren’t between what’s right and wrong but between what’s right and what’s best.” (p. 204) Without giving anything away, we liked it because it too many of us, it was the heart of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

What a reminder of how inhumane this country was to their own citizens. The characters are vivid and well developed, the father-. son relationships are surprising and real. A good read

Two young kids from different heritages struggle to remain together through the Japanese internment years.

It was an interesting story about the Japanese-Americans right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the internment of Japanese-Americans. A love story about a Japanese girl and a Chinese boy.

Very insightful about Japanese during WWII in camps. Also informative about Japanese & Chinese relationships.

I loved it. It told about the internment of the Japanese during WWII and it is something that is not talked about much in history books. Plus the character were so well developed. It definitely is a bitter but sweet book.

I thought the characters were well written, nicely developed and easy to fall in love with. The story was beautiful and overall enjoyable to read.

As a group, we overall gave this book a good rating. Our discussion centered mostly on the father/son relationship. Also we talked about how first generation of immigrants wanted to keep their culture and language. Several memtion that they learned alot about what was happening in this country during WWII. And we also ask the question, Could the U.S. government do the same thing today if they wanted to?

This was such a fantastic book to read. Descriptive without being boring, captivating and simply beautiful. Our group really enjoyed it. There were a few parts that we found to be slightly "far-fetched", but they didn't ruin the experience. The group really enjoyed discussing the historical accuracy of the book as it intertwined with the ficitonal love story. An overall great read.

Excellent book. Hard to put down and very interesting. I did not know a lot about the Japaneese segregation and found this amazing.

Our entire book club absolutely loved this book. All ratings were between 9 and 10 (on a scale of 1-10). Many were not aware of the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. This novel is a beautiful love story that is based on factual events during the internment. The author illustrates the deep emotion that was felt across the cultural lines. We all recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It teaches us so much about what love can be and acceptance of other cultures. Truly an amazing read. Your book club will love this choice.

Easy romantic read.

I'd been searching for something "good" to read, had read many of the books friends recommended already. This one is great, I will send it to my Mom.

Wonderful book about the Japanese internment camps in the US. I learned a lot, but couldn't put the book down. It was well written, much like a Romeo and Juliet story.

There is a great additional readers guide on Random House under "Teachers Guide". I thought the questions identified there were much more interesting and stimulated great discussion compared to those printed in the book itself. Our favorite characters were Sheldon and Mrs. Beatty.

I think this is one of the best books I have read in a while. Well written, deals with a lot of issues--young love, families, history, etc in a great way without being too pushy about any of it.

A lovely story but very unlikely elements.

This book has such wonderful elements...and I think it would be excellent for 11th and 12th grade students.

this was a wonderful love story. great story that teaches you alot about the hardships of the early imagrants

The war was sad, the time in America was sad, but a good love story rises above. Wonderful read, highly recommend.

While this book is historically accurate regarding WWII and the related events which happened right here, it still captures the imagination, and is a great read--a look at cultural assimilation in the turbulent 1940s.

loved it!!!

This was not my favorite book but it was an overall decent book. Parts of the book were slow moving and sometimes a little dull but it was very informative about the way Americans of Japenese and Chinese descent were treated during WWII. A nice love story also.

A good read.

It was interesting to read a book about the Japanese internment during WWII. Not a high point in our nation's history by any means. I liked the way Ford toggled back and forth from the 1940's and 1980's. If you like historical fiction, you'll enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, but a good story, with some history involved as well.

Most of our book club members liked it, but it was a slow moving romance novel to me.

Loved this book.

A beautiful story of friendship and love in a time of turmoil during WWII in the US. Very well written fictional account of a Japanese-American and a Chinese-American that become unlikely friends during WWII time of Japanese Internment Camps.

This is one of those books you just WANT to read and want it to go on. The characters and story come to life in your heart and the history fills your brain.

This was a well-written, enjoyable book. The story moved along nicely, and it was filled with historical fiction. I liked the character deveopment and the relationships throughout. It was also a good book to discuss in our club. I would recommend this book to other book clubs.

It took me a while to get through this one. I'm not sure if it was the gloomy subject matter or not.

The historical aspect was interesting. It was a fairly light read but enjoyable.

This is a beautifully written story. I loved the characters and the insight into an aspect of American history with which I had no connection and of which I had little knowledge- not just Japanese and Chinese American sagas in the WW2 era, but Jazz in SanFran (!?- I'm Mid-American Jazz and Blues). How's that for a melange; Jazz with African American, Chinese, and Japanese enthusiasts. There's a little "Romeo and Juliet", some "coming of age", a bit of peri/post-WW2 culture, and family drama- all goodies for an Indie film.
Spoiler alert: Everyone must love a happy ending, even if it's not what or more than you were expecting.

A true page-turner, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford tells the touching story of young love between a Japanese-American girl and a Chinese-American boy who meet during World War II.

LOVED it! It was interesting to read a book around the era of WWII and have the perspective come from the conflict between the Japanese and the Chinese, and how both were treated in the US. The characters are lovely - I simply loved this book.

A bit slow at times but very sweet and romantic.

This was a simple story. There were 12 memebers at the meeting and they all liked, not loved it.

Our book club read this book. We all loved it. Enjoyed reading it and the story is just beautiful.

A very poignant story!

Beautifully written story about a shameful time in American history.

All members really liked this book and would recommend other clubs to try it. We found the story believable and the mix of facts and fiction made it even more so.

After having moved to Washington, it is always interesting to learn more about what happened in it's history. The imprisonmnet of the Japanese was heart breaking and enlightening. The hatred was hard to understand unless you saw the entire picture of the brutality against other countries/people by the Japanese armies, which this book tells. Racism is always about the whole rather than the individuals and the American Japanese people tried to understand.

Great read.

An insightful coming of age story set in two time periods. This novel focuses on the Japanese internment camps of WWII and the young Chinese protagonist who has lost touch with a dear friend who was taken, along with her family, to a camp. Years later, he discovers clues as to her fate. This is a great companion to Tall Grass and is also a coming of age novel like To Kill a Mockingbird.

Very poignant...good transition between past and present. Loved it!!

We loved the story and characters and there was much to discuss

Jamie Ford does an excellent job of describing cultural attitudes and how backgrounds come together in the city of Seattle in the 1940s and 1980s. Wonderfully written--a must read!

a predictable love story with glimpses of history that most of us do not know about, the japanses internment camps in the 40s

A bittersweet tale of heartache which takes place during the Japanese internment in the US. Other books have be written on this subject but Ford's depiction of this period in history is not biased but poignant, romantic, and humorous at times.

Our group discussed that all in all, it was a decent read, but some of the characters seemed flat and the ends were all too "nicely" tied up...It was okay, but not super compelling

Everyone in our book club really liked the book. Some even said they loved it. We enjoyed learning about the racial and cultural differences that existed in a neighborhood in Seattle during WWII, and how those difference affected the characters. We also enjoyed the sweet love story that kept us turning the pages.

A nostaglic story of star crossed lovers with a WWII backdrop. It was an easy engaging read.

There are so many books about the holocaust and few on this topic. I love to gain new insight on an embarrassing piece of our history.

A good look at an event that is often glossed over or not taught at all.

I was so moved by this story. It was a wonderul read and all the relationships in this book makes it a great discussion book for a book group.

A sweet story of a boy and his quest for the truth about his first love.

Although the book didn't seem to be anyone's favorite, everyone enjoyed it and we had a great discussion. The different perspective on WWII of the relationship between Chinese and Japanese immigrants was unique. The book contains a lot of typical themes like generational struggles, a forbidden love, immigrant identity, and morality, which made it a great pick for our club.

A beautiful read about a time and place I knew little about. I never thought much about the actual cost in humanity of the internment camps and about the racial profiling that occurred at this time.

Ultimately this book is about a love story that starts when two young children of different backgrounds/heritage first become friends. The book made me sad at times, frustrated at others, but happy in the end. It was also very informative as I had no knowledge of Japanese internment camps. I'd highly recommend.

A lovely story about loyalties; toward one's family, country, spouse. I had a very hard time relating to the author. Not only the generational gap, but also the cultural. The story itself was not difficult to read, but difficult to invest in.

Charming novel suitable for adults and older children. Great way to learn more about the United States internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

I loved it. Such a beautiful story of a heartbreaking time in our history.

Everyone in our group loved reading the book and found the story to be inspiring.

I loved the historical parts. His childhood was interesting, exciting and well told. I felt the current paarts were a little slower but very important to the book and I felt they picked up steam and resolved well at the end.

This was a beautiful story about a period in history that Americans do not often delve into. The book brought up some good discussions about race and love.

Our book club loved this book. An insightful look at a difficult time in our history - heartwrenching at times. Definitely one of our favorites.

Lovely easy book to read. Expresses the ability of people to live through trying times and become successful and happy.

3 and a half stars. This was a lovely story, but the conclusion felt rushed. Parts of the narrative were really beautifully written and the story was well told, I just wish the ending didn't feel as if it came on so suddenly.

Very intersting story of Asian Americans during the 2nd World War. You will learn a lot!

This book was really well-written and fascinating. It's a great story about what the world was like at the beginning of World War II and what the Japanese Americans went through at the time.

I cannot believe how much prejudice there is in the world. How it's passed down from generation to generation. I cannot understand how people live with themselves with so much hatred eating away at them. It takes a strong man/women to stand up to such hatred and that's the case with Henry and his story. Insightful as to the struggles of the Japanese Americans during WWII and the atrocities that the American people did to them out of stupidity and fear.

The book was very sappy and too romantic, though the history was well portrayed. The author does have potential but I didn't care for the ending.

This book gave me more information about the WWII-era "roundup" of Japanese Americans. I had heard about this happening, but never knew much about it. It was a real eye-opener for me that something like that happened relatively recently in our country's history. Henry's character was well-developed and likeable in spite of his flaws. The story was engaging and a pleasure to read.

My complete book club liked this selection and thought they all learned alot about Father and Son relationships through three generations. A love story, A sad story, but a very good book for club discussion.

A wonderful historical fiction with something for everyone...a little romance, adventure and mystery! Our book club enjoyed it. There are some good questions at the end of the book to discuss.

We have 10 members in our group and invited our spouses as well to this meeting. The 10 women all enjoyed the book and learning about the Japanese internment camps. The men did not like the book as much.

I knew about Japanese internment camps in the US but this book made me think about different aspects of that situation. The parent/child relationship is written well. The whole book would be great for book club discussions. Book feels like it is a true story.

The connection between Henry and Keiko is one that is believable and relatable to those who remember that 'first love'. The underlying historical setting of WWII and the often 'glossed over' treatment of the Japanese Americans in our country during that time serve to remind us that we are not always just. What a great discussion our book club had on this novel!

I truly enjoyed this book for the historic perspective of the Japanese internment camps and what transpired during that period. It also gave cultural insight into relationships of the time.

I can't recommend this book enough for your next book club. Such a delight to read and a wonderful story of American history. Read it!

A very moving book about love through the ages despite cultural and political differences.

I thought this gave a look at what has happen in the past and could well happen in present times. It shows the anguish of love loss family and for others. It also shows there can be understanding with people of different cultures and everyday life. You just have to be able to open your hearts and expand your minds that we are all different but the same too.

15 members read Hotel on Bitter/Sweet and all but I really liked it. Part of the discussion included Jamie Ford's website slideshow of sites from the novel with narrative. I felt this was one more book bouncing from current to past; one more oh-how-ugly-we-treated-the-Japanese guilt trip. I thot it moved slowly. I thot it was preposterous that a black jazz man and 12 yr old boy would be such close friends and travel to the Montana concentration camp. Yet, it was a bitter sweet story of 1st love, the ugliness of unfair treatment of whoever was the newest immigrant population that we need to understand, an explanation of both the Chinese and Japanese cultures in the US, the story of modern son vs dad hanging onto the "old ways" contrasted in two generations, and it was about moving on.

This book was easy to get into right from the beginning. It has a lot of historical accuracy of the life one led in the 1940's or "war time" if you were of Asian decent in America. It bridges the gap between these race differences to find true love, friendship, and loyalty.

I found the book a bit slow in the middle but the ending made up for any deficiencies. I think it would have been more realistic had the main characters been a bit older....perhaps in their mid teens. I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to others. Probably a lot to discuss at our next meeting.

Our book club really found a lot to discuss in this book--racial prejudice, culture clash of Chinese and American culture, and the struggles of father and son to understand each other

I personally liked the book very much. The switching back and forth from childhood to adult was a little unsettling but over all the story showed how horrible war can be to the American families of Japanese descent. The relationship between father and son and then the next generation between the father and son how much the prejudices between cultures had changed. Our book club gave the book a 3.7 rating

We had 14 members at our last meeting,13 had read the book. We rated the book at 3.7. I really like the book. It was a little unsettling going back and worth from childhood to adult as it depicted the generation differences of fathers and sons. It was very informative about how the Japanese were treated during the early 1940's and had to abandon their possessions and property and go to camps for several years. I would recommend this book.

Another portion of American History is revealed through this romantic story of two young people, from different cultural backgrounds, caught up by anti-Japanese sentiment during World War II.

Easy read. Nice story. Learned a little bit more about WWII and what kind-of impact it had on Japanese Americans. Nice love story.

A lot of great discussion topics.

I have recommened this book to my friends. I was a good read.
The chacaters were believable.

Our group focused more on the topic of the internment of Japanese in the US during WWII than on the writing of the book. The characters were drawn well enough, which generated the emotional response to the historical aspects of the story. However, while many were entertained by the coming of age story, family dynamics or the friendships and love story, overall the reaction was that the book was very light reading - especially for one centered on such a tragic time. Most agreed that this book could almost be categorized as "Young Adult" lit. Nevertheless, the group was glad the book was included on our reading list as it's generated so much attention.

The book was interesting from an American history side. The writer was excellent.

A very informative book. Gave insight into the lives of Japanese Americans during World War II. A bit slow in the beginning, but gently pulls the reader into relationship with the main character.

Loved the characters and the plot. I guess I am just an old romantic. Also loved learning about the history of the Japanese Americans during WWII and also about the beginning of the Seattle jazz. Good book for group discussion on many levels.

Besides being a love story, the reader learns something about American history.

It had a very unique ending. Good story line. Enjoyed reading this book.

It turns out we picked it for May which is Asian Heritage Month. Another book club we belong to read "Unbroken" and the difference between the two books as well as the similarities provided an interesting discussion.

We found this book slow to start but then it was informative and interesting. We enjoyed the book and would recommend it to other book clubs.

It's an eye opening experience about a time that seems to be hidden with shame.

An excellent read, and well written. I highly recommend it.
A love story with some history of WW11 included.

I like the book - no more, no less. An easy read that ends on a positive note - and I learned something in the process.

Interesting, Romantic book. Couldn't put it down . Would have liked a few more chapters following the characters lives further. Ended abruptly.

I personally enjoyed the book and gave it an 8 on a scale of 1-10. Most everyone at the meeting liked it and rated it between a 7-9. I would recommend it for a book club selection.
For the summer, we chose to let everyone read on their own and when we come back in the fall each person well report on their favorite book for the summer. We have never done this before and are excited to try it.

One of my all-time favourites now. Found it to be extremely touching as well as very educational. I recommend it to friends left, right, and center now!

Great book, I knew very little if anything about this time in American history. So informative. I felt I was there.

Our book club enjoyed the book. It's a great book for discussion. So much to talk about!

Very interesting bok. Gave information on how we treated those who were different during WW11. Lots of things to talk about.

Not a book I would have chosen on my own, but one that I am glad I read. It was written in a way that made you believe it could have actually been a true story.

The book is an interesting insight into how we as "Americans" treat other cultures in time of crisis. Our biggest question of the evening was: do we do the same thing in today's society? How did we treat 'outsiders' after 9/11? How do we treat them today? A question that should prompt great conversation.

A wonderful informative book.

I enjoyed the mixture of fiction and non-fiction. The story and characters were fiction, but the events and places are real. I hadn't thought much about that part of WWII. I found this book to be beautifuly written and overall a good read.

Our club had a very enjoyable discussion of this book. All liked the book, Henry and Sheldon were favorite characters and the contrasts between groups within the story were discussed in detail. Many liked the historical back and forth of chapters and the author's way of describing people and events and cultural differences. Some feel that there should be a sequel to this book, because the ending left the future of Henry and Keiko open. Very satisfying book club book.

This is a very lovely and informative book. The novel is very well written and it truly enlightens the reader.

I really liked this book it was a beautiful story and I think talking about it in a book club would add to the beauty.

This was my first book that I read on my Kindle, so that was a new experience for me. I loved the story of friendship and was intrigued by the relationships in this book.

I recommended this book to our Book Club because I thought it was fantastic, inspiring, and romantic. It has the age old conflict between father and son, but it is so much more. It is a historical fiction, a love story,and a story of friendship and survival. A Chinese young boy and a Japanese young girl meet and life throws them some very difficult circumstances.

I really liked the book as it told me a lot about the events arising among the Japanese Americans at the time of the war. It was a very well written book.

I was afraid to read this book because of the title. I did not want to read anything sad. I was glad, however, as soon as I got to the second chapter that our reading group had selected this one to read. The characters were lovable and diverse, and the experience as told by Henry, were by turns uplifting and infuriating! I expected it to end happily and I was not disappointed.

This is one of my favorite books of the summer.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters.

I liked this book. I liked the characters. It gave me an insight into the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, Jamie Ford’s first book, tells the touching story of Henry Lee, a Chinese-American, and his childhood friendship with and ongoing love for Keiko Okabe, a Japanese-American.

The book begins in 1986 with a discovery in the basement of the Panama Hotel of the old belongings of Japanese-American families who were taken from their homes and interred during World War II. The hotel is located in what was, before the Japanese-Americans were rounded up, Japantown and stood between there and Chinatown in Washington state.

Subsequent chapters in HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET are divided into flashbacks to the 1940s and continuation of 1986. In this way we discover Henry’s and Keiko’s story and a love that never ends or is forgotten in spite of bigotry, ages-old traditions, lies, and years of separation caused first by internment, then also by deception.

HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET is praised by many. It was because of all the rave reviews that I read the book. But, while I don’t consider it a waste of my time, I have to admit that I was bored by the many flashbacks to 1942 with Henry’s bigoted father and nasty classmates at his “all-white” school where he went “scholarshiping” at his father’s insistence. I also found the flashbacks to be too slow and predictable.

Even so, that’s me. I’m sure most readers will find satisfying what I thought was predictable. The book is well written and full of accurate historical details. And, although I was not surprised at the ending, I think I would have been unhappy if it had been any other way.

A quick read and an endearing story.

This debut novel bounces between modern times and World War II and follows a man and the two loves of his life. Dealing with the Japanese internment in WWII, the novel informed me of conflicts between Chinese and Japanese of which I was unaware. Themes include parent-child conflict and communication. Recommend it.

Great book. Really enjoyed the characters and felt the deep connection they experienced at this difficult time in history.

Great book. Love the historical view of the 2 main characters, how their ethnic groups felt about one another, Seattle people in those days, and the way the book turns out. A good read, interesting, made you want to come back tomorrow, or as soon as you could.

I met the Author while on a trip to Wyoming this Summer. He was in Cody, Wy for the opening of the Japanese Enrichment Center in Powell, Wyoming. Very emotional recreation of the Japanese Interment Camp, well done Museum. Tom Brokaw was the guest speaker at the Grand Opening Ceremonies. Perfect time for him to be there with this poignant book.

The characters are beautiful. The read was easy and the history was informative!

This book opened my eyes about a time in our history that I knew very little about. Very good book that taught me a lot!

Our group loved this book! We are all Jewish and we have families who were victims or survivors of the Holocaust. We had families who were German nationalists and thought they were safe, like Keiko's family who were born in the US and were American nationalists.Unfortunately it didn't work that way. Henry and Keiko's love for each other never died thru the many years of separation.

Characters were not developed and the historical reflection of the hatred between Japan and China was inadequately explained or explored. For a first novel brought forth the events of the fortys and readers must ask themselves, "Would not America do the same today?" Isolate a population because of that populations ethinicity.

Predictable from a young author who needs to learn that if you plot out your book your readers will become bored. If you let the story happen your readers will be more enthused.

Love the title of the book! Truly a bitter and sweet love story!

I loved this book!! This book takes you back to the days of the war, and lets you live through the days of being a Japanese-American or Chinese-American following the attack on Pearl Harbor. When a little Chinese-American boy befriends an Japanese-American girl at school only for her to me sent off to the camps for "her own protection". He does everything possible to see her and her family. Sorry, I can't put into words the level this book touched me!

Good story. A terrible time in our country for "Japanese" Americans.

Loved this book, so did our Book Club. Learned alot about what went on stateside during WW2 that I hadn't been aware of. Loved the characters, the story and the flow. Highly recommend this book, it's a winner.

Although I learned about a culture and part of our history that I hadn't known about before, I found it somewhat poorly written and redundant. I feel like I've read this before, but in a different context.

I opened this book expecting one kind of story and closed the book having digested a completely different, unexpected tale. I can't say that it was a story that kept me anxiously awaiting each new chapter butyet there was something about the development of the characters, the depth with which I felt their emotions, that made me want to delve a little deeper into the story. It was an easy read, a story of family, of miscommunication, of trust and mistrust, of overcoming shadows and learning to walk in the light. A story of survival.

All fourteen of us liked this book, which doesn't usually happen. We enjoyed the characters and learned a lot about what was happening in the United States during World War II.

We have 9 women and 2 men in our club....we all agreed we loved this book.

Enjoyable read - sweetly romantic story of a Chinese boy enamored of a Japanese girl who is sent to an internment camp during WWII. Woven through the story is a recurrent theme of the difficult relationships between fathers and sons, and the divides that occur in families who emigrate as one generation retains its homeland identity and the next sees itself as American. Touching story, likeable characters, interesting historical details with a jazz soundtrack running through it. We hope there's a sequel.

More significant information about WWII and humanity.

Everyone in our book blub loved the book. There are many themes to discuss and it provided interesting insight into the lives of Japanese Americans during and after WWII.

Interesting perspective of the internment camps of WWII and the prejeduce that exists in so many cultures. A beautiful story of love, loss, friendship and hope. I very much enjoyed this story.

Collectively we all agreed, this was a #1 book choice for our group. We have been meeting for 10 years, and most of us agreed that this book ranked high in those we will remember. Mostly based on the fact that this book was based off of a real time/place in US history which we knew little about. We discussed comparisons between this book and events surrounding Sept. 11. The relationship between Henry and Keiko was very poignant.

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and educational! Encouraged me to research the subject matter more.

enjoyed reading it. Makes you think about how we treated the Japanese who were American citizens in our country.

This story transported me back in time and inspired me to imagine places I would not have ever visited had I missed this book. I knew, minutely, of the Chinese internment camps, but Ford's story brought them to life in a personal, I-can-just-picture-that way. It gave yet another glimpse into the horrors of war -- not the bomber, bloody battlefield aspect of it, but how it affects humanity one by one....breaks hearts and alters lives forever, even those of children.

Jamie Ford is a promising, but not yet polished story teller. The main characters never quite "bloomed" fully for me, though some side players like Sheldon and Mrs. Beatty were a pleasure to meet. Also, as the book swings back and forth between 1986 and the 1940's, Henry's (the protagonist) voice changes not at all. This prohibited me from being fully immersed because of the continual awareness that 56-year-olds do not think or speak exactly like their 12-year-old selves.

Overall, Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet almost always held my attention, gave me enough well-written words to transport me to its setting, and was well worth the time I devoted to it.

Our book club members generally liked this book; it wasn't one that we "loved" but rather simply "liked". Several members thought it was a bit unrealistic to think that Henry was only twelve when he started his relationship with Keiko - his actions and thoughts were more appropriate for an older boy. It also seemed as if the events in the story were too coincidental. Despite these plot anomalies, we did like the book and learned something about this phase of American history.

Our book club loved this book. We thought this was one of the best reads and a beautiful story. Although you can figure out what is going to happen, the story travels back and forth from past to present and describes a beautiful love story.

I loved it! It gave a great account of people's lives during WWll in the Seattle area. There was racism on all sides and heroes on all sides along the West coast. It's a beautiful book filledd with love.

This story taught me about how people lived in the US during WW II. I loved the characters and their love and respect for each other and all things diffidently the same. LOVE IS LOVE.

Such a great book!

We really liked this book, the back and forth in the story was well done as Henry & Keiko’s story unfolded. I also think Henry going back into his memories taught him a lot about himself just as it taught his son more about Henry.

This was a sweet story; a coming of age story and the relationship between fathers and sons, but with this historic backdrop of a time in US history that I think a lot of people do not like to talk about or just plain don’t know about. I also enjoyed the story of Henry and Sheldon’s friendship that was founded over jazz music and loved that they were still friends in 1986.

This isn’t an action packed story this is a character driven story and I thought all the characters were well written and a very diverse cast of characters that made this an even more interesting read.

I enjoyed this story and as the title infers it is kind of a bittersweet story but one I recommend. This is Jamie Ford’s first novel and I think he deserves kudos for doing so well and I would definitely read more from this author.

Charming story with interesting historical information.

Book was a very interesting but sad story.

This book was highly recommended to me by a friend. I borrowed it from my local library on my Nook and it took me three separate 2 week lending periods to get through it. The story was fine but is was lacking. I just was not that interested in it. I do have 2 boys and a full time job so I prefer books that quickly suck me in and that I just can't put down.

Loved this book! Wish the conclusion would have lasted a little longer, but a great book overall!

The book was an excellent piece of historical fiction. It told a love story of a young Chinese-American boy and a Japanese-American girl within the context of actions taken by the American government to relocate Japanese American citizens during World War II. The main story line was very engaging and believable, and I became very fond of Henry and Keiko, the main characters, and saddened when they were forced apart due to events beyond their control. However, I found Henry's son, Marty, to be a weak character. The dialogue between Henry and his son didn't sound authentic. Also, the ending was a little too neat and easy for a book with a complex problem at its center. It almost seemed like the author took a long time writing the book, but for some reason rushed to write the ending and get it submitted. Overall, the book was thought provoking and interesting to read. I found it engaging and would recommend it to others.

It was a sweet story. the last 50 pages where the best part of it. Much of our book club agreed that it was pretty slow, but historically interesting.

Like the title, the book is bitter sweet.

Every member of our group liked this book. It was interesting and historically correct. We found the story to be very believable during the time frame it happened. We were all a little sad that Henry and Keiko didn't try to find each other sooner. The ending was perfect, it lets you wonder if they were able to re-connect after all those years.

This was a wonderful story. I found it easy to read and very informative. If you liked this one, You will Love The Buddha in the Attic!

Was expecting more drama in this novel.

I read the first 30 pages 3 times before actually finishing the book but very glad I did. I learned a lot about the times and about the Japanese culture. Also enjoyed the relationship developments in the book.

I did enjoy the book, and it did spark an interesting discussion for our group. We are fortunate to have a member that is very knowledgable regarding the Japanese invasion of China and the atrocities committed. That make us understand the hate that Henry's father had for the Japanese people.

We had 17 of our members attend the discussion on this book yesterday. Many of us never new we had interned our own Americans of Japanese decent during the 1940's. We learned so much from this book as to how life was for them and those around them during that time.
Chinese family respect and honor came at a hard price to pay when a young and innocent romance sprang up with two young Americans who were of Japanese and Chinese decent. 16 of us enjoyed this book.

A beautifully written story of love and loss.

It's amazing that the general public is not really aware of the trials endured by those individuals who were "imprisoned" during past wars.........seems like a necessary evil for protection of the masses.

It was very interesting to read about the way the Chinese and Japanese communities in Seattle were so segregated by choice and then how the Japanese were further segregated and isolated by the forced internment. The interpersonal relationships between the main characters were beatifully developed and kept me fascinated and wondering until the very end. I loved this book.....as did every other member of my club who was there to discuss it.

This was a story not often told of the Japanese internment camps in the USA. The story can be slow at times but it is sweet and optimistic. Looking at life through the eyes of a teenager and again through the same eyes of a sixty year old.....what did they learn? What feelings never wavered?

I didn't know much about the awful treatment about Japanese Americans. Crazy that it happened --book well written and intriguing.

Excellent Story Line!

This book covered a rarely documented problem with prejudice between Asian cultures, especially during WWII.

I LOVED this book. I learned a lot about the differences in Asian culture, west coast jazz & the unfortunate way the Japanese residing in the US during WW2 were treated. Young love is so special and the story portrayed between Henry & Keiko stirred up emotions I had long forgotten. Highly recommend & can\'t wait for Jamie Ford\'s next book.

A beautifully written book that informs us of a time in U.S. History where fear led to the mistreatment of Japanese-Americans.

The title captures the story perfectly.

Or understand the issue of the japanese americans during WWII? This is a poignant look at the situation. It is outrageous what americans did to other americans. This personal look into the issue provides ample opportunity to explore our own guilt.

Jamie Ford definitely spent emotional currency with me. I cared; I was emotionally involved. I was emotional especially during some scenes. This book was well written. Some quotes I identified with from p.244 "People relations is hard business. Hard to keep that going. But don't give up, something good will come of it all--things have a way of working out just fine, you'll see... Hope is all I got. Hope gets you through the night..." -SheldonE

Loved it! I think it is a must read for those interested in history. It will open your eyes to events that took place in our own country many may have only heard whispered of.

What I liked about this story is how it dealt with the Japanese Relocation it sought to allow the reader to decide the morality of the situation. It did not try to force a point of view. The Relocation of the Japanese was not the only story there were several stories within this beautifully written book. Family culture, tradition, jazz music and crossing of nationalities were explored with ease and understanding of the difficulties of the time period.

I enjoyed this book very much. This was the second time I read it and I think I enjoyed it the second time even more than the first time. The characters are so real. And the family trials tug at the heart.

this book was informative about the way the American-Japanese families were treated after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was a story about love, honor and friendship. well worth the read.

Oai deki te ureshii desu ....How are you today, beautiful?

That quote from the book says it all....what an incredible, heartfelt, interesting story...this book is set during during World War II and is about the childhood love of a Japanese girl and a Chinese boy during World War II and takes place specifically during the encampment of the Japanese people who lived in Seattle, Washington...it will keep your interest and teach you some history...I learned about The Panama Hotel in Seattle, Washington.

It also is about the conflict between Henry and his Chinese father and the beauty of friendships...it also has some music facts in it for all you jazz fans.

I don't want to give too much away, but it is a nostalgic book and one you will want to tell others about....it is similar to Snow Falling on Cedars.

You will absolutely enjoy it and love it. I loved the story and the lessons learned.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet turned into one of our best discussion. A lot of historical information and what would you do type of questions. Plus good discussions on family dynamics.

The story is about lost love during the internment of the Japanese Americans. It is sad and at the same time a sweet story about young love, lost love, and found love. The story brings to light traditional old world beliefs and customs sometimes clashing with the new world full of promise in America between first generation Immigrants and second or third generation Japanese Americans. It highlights the clash between generations as well as races during the World War II years and the several decades that follow. A sad but poignant story of family loyalty to traditions that are held high above the desires of an individual. Very educational and interesting, but was a slow read because of the sadness of the situation.

Our book club loved this book!! We loved seeing all the forms of love shown and the interaction of the Japanese, Chinese and other Americans during WWII. The writing was concise, interesting and led to a lot of discussion. We enjoyed seeing the internal interplay with the Japanese in the camp with each other and with the Anglo Americans. We all came away satisfied with this read.

This is a period of our history that is not talked about and for many Americans living today, especially those 45 and under, not even known. But it was a hard difficult time, a time for not trusting, simply because you looked different. May we never forget what happened to so many honest hard-working Americans and are we not bordering on doing this again. When we will ever learn? Thank goodness for redemption and true love!!

This book told a story of the Japanese Internment, which I was unaware of. That made it interesting. It is also a love story and I am a sucker for a nice read.

All the members loved this book. There was discussion on the father-son relationship, with Henry and his father, and later Henry and his son. SOme members would have liked for Henry to show some more 'spine' and stand up to his father sometimes...The immigrant experience, now , and then was also discussed at length. The 'hottest' point were the japanese internment camps, and the 'progress' US has made form then to post-911.
I was the only one who found the book 'syrupy'. Would have loved some more 'bitter'. I also compared the book with Snow falling on Cedars, which deals with interracial romance and the japanese internment camps.

Enjoyed reading this book for two separate book clubs on two different occasions and found it equally engaging both times. I could relate to the story of Keiko\'s family in so many ways being a first generation immigrant myself. The treatment of Japanese families during World War II times, in America raises some fundamental questions about the duty of the country to uphold the rights of its own citizens. The issues remain highly relevant and current and make you pause to think what has changed or not changed in past several decades.

Our club really enjoyed this book about the struggle of the Japanese Internment in the Seattle Area. Discussed several themes: immigration, prejudice, bullying, race, assimilation & family relationships. We had almond cookies, fortune cookies & green tea for snacks. We also invited an 84 year old man who was interned at Manzanar, CA, who explained the internment to us and answered our questions. A fabulous day at our Book Club! There are so many things to discuss about this book, I suggest you choose 8-10 questions that cover most of the book and discuss these.

A beautifully written book about father son relationships and long lost loves.

Loved this story and the historical significance of Japanese american experience in war time.

Probably the best book I've read so far this year.

Perfect title...at times sad and at times so sweet...uniquely set during a tense period of American History...insight into the personal lives of the people that lived during that era...we were amazed at the loyalty of the American Japanese citizens even after having been treated so shabbily... we all love books that tie up loose ends and this one does...it also leaves you wondering at the end of the book about possibilities.

I enjoyed the book. It was a very easy read and really kept your attention. I marvel at the imaniganation of the author

This is an excellent book. It revolves around the War years when the Japanese people were put into \'relocation camps\" by the US government. The stories weaves several perspectives through various view points. \"White Americans\", Chinese Americans, Black Americans , and Japanese Americans. The author intertwined each perspective to create a very real story of life during that era.

This was a beautiful story that goes between two generations. I had a hard time putting it down. It was an easy read and had a lot history details that I never knew about.

Our club gained knowledge of World War two and the domestic treatment of Japanese Americans. It was insightful and likely our members will go on to read more on the topic.

I found this book to be very informative regarding the internment of Japanese-American people during WWII. It was very sad to know how these citizens were treated during that tumultuous time in the history of the U.S. The relationships of the characters were deep and long-lasting. I would highly recomment this book.

I loved the story of two young kids with differing family values and cultures from each other but also from the culture that they moved to.