31:T7b2,I have loved this book since the first time I read it. Today I finished rereading it, probably my third read, this time as an audio book. I loved the narrator and how he provided the perfect accents for many of the voices. I think, but I'd have to count again to double check, but this book would be in my top ten of contemporary written books, perhaps my top ten ever.

A profound story highlighting the clash of cultures during WWII in Seattle (white/Caucasian, Chinese, and Japanese, but mainly the latter two), Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet follows the experiences of two adolescents, Keiko, a young second generation Japanese American girl, and Henry, a first generation Chinese American boy. The story is framed by the story of the aged Henry in the 1980s, and his search for a rare, lost record. As the title suggests, the novel is full of poignant moments, both bitter and sweet. There is plenty of conflict, exploring issues such as parental domineering and culturally expected respect, bullying among students as well as between races, obviously race or perceived nationalities, the Japanese internment, and more, so much more. There is a mix of pain and happiness, romance and tragedy, beauty and ugliness. With each reread, I find more moments to savor.

A few favorite gems of quotes:

"As he left the hotel, Henry looked west to where the sun was setting, burnt sienna flooding the horizon. It reminded him that time was short, but that beautiful endings could still be found at the end of cold, dreary days." (p. 77)

"And sometimes hope is enough to get you through anything." (p. 134)

"The realization that words aren't toys to be played with, and hearts were at stake." (p. 260)

"But he couldn't bring himself to speak; like causing ripples on a placid lake, some things are better left undisturbed." (p. 264)

"He'd do what he always did, find the sweet among the bitter." (p. 265)

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Likewise Book Reviews

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