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blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this historical romance about an interracial couple torn apart by racism and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Morrill paints a vivid portrait of life inside Manzanar and out, starring two sympathetic and likable main characters. It's easy to root for Evalina and Taichi even as their lives become increasingly tense and dangerous. All of these elements combine to create a compelling, thought-provoking, and memorable read. Other than violence, it's a clean book that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Soon after the attack of Pearl Harbor, life becomes much more difficult for teen Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki. Evalina and Taichi have been hiding their growing relationship since Taichi's family began delivering produce to Evalina's family's restaurant. Now, resentment for their Japanese- American neighbors are growning in California and talks of relocation centers are starting to arise. Taichi's family is preparing for the inevitable and unknown that awaits them at a War Relocation Center. Evalina is preparing for college without Taichi while wondering how her fellow Americans can be treated with such cruelty. When Taichi and his family are moved, Evalina is there. She continues to fight for the rights of her friends in the Relocation Center while Taichi struggles to navigate his new life.
Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
angiew23's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! I had read another Japanese internment book a few weeks ago and decided I wanted to read another. I was a bit worried about it being young adult, as I was looking for a more mature read, however I found it still tackled important topics of race, interment and the pro-Japan uprising within the internment camps. As with many YA books there were star crossed lovers but I felt the author was able to tell a story that would hold the interest of a young adult reader while still engaging anyone interested in the historical significance of the setting. I would definitely recommend this book to adults of all ages, and am glad to see a historical fiction book that might engage younger audiences to learn about the past!
yourbookishgamermom's review against another edition
5.0
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I fell in love with it from page one. This book broke and repaired my heart only to then break it again moments late. It's a beautiful and moving piece of fiction by Stephanie Morrill. I have to say that I simply adore how this book not only navigated a beautiful, precious and tedious relationship between an Italian-American girl and Japanese-American boy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. A time when rasicm and injustice against the Japanese living in America occurred. I just loved this story of Evalina and Taichi. Two young people in love in a time where it was illegal in most states for them to be married, a time where they were both at risk because of their relationship but still they pushed through.I was rooting for them the whole book! Just couldn't put it down because I NEEDED to know what happened next .
Looking at the characters I loved Evalina's heart and passion in this story. Her heart for the injustice inflicted on many people. Her heart for the one she loved and the passion she put into raising awareness for what was going on that so many people were blinded to. Seeing this passion and this heart in Evalina, I found that I related to her very much in that sense as I saw myself in her.
This book is an absolutely amazing piece of fiction you should not skip out on getting for yourself.
Looking at the characters I loved Evalina's heart and passion in this story. Her heart for the injustice inflicted on many people. Her heart for the one she loved and the passion she put into raising awareness for what was going on that so many people were blinded to. Seeing this passion and this heart in Evalina, I found that I related to her very much in that sense as I saw myself in her.
This book is an absolutely amazing piece of fiction you should not skip out on getting for yourself.
eowyns_helmet's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story and it's a great way to introduce teens to the racism of World War II, sadly still so much a factor in contemporary America. Smart, well-written, perceptive. Recommend.
uwuramengirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
abbyrosereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
leahegood's review against another edition
5.0
How can someone be loyal to a country that has cast him out? How can love survive when all the odds stand against it? How can goodness prevail when those fighting for freedom also violate the virtue they've gone to war to protect?
Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki were never meant to be together ... yet they are determined to be together anyway. But that was before Pearl Harbor. Before people saw an enemy in the slant of Taichi's eyes and the tint of his skin. Before he was evacuated to a detainment camp with no idea of when or if he'll be allowed to leave. What can two young people fresh out of high school do in the face of such overwhelming opposition?
I am so happy I stumbled across the opportunity to read Stephanie Morrill's new book to help with its launch. I was a little skeptical at the love story premise. I like my fiction to be clean and relatively free of sappiness. Happily, I can report that this book, though definitely holding a love story, is both clean (a few mentions of kissing) and any sappiness holds a hard won place in the story.
WWII holds such a prominent place in our countries history. Our memories of the Greatest Generation are closely tied to heroic deeds and rousing patriotism. In the midst of all the well deserved laud, it's easy to overlook the grimmer parts of the USA's journey through WWII. Morrill does a fantastic job of shedding light on this page of history with raw realism, sensitivity, and relevance.
I'm still processing the themes and lessons of this book (stay tuned for a probably future blog post), but this quote from Evalina resonated with me, "As the brilliant sunset cools to gray, I vow my anger over blatant discrimination will not cool. As these rocks stay steady through season changes and time, so I will remain steady. I will not be silent. I will not let this go.” Stories like this remind me not to judge neighbors (Luke 10:25-37) based on fear and assumptions. Stories like this inspire me to be courageously compassionate, fiercely loyal, and graciously determined. And stories like this remind me that holding to one's convictions and moral compass is always the right course of action, even when your pride is bruised and your loyalty tested.
I'm excited for this book to release and for others to enjoy it as much as I did.
*I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book free of charge. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.
P.S. Want to read another book set around the Japanese Internment Camps? Try [b:Weedflower|224392|Weedflower|Cynthia Kadohata|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1389240169s/224392.jpg|217318].
Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki were never meant to be together ... yet they are determined to be together anyway. But that was before Pearl Harbor. Before people saw an enemy in the slant of Taichi's eyes and the tint of his skin. Before he was evacuated to a detainment camp with no idea of when or if he'll be allowed to leave. What can two young people fresh out of high school do in the face of such overwhelming opposition?
I am so happy I stumbled across the opportunity to read Stephanie Morrill's new book to help with its launch. I was a little skeptical at the love story premise. I like my fiction to be clean and relatively free of sappiness. Happily, I can report that this book, though definitely holding a love story, is both clean (a few mentions of kissing) and any sappiness holds a hard won place in the story.
WWII holds such a prominent place in our countries history. Our memories of the Greatest Generation are closely tied to heroic deeds and rousing patriotism. In the midst of all the well deserved laud, it's easy to overlook the grimmer parts of the USA's journey through WWII. Morrill does a fantastic job of shedding light on this page of history with raw realism, sensitivity, and relevance.
I'm still processing the themes and lessons of this book (stay tuned for a probably future blog post), but this quote from Evalina resonated with me, "As the brilliant sunset cools to gray, I vow my anger over blatant discrimination will not cool. As these rocks stay steady through season changes and time, so I will remain steady. I will not be silent. I will not let this go.” Stories like this remind me not to judge neighbors (Luke 10:25-37) based on fear and assumptions. Stories like this inspire me to be courageously compassionate, fiercely loyal, and graciously determined. And stories like this remind me that holding to one's convictions and moral compass is always the right course of action, even when your pride is bruised and your loyalty tested.
I'm excited for this book to release and for others to enjoy it as much as I did.
*I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book free of charge. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.
P.S. Want to read another book set around the Japanese Internment Camps? Try [b:Weedflower|224392|Weedflower|Cynthia Kadohata|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1389240169s/224392.jpg|217318].
misterintensity's review against another edition
4.0
Italian American Evalina and Japanese American Taichi are dating. Their relationship is put to test when the U.S. government interns Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. With Taichi in an internment camp, Evalina struggles to keep the relationship alive. Morrill wrote a powerful story that shows the impact of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II on an interracial couple. Evalina and Taichi is already a couple when the novel begins, albeit their relationship is kept a secret from both sets of parents. The novel alternates between Taichi's life inside Manzanar Relocation Center and Evalina's life outside of it. The book excels at showing what went on at Manzanar, particularly the tension between Japanese Americans who supported the United States's are effort and those who supported Japan's. Evalina and Taichi are the point of view characters but we also spend some time with their family and friends which makes their story feel more natural, although some readers may find one or both characters and their romance a little too "perfect." Highly recommended for libraries that want to build their young adult historical fiction collections.