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lady_mair's review against another edition
3.0
(3.5 STARS)
For bringing to light a portion of American history that I knew nothing about, I would give this 4 stars. The narrators just pulled it down a bit for me. I wanted to connect deeper with Taichi and Evalina, I wanted to ship their romance, but didn’t. I think I got thrown off by the fact that the story begins after they’ve been in a relationship for a couple months, so I didn’t get to see their romance grow. It was just...there.
This book is still worth a read and the history is certainly worth revisiting and remembering.
For bringing to light a portion of American history that I knew nothing about, I would give this 4 stars. The narrators just pulled it down a bit for me. I wanted to connect deeper with Taichi and Evalina, I wanted to ship their romance, but didn’t. I think I got thrown off by the fact that the story begins after they’ve been in a relationship for a couple months, so I didn’t get to see their romance grow. It was just...there.
This book is still worth a read and the history is certainly worth revisiting and remembering.
emmierose_721's review against another edition
5.0
“ Sometimes loving another person feels like the most painful thing there is.”
Sometimes loving a beautiful book feels so painful once it ends. That’s how this book felt. It was highly depressing in some parts, while other parts were extremely tender. I loved the ups and downs this book had.
Evalina is a character that I simply aspire to be. Her activist tendencies were refreshing to see. Often young people are shamed for being politically active, however it’s good that young people learn about the world and everything going on. I love how strong she was in the midst of a terrible time in American history. Also, Taichi is absolutely adorable ❤️
The Relationship:
I found the relationship between Taichi and Evalina to be very sweet. I loved that these two characters had a beautiful ending even though everything else will never be the same again due to the effects of the war. The most emotional part, I felt, was when Evalina promised Taichi that she’d be there at the train station when he returned, and of course, she is. The tears!!
Sometimes loving a beautiful book feels so painful once it ends. That’s how this book felt. It was highly depressing in some parts, while other parts were extremely tender. I loved the ups and downs this book had.
Evalina is a character that I simply aspire to be. Her activist tendencies were refreshing to see. Often young people are shamed for being politically active, however it’s good that young people learn about the world and everything going on. I love how strong she was in the midst of a terrible time in American history. Also, Taichi is absolutely adorable ❤️
The Relationship:
I found the relationship between Taichi and Evalina to be very sweet. I loved that these two characters had a beautiful ending even though everything else will never be the same again due to the effects of the war. The most emotional part, I felt, was when Evalina promised Taichi that she’d be there at the train station when he returned, and of course, she is. The tears!!
kaycee_k's review against another edition
5.0
Within These Lines is a historical book that stole my heart. Historical is a genre that I don't read so much of, but this cover drew me in. I was quite surprised at how much the author made me feel. From happiness to tears. I enjoyed this book!
We start off by getting to know our two main characters, Evalina and Taichi. We learn about there world in 1941 (World War II) about how Pearl Harbor has affected the US. Evalina is an Italian-American while Taichi is the son of Japanese immigrants.
Evalina is a strong female character. She's passionate and loyal. We get to see her life as not only an Italian-American but in love with someone whom most people are looking down on, saying that he and his family aren't Americans and should be here. But that's just the start when he gets sent off to Manzanar Relocation Center (one of ten American concentration camps.) I never learned about this while in school it was until I was out of school when I learned about it., so to get to read about that and see what life was like for them brock my heart. Taichi is a sweet and caring character, to read about what he went through, and how much he loves is inspiring.
All in all, this has been my favorite read so far this year. Within These Lines is filled with the heart of these characters, but the sorrow of our history.
I was sent an ARC, this is a 100% honest review.
We start off by getting to know our two main characters, Evalina and Taichi. We learn about there world in 1941 (World War II) about how Pearl Harbor has affected the US. Evalina is an Italian-American while Taichi is the son of Japanese immigrants.
Evalina is a strong female character. She's passionate and loyal. We get to see her life as not only an Italian-American but in love with someone whom most people are looking down on, saying that he and his family aren't Americans and should be here. But that's just the start when he gets sent off to Manzanar Relocation Center (one of ten American concentration camps.) I never learned about this while in school it was until I was out of school when I learned about it., so to get to read about that and see what life was like for them brock my heart. Taichi is a sweet and caring character, to read about what he went through, and how much he loves is inspiring.
All in all, this has been my favorite read so far this year. Within These Lines is filled with the heart of these characters, but the sorrow of our history.
I was sent an ARC, this is a 100% honest review.
greylandreviews's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley and Blink for honest review
I've only read one fiction book that dealt with the Japanese internment camps and that was Tallgrass but it only gave the view point of a white girl nothing really to do with Japanese-Americans in those camps.
This book in my opinion gave more insight and information about how they were treated during a very dark period of time. Taishi and Evalina story was very believable with the both of their struggles they faced.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Blink for honest review
I've only read one fiction book that dealt with the Japanese internment camps and that was Tallgrass but it only gave the view point of a white girl nothing really to do with Japanese-Americans in those camps.
This book in my opinion gave more insight and information about how they were treated during a very dark period of time. Taishi and Evalina story was very believable with the both of their struggles they faced.
miss_moose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thebookannelida's review against another edition
5.0
Did someone just say historical fiction romance? Yes, please!
Evalina Cassano is a normal Italian-American girl living in 1942, except for the fact that she is in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Evalina and Taichi are determined to be with one another, despite interracial marriage being illegal in California, but their plight is further complicated when anti-Japanese feelings arise after Pearl Harbor and the Hamasakis are forced into an internment camp. Through it all, Taichi and Evalina find their spark to keep loving each other and remain passionate, despite the world pushing them apart.
I fell in love with Evalina and Taichi’s relationship and it being set in an important historical setting made it even more interesting and memorable. Taichi Hamasaki just might be my new book crush! This book definitely deserves all 5 of the stars I’m giving it.
Evalina Cassano is a normal Italian-American girl living in 1942, except for the fact that she is in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Evalina and Taichi are determined to be with one another, despite interracial marriage being illegal in California, but their plight is further complicated when anti-Japanese feelings arise after Pearl Harbor and the Hamasakis are forced into an internment camp. Through it all, Taichi and Evalina find their spark to keep loving each other and remain passionate, despite the world pushing them apart.
I fell in love with Evalina and Taichi’s relationship and it being set in an important historical setting made it even more interesting and memorable. Taichi Hamasaki just might be my new book crush! This book definitely deserves all 5 of the stars I’m giving it.
story_sanctuary's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great story. I love the way this author's characters always have a core of integrity and courage but remain so relatable and easy to connect with. I feel like Taichi's sister is a fantastic character who's probably often overlooked. She added a lot to the story with her strong emotions and fierceness.
I think this book focuses on an important historical moment, one that we need to remember, and it shows not only the horrors of the Japanese internment camps, but the shocking political climate in which the camps occurred.
That said, those elements are so expertly woven into the story that it doesn't feel preachy or like a political statement. At its core, WITHIN THESE LINES is a forbidden love story, plain and simple. Totally worth reading.
I think this book focuses on an important historical moment, one that we need to remember, and it shows not only the horrors of the Japanese internment camps, but the shocking political climate in which the camps occurred.
That said, those elements are so expertly woven into the story that it doesn't feel preachy or like a political statement. At its core, WITHIN THESE LINES is a forbidden love story, plain and simple. Totally worth reading.
crazy_cellist's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Within these lines began painfully slow. There was no real progress, and I wasn't quite hooked. However, I really liked the concept of the book, so I kept reading. I have absolutely no regrets. I especially loved Evalina's fiery perspective on life and how much she protects and defends Taichi and others. I found this book heartwarming and charming while also being on edge and roused by the storyline. Even though this book was written about world War 2, I still found myself in it. Thank you, Stephanie Morril!!
hishandmaiden's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
therealsob's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0