Julie Otsuka
Back in July, I blogged about the summer reading book, When the Emperor was Divine, that my colleagues and I read and discussed in anticipation of leading small groups with the first-years during Orientation. Well last night, the author of the book, Julie Otskua, was on campus to speak about the book and do a reading of the final chapter.
I was moved by her stories she heard growing up of the Japanese-American internment camps her mother was forced to live in after her grandfather was arrested, though to be a Japanese spy, in 1942. What stood out to me is that she said the word "camp" because as common a word to her as "apple," "chair," and "table." She stated her mother constantly told stories of what it was like to live in the internment camp in Utah. Wow. This is our country and our history we're talking about.
What I also found startling was the nods in the room when Julie stated she never learned about the camps growing up. We covered slavery in our history lessons but the rounding up of Japanese-Americans and sending them to internment camps in UTAH? Left out of my history book. And many others. Why!?
She has a new book out, The Buddha in the Attic, which she said is somewhat a prequel to Emperor though not connected. It's about Japanese women who come to America as mail order brides in the early 20th century and ends right before the outbreak of WWII. I'm adding it to my reading list. I recommend you and your book clubs give Emperor or Buddha a try. Great reads and even better discussion.
Oh, and I'm currently addicted to this song...
Cheers.
I was moved by her stories she heard growing up of the Japanese-American internment camps her mother was forced to live in after her grandfather was arrested, though to be a Japanese spy, in 1942. What stood out to me is that she said the word "camp" because as common a word to her as "apple," "chair," and "table." She stated her mother constantly told stories of what it was like to live in the internment camp in Utah. Wow. This is our country and our history we're talking about.
What I also found startling was the nods in the room when Julie stated she never learned about the camps growing up. We covered slavery in our history lessons but the rounding up of Japanese-Americans and sending them to internment camps in UTAH? Left out of my history book. And many others. Why!?
She has a new book out, The Buddha in the Attic, which she said is somewhat a prequel to Emperor though not connected. It's about Japanese women who come to America as mail order brides in the early 20th century and ends right before the outbreak of WWII. I'm adding it to my reading list. I recommend you and your book clubs give Emperor or Buddha a try. Great reads and even better discussion.
Oh, and I'm currently addicted to this song...
Cheers.
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