Dear
Hardcovers and Hangovers,
What
a wonderful evening thanks to Charli. We
were treated to an array of Chinese delicacies and everything was just
fantastic! For once we were all in
attendance and even got a photo to prove it (to be posted at a later date)!
Our
book for discussion was the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie
Ford. Charli started the evening by
delving into the father and son relationships; between Henry and his father and
between Henry and his son. We touched
upon how Henry was made to speak English in the home despite the fact neither
of his parents could understand him. Amy
pointed out how his parents didn’t know America, or adopt it themselves. We loved how Henry translated for his father
during the business deal! How Henry was
made to wear his ‘I’m Chinese’ button; which did proved to be a double edge
sword. We discussed how Henry’s father
forced the fact that he was American but was contradictory in the fact that he
wanted Henry to go to school in China.
Ellen felt this was the father’s way of keeping Henry from Keiko. Other felt that his father was proud of his
homeland and wanted Henry to experience his heritage. Both Ellen and Amy discussed how Henry took
on strength after meeting Keiko. Gaining
confidence from his relationship with her Henry was able to fight back from his
tormentors. On the topic of father and
son relations Marrie wished for more when it came to Henry and Marty’s
relationship. We discussed how Ethel
fell in love with Henry during the trips to the post office throughout those
three years that Henry sought letters from Keiko. We loved the crusty, cranky cafeteria lady,
who in the end proved to be a valuable ally.
She reminded us of the baker in the Susan’s book, Those Who Save
Us. And everyone just loved Sheldon and
Henry’s relationship. Two different
souls brought together with a passion for jazz music and blossomed into a lifelong
friendship! The ending proved to move
fast and tie up the loose ends in a ‘Disney’ kind of way; however, overall this
book was a feel good historical romance.
We
look forward to heading to Maine next time to discuss The Barn Dance by James
Twyman.
Happy
Reading!
Jenn
