Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Jamie Ford is coming to Kokomo Tomorrow!

Don't forget to get your free tickets to the Jamie Ford event tomorrow night! 

December 1, 2011
Author Jamie Ford Visits

Jamie Ford will speak and sign autographs at 7:00 p.m. at IUK Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN.

Although the Dec. 1 event will be free, you are encouraged to pick up a ticket to the event at any Library location, including the Greentown Public Library, in order to be guaranteed a seat. Tickets will be available starting October, 1, 2011.

Howard County Reads is sponsored by the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and Greentown Public Library. Special 2011 partners include the Women's Symposium, Elizabeth Handley Estate and Indiana University Kokomo.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Fifteen

Part 15:   Catch up and Review

We made it!  We read the entire novel in less than 15 days.  I hope you enjoyed the novel as much as we did.  This is really a novel that touches the reader.  It talks about relationships, regrets, and memories.
 
Discussion:

  1. What did you think of the father-son relationships in the novel?

  2. Do you think Ethel knew anything about what was happening to Keiko and Henry's letters?

  3. What do you think will happen next for Henry?

  4. Henry obviously had some regrets about his life, and his relationship with Keiko.  I think we all eventually come to regret some choices we have made whether they are small or large like Henry's.  Sometimes we can accept those choices, but some leave us longing to go back and see how things could be different.  Do you have anything you wish you could go back and change?

  5. What was your favorite part of the novel?

  6. Was there any particular part of the novel you wanted to discuss?
Other comments on this section...

Thank you so much for participating in our read-along!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Please let us know what you think about the book and our read-along in the comments!

How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Fourteen

Part 14:    "Broken Records (1986)" through "New York (1986)" pages 266-285.


Welcome to day fourteen of the Read-Along!  We have officially finished the novel.  I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I have.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for some wrap up discussion, and a chance to share your final thoughts on the novel!
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. Why do you think Henry is so reluctant to look for Keiko?

  2. When Sheldon tells Henry to "fix it" what do you think he wants Henry to fix?

  3. If you found a long lost friend or loved one, what would be the first thing you would want to tell them after all that time apart?
Other comments on this section...

Check back here tomorrow for some final comments and discussion on this wonderful book.
How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Thirteen

Part 13:   "Years (1945)" through "V-J Day (1945)" pages 246-265.



Welcome to day thirteen of the Read-Along!  Two more days and we will have completed the read-along.  I hope you have enjoyed the book as  much as I have.
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. In this part of the novel we skip forward a couple of years and Henry's communication with Keiko has faltered some during that time.  Why do you think Henry is getting so little news from Keiko?

  2. What do you think about Henry's father still refusing to speak to him after all this time?

  3. What do you think of the deal Henry makes with his father to keep the Panama Hotel from being sold?

  4. What did you think of Ethel meeting Henry at the Panama Hotel?

  5. What did you think of Henry's father's confession when he tells Henry "I did it for you?"
Other comments on this section...

For Thursday we will be reading our final portion of the novel "Broken Records (1986)" through "New York (1986)" pages 266-285.  See you back here tomorrow!

How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Twelve

Part 12:   "Waiting (1942)" through "Letters (1943)" pages 226-245.


Welcome to day twelve of the Read-Along!  We only have a couple more days of reading to go.  I don't know about you, but often when I get to this point in a book, I find it hard to put down.  I keep reading until the finish because I just have to know how this novel will end.
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. Keiko and her family accept Henry the way he is.  Why do you think that acceptance was so important and so foreign to Henry?

  2. Despite the way they have been treated, Mr. Okabe and the other Japanese say that they are loyal and show their loyalty by being obedient?  Would you have been loyal/obiedient in similar circumstances?

  3. What do you think of Henry's father's plan to send him away now?  What do you think was motivating it?
Other comments on this section...

For Wednesday we will be reading "Years (1945)" through "V-J Day (1945)" pages 246-265.  See you back here tomorrow!

How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Eleven

Part 11:   "Thirteen (1942)" through "Sheldon Thomas (1986)" pages 208-225.


Welcome to the last week of the Read-Along!  I hope you are enjoying the book so far.  We are almost done, and I know I have really enjoyed reading this remarkable novel. 
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. How does Henry change when he turns 13, the age of adulthood in Henry's family?

  2. Do you think Henry is to blame for his father's condition?

  3. Did you expect what Henry did with the Oscar Holdin record?
Other comments on this section...

For Tuesday we will be reading "Waiting (1942)" through "Letters (1943)" pages 208-225.  Enjoy the reading for tomorrow!
How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Ten

Part 10:   "Camp Anyway (1942)" through "Stranger (1942)" pages 186-207.


Henry is now living with the consequences of his actions, a stranger in his own home.  Henry seems to accept the consequences for his actions, but I had more difficulty.  I hope you are enjoying the read-along.  Don't forget to chime in with what you think of this novel in the comments!
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. What do you think of the way Henry's parents treat him after he saved Keiko's bleongings?

  2. Why do you think Henry and Keiko had so much trouble admitting their feelings that last night at Camp Harmony?

  3. What do you think of Henry's father telling him "You are a stranger to me?"  Do you think he is blaming Henry for his own condition?
Other comments on this section...

For Monday we will be reading "Thirteen (1942)" through "Sheldon Thomas (1986)" pages 208-225.  Take some time, catch up on your reading, and enjoy your weekend!

How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Nine

Part 9:   "Home Again (1942)" through "Sheldon's Record (1942)" pages 166-185.


Something about this book just pulled me in from the very beginning.  There is something significant about the father son relationships in this novel and they are very important to the characters.  We see our main character Henry, as both a father and a son, and his isn't perfect at either.  How similiar are fathers and sons really?
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. Henry's father wants him to get a traditional Chinese education, but is making his son wear a button saying "I'm American" and won't let him speak Cantonese at home.  What do you think of this contradiction?

  2. Why do you think Henry and Marty talked so little about Henry's father?

  3. What did you think about how Henry's father reacted to finding Keiko's albums?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Camp Anyway (1942)" through "Stranger (1942)" pages 186-207.  See you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Eight

Part 8:   "Sketchbook (1986)" through "Visiting Hours (1942)" pages 140-165.


In this section of the novel we see Henry finding things that belonged to Keiko and her family in the Panama Hotel.  It was interesting to see his reaction after finding so many long lost items.  Hope you are enjoying the story.
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. Why do you think Keiko's sketchbook was one of the items left in the Panama Hotel?

  2. When Henry finds the record, he breaths "a sigh of quiet relief."  Why do you think he was relieved to find a broken record?

  3. What do you think the broken record represents?  Do you think it is symbolic?

  4. Henry says the record like so many other things in his life have arrived damaged and mentions his father, his marriage, and his life.  What do you think he means by this?

  5. What do you think of Mrs. Beatty?

  6. What do you think of Camp Harmony?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Home Again (1942)" through "Sheldon's Record (1942)" pages 166-185.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Seven

Part 7:   "Parents (1942)" through "Empty Streets (1942)" pages 119-139.


Hope you enjoyed the reading yesterday!  This book really has me hooked.
 
Discussion Starters:

  1. There were some advantages to the fact that Henry's father wouldn't let him speak Cantonese anymore.  Do you think Henry was wrong to use these circumstances to his advantage?

  2. After the Japanese reolcation from Bainbridge Island, Henry notes that things at school were normal and even peaceful and that it seemed like the event had never happened.  How do you think that made Henry and Keiko feel?  How does that make you feel?

  3. What do you think of Keiko's family?

  4. What do you think of Henry's mother's offer to speak to him?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Sketchbook (1986)" through "Visiting Hours (1942)" pages 140-165.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Six

Part 6:   "Tea (1986)" through "Records (1942)" pages 103-118.


Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a chance to catch up for those of you who fell behind.  I look forward to another week of reading this novel. 
Discussion Starters:

  1. In the basement of the Panama Hotel Henry searches for memories and reminders of the past.  Have you or someone close to you ever gone on such a search?  Did you find what you were looking for?

  2. Samantha asks Henry why he chose not to go back to Japantown after his father died.  Henry said it was too painful.  What memories do you think he was afraid of stirring up?

  3. What did you think of Keiko's surprise for Henry?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Parents (1942)" through "Empty Streets (1942)" pages 119-139.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Five

Part 5:   "Ume (1986)" through "Downhill (1942)" pages 82-102.


Well, we made it through our first week of reading.  I hope it has been fun for all of you.  We will continue our reading again on Monday, so everyone can catch up or just relax this weekend.  But befor you do that, feel free to discuss what you read today!
Discussion Starters:

  1. Why do you think Henry grafted the Ume tree he found in the Japanese Kobe park rather than one of his father's?

  2. What do you thin of Henry disobeying his father and thwarting Mr. Preston's plans for carving up Japantown?

  3. Henry takes a big chance hiding Keiko's family's belongings?  Given the circumstances at the time would you have been willing to do the same?
Other comments on this section...

For Monday we will be reading "Tea (1986)" through "Records (1942)" pages 103-118.  Hope to see you all back on Monday!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Four

Part 4:   "I am Japanese (1986)" through "Marty's Girl (1986)" pages 61-81.


Welcome to day four!  We have almost made it through a full week of reading. I hope you are enjoying this book!

Discussion Starters:

  1. Why do you think Henry told Marty so little about his childhood?

  2. Why do you think Henry wants to tell Marty about Keiko and his past now?

  3. After Excutive Order 9102 the people of the Japanese community began to destroy personal items, photos, and anything that could connect them to their Japanese heritage.  If it were you and your family belongings, what would be the hardes thing for you to burn or destroy?

  4. Marty seems to think Henry is a lot like his grandfather.  Would you agree based on what you have read?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Ume (1986)" through "Downhill (1942)" pages 82-102.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Three

Part 3:   "Lake View (1986)" through "Jamaican Ginger (1942)" pages 41-60.


So what do you think of our story so far?  Are you enjoying the read-along?  Feel free to comment and let us know what you think!

Discussion Starters:

  1. Henry buys his mother starfire lilies and also leaves them on the grave of his wife.  What do you think is the significance of the flower?

  2. Why do you think Henry leaves the quarter on Ethel's grave?

  3. Why do you think Henry does not tell his parents about the bullying going on at school?

  4. Why do you think Jazz is so important to Henry?

  5. Whatdo you think Keiko means when she says; "You are Chineses, aren't you Henry?"
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "I am Japanese (1986)" through "Marty's Girl (1986)" pages 61-81.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part Two

Part 2:  "The Walk Home (1942)" through "Dim Sum (1986)" pages 22-40


I hope you enjoyed yesterday's discussion starters.  Today we find out a little more about Henry, Marty, and the crew.  Let us know what you think!

Discussion Starters:

  1. Henry knows Chinese, but isn't allowed to speak it and Keiko never learned Japanese.  What do you think this says about the culture of the time and their societies?

  2. Why do you think the Oscar Holden record is so important to Henry?

  3. Why do you think Ethel's illness became such a wedge between Henry and his son?

  4. It seems like from their first meeting Keiko and Henry have a connection.  Why do you think that connection is so important to them?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "Lake View (1986)" through "Jamaican Ginger (1942)" pages 41-60.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!


How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Read-Along: Part One

How the Read-Along Works

Each day we will read a section of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford together.  After reading each section, please feel free to comment, and add your thoughts about the book.  The more input, the better this works!  Comment as little or as much as you want, and feel free to stray from the discussion starters if you have something else about the book you really want to discuss.  Most importanly, have fun as we read this book together!

Part 1:  "The Panama Hotel (1986)" through "Keiko (1942)"  pages 1-21

Welcome to our first day of reading and thank you for joining us!  I hope you enjoy yourself as we read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.  For this first section we are introduced to our characters, Henry, his son Marty, Henry's father, and Keiko.  The story is told both in the present day and in the past.

Discussion Starters:

  1. What is your first reaction to the relationship between Henry and his son Marty?

  2. What is your first reaction to the relationship between Henry and his own father?

  3. What do you think of the contradiction Henry's father creates by making him wear an "I am Chinese" button, but not allowing him to speak Chinese in his own home.

  4. How do you feel about the story flipping back and forth between the two times?
Other comments on this section...

For tomorrow we will be reading "The Walk Home (1942)" through "Dim Sum (1986)" pages 22-40.  Hope to see you all back tomorrow!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Read-Along With Us! Starting Tomorrow!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
The read-along for Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet begins tomorrow!  Be sure to join us here on Monday, November 7th for the start of our 15 day read-along.  We will read the entire book in 15 days (Monday-Friday only) by only reading around 20 pages a day!  Easy!  Drop by each day for a little discussion of what we read and to share what you think about the book as you are reading it. 







Read-Along Schedule:
  • November 7th, Part 1:  "The Panama Hotel (1986)" through "Keiko (1942)"  pages 1-21
  • November 8th, Part 2:  "The Walk Home (1942)" through "Dim Sum (1986)" pages 22-40
  • more to come