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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Read-Along With Us! Starting Tomorrow!

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