About this title: In the midst of a raging snowstorm, a trial on Puget Sound in the 1950s pits the island's Japanese-American inhabitants against the local fisherman: a courtroom drama plus a study of conflicts between cultures and generations.
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"This book is so well written. The story content itself is very worthy, but the author's descriptions are very vivid and his insight into the human condition is excellent. An especially good read for the history buff."
"This remains my favorite book that I've ever read. It has suspense, romance, heartbreak, injustice, you name it. In addition, the setting is in the pacific northwest where I live and relates the terrible story of how japanese americans were treated in this country during World War II. Guterson's descriptions brought the story into vivid focus. Many of the agricultural references rang true to me, as some of the same practices were in place when I was a boy. Interestingly, I read another of his books and was unimpressed, so I am not sure I would choose any of his other works."
"According to Wikipedia, Snow Falling on Cedars was written by a teacher, taking 10 years to complete. The success of this book should give hope everywhere to teachers who want to be writers. But not just because it was a successful-it is also a good read.
David Guterson's novel was published in 1994, and became a huge hit, spawning a film version in 1999. The front cover gives away its superstar status, with a giant "The Award-Winning #1 Bestseller" badge.
"Oh great," I said to myself after examining the book. I came across this novel when Matt and Anna were simplifying their life and giving away books. I had heard of it, so I took it. But I had it for about almost a year before I read it. That "#1 Bestseller" just turns me away. I don't want people to think I read only bestsellers! I don't want want anyone to assume I'm a DaVinci Code fan! (Disclosure: I haven't read that novel, and I don't want to. Don't make me).
Anyway... this novel was a quick read, even though it's 460 pages long. Once I was into it, I didn't want to stop reading! The novel focuses on a murder trial in the '50s, when there was a lot of anti-Japanese racism resulting from WWII. Set on a Washington state island, the story revolves on the trial of Katsuo, who is accused of killing Carl over wanted strawberry farmland. It is easy for the citizens to get caught up in the racism, because they recall all of the Japanese citizens being interned in 1942, and many are war veterans. The internment of Japanese-Americans was a disgraceful action; this novel is a good reminder to us to not forget it. I don't think I heard about citizens being interned until I was in high school-which is pretty outrageous. Remember, kids, we study history lest we repeat it!
Which brings me to the relevance of this novel: it is really easy to read, sure, and very involving. Guterson has a gift for description: the strawberry fields, the snow, the mossy tree, each character's sex life, etc. But there is more to it than pretty words; it really makes you think about racial profiling and stereotyping. Well, Katsuo is a Kendo master, so he must been responsible for Carl's head wound.
I read that Snow Falling on Cedars is taught in many schools (but also banned in some). It is a great novel to teach for things like language, but more so for the potential discussions about racism. It's scary, because in the past seven years, America has painted all of its Arab-American citizens as potential terrorists. So, please read this novel as a reminder not to let these things happen!"
"I recently heard about this book when I caught part of a radio interview with the author. He was being interviewed about a new book of his, and this one was brought up. Without really describing what the book was about, they made it sound like a wonderful book.
I would like to give this book more than two stars, but there was just too much content that I felt like I needed to skim or skip. The author went into too much detail with some of his flashback scenes, some of which I found completely unnecessary. I really considered just not finishing it, but the outcome of the trial and wether or not the good in people would come out really had me wanting to see how it ended.
The story is focused on a murder trial on a small island off the Pacific Northwest about ten years after WWII. I liked how the author used flashbacks instead of dialogue for most of the witness testimony (except when those flashbacks were like those I mentioned above). The prejudices people held during this time was so disheartening. I loved the compassion that was shown by some of the characters. They realized that people are people, and all deserve respect and compassion."
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