TODAY'S BOOK: A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING BY RUTH OZEKI
It's dark and heavy at times, I won't lie to you. This isn't your average holiday feel-good read. But it's so wonderfully well-written, and though it's an utterly different story from my own, I saw an unquestionable reflection of my own life, my own feelings, and even some of my own experiences as a Japanese-American in this book. If you're interested in a narrative glimpse of the Japanese-American Experience, I'd definitely recommend this read.
I found myself excited to have discovered not only this book, but its author. Ruth Ozeki is not only an acclaimed writer, but is also a distinguished independent filmmaker, and a Zen Buddhist priest. Her website "Ozekiland" gives thorough introduction to Ozeki and her works.
Lastly, today (February 19th) marks 74 years since the Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the midst of World War II. The order authorized the deportation of "all people of Japanese ancestry" to internment camps as a matter of national defense against Japan. People of Japanese descent all over America, including 70,000 American citizens, were forced to leave their homes and life savings behind. This order was a historical mistake stemming from nothing but fear and prejudice. It is a mistake that I desperately hope we have learned from, especially during our current times. This blog post is dedicated to the many many innocent Japanese-Americans who lost everything they had due to this dark mark in America's history, and also to the strength and courage they mustered during their time in and out of the internment camps.
Sincerely,
justajae