Book description
"Sentimental, heartfelt....the exploration of Henry's changing relationship with his family and with Keiko will keep most readers turning pages...A timely debut that not only reminds readers of a shameful episode in American history, but cautions us to examine the present and take heed we don't repeat those injustices."-- Kirkus Reviews "A tender and satisfying novel set in a time and a place lost forever, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet gives us a glimpse of the damage that is caused by war--not the sweeping damage of the battlefield, but the cold, cruel damage to the hearts and humanity of individual people. Especially relevant in today's world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think. And, more importantly, it will make you feel." -- Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain "Jamie Ford's first novel explores the age-old conflicts between father and son, the beauty and sadness of what happened to Japanese Americans in the Seattle area during World War II, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. An impressive, bitter, and sweet debut." -- Lisa See, bestselling author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan In the opening pages of Jamie Ford's stunning debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry Lee comes upon a crowd gathered outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has made an incredible discovery: the belongings of Japanese families, left when they were rounded up and sent to internment camps during World War II. As Henry looks on, the owner opens a Japanese parasol. This simple act takes old Henry Lee back to the 1940s, at the height of the war, when young Henry's world is a jumble of confusion and excitement, and to his father, who is obsessed with the war in China and having Henry grow up American. While "scholarshipping" at the exclusive Rainier Elementary, where the white kids ignore him, Henry meets Keiko Okabe, a young Japanese American student. Amid the chaos of blackouts, curfews, and FBI raids, Henry and Keiko forge a bond of friendship-and innocent love-that transcends the long-standing prejudices of their Old World ancestors. And after Keiko and her family are swept up in the evacuations to the internment camps, she and Henry are left only with the hope that the war will end, and that their promise to each other will be kept. Forty years later, Henry Lee is certain that the parasol belonged to Keiko. In the hotel's dark dusty basement he begins looking for signs of the Okabe family's belongings and for a long-lost object whose value he cannot begin to measure. Now a widower, Henry is still trying to find his voice-words that might explain the actions of his nationalistic father; words that might bridge the gap between him and his modern, Chinese American son; words that might help him confront the choices he made many years ago. Set during one of the most conflicted and volatile times in American history, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is an extraordinary story of commitment and enduring hope. In Henry and Keiko, Jamie Ford has created an unforgettable duo whose story teaches us of the power of forgiveness and the human heart. BONUS: This edition contains a Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet discussion guide and an excerpt from Jamie Ford's Love and Other Consolation Prizes.
Delicious
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Combo Saw
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Shivers
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Friday Fox
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly.
Manly Reno
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Black Mustard
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π
Mr. Gadget
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.
Day Hawk
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers.
Crash Test
π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
CZR
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
101
πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments.
Kawaii Red
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§
Accidental Genius
The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Cowboy Booter
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Celtic Charger
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Mosquit-No
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Highlander Monk
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
TrinitySoul
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
True Sweetness
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Deano
The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience