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Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Daniel James Brown

Facing the Mountain

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

832

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

World War II

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1080L

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Super Short Summary

Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown tells the story of first- and second-generation Japanese Americans during WWII, focusing on their forced relocation to US concentration camps and their voluntary enlistment in the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team that fought in Europe, overcoming racial prejudice and proving their loyalty to the United States. This book addresses the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and issues of war, violence, racism, and prejudice.

Inspirational

Emotional

Challenging

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.6

14,453 ratings

92%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Daniel James Brown's Facing the Mountain has been praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative about Japanese American soldiers during WWII. Critics commend its emotional depth and historical insight, though some found the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a powerful exploration of courage and resilience amidst adversity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Facing the Mountain?

Readers interested in Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown typically enjoy historical non-fiction, particularly WWII narratives. Fans of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and The Boys in the Boat by the same author will appreciate the detailed storytelling and profound human experiences explored in this gripping tale.

4.6

14,453 ratings

92%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Character List

Daniel James Brown

An American author born in 1951, specializing in narrative nonfiction about human endurance and overcoming challenges. He is best known for his bestselling book "The Boys in the Boat."

A Jewish Holocaust survivor from Lithuania who authored "Light One Candle," recounting his experiences during World War II and his post-war life in Israel.

An American sociologist of Japanese descent known for his peaceful resistance to World War II-era policies targeting Japanese Americans and for his landmark Supreme Court case.

The chaplain of the 442nd Combat Regiment Team who provided spiritual guidance to soldiers during World War II and continued his ministry in Hawaii after the war.

A second lieutenant in the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II, known for participating in significant military rescues and for his post-war academic career in biology.

A peace activist and pastor originally from Hawaii who experienced World War II in Japan, navigating cultural identity between her heritage and American roots.

A veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who supported artillery operations during World War II and later pursued a career in law and politics in Hawaii.

A member of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, he participated in wartime rescues and earned recognition for both his military service and his post-war engineering career.

A veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who became known for his contributions to environmental work after the war in Spokane, Washington.

A World War II veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, who later became a political activist advocating for systemic change and reparations.

One of the first Japanese American chaplains in the US Army who served during World War II, later contributing to religious and therapeutic work with orchids.

Book Details
Pages

832

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

World War II

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1080L

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