After reading my reviews on amazon.com, the author graciously offered me this complementary (and autographed) copy of his book, asking me to read and review it for amazon.

From the back cover:
In a story of historical fiction, author Dan Davis Maloney captures a compelling tale of love, revenge, prejudice and triump in Sunrise on Kusatsu Harbor. Told through the eyes of a narrator, Mieko and Tori's story began in Japan during World War II. They were a couple with dreams of marriage and family until the fateful day that Mieko was called to serve his country.

You'll feel heartbreak, fear and astonishment as you turn the pages to reveal the world of these two friends and lovers whose lives take different paths after the war. Mieko would not rest until he gained revenge, but Tori sought only love. Their story culminates in an ending that will leave you inspired.

The author resides in Naperville, Illinois with his wife and three daughters. His experiences and research led to aspects of this intriguing fictional story that are both realistic and frightening. Internet readers in over 28 countries have expressed their appreciation for this tale that promises to take you to a place you have never been before. For more information, visit his website www.DanDavisMaloney.com


My review:
Many of us reflect on war in an impersonal manner, as something that's happening far away to someone else, and therefore doesn't really affect us. The effect of the conflict on innocent civilians isn't often given much thought. However, when a story is masterfully told from the propective of realistic and likeable characters, it evokes amazing feelings of sympathy and compassion. This is a story that makes you think about living life to the fullest. Tori is such a strong and admirable heroine, who fought for her fate and didn't get beaten down by adversity. Her love conquered Mieko's intent on revenge, effectively illustrating how we must forgive and let go of past hurts in order to move forward and find inner peace.

Don't be fooled by the thinness of this book - it packs a powerful punch in its 140 pages. The author has a wonderful style of writing pulls the reader into the story, and one cannot help being moved and forever affected by Tori and Mieko's plight. All history textbooks should be this engaging!

This book is destined for a small bookring. If you're so inclined, perhaps you can post a review of this book on amazon too, although it's certainly not a requirement for joining this bookring.

Nuttyreader in Texas
smhamn in Ohio
PaulsBooks (aka Tostle) in Utah
booklover in California
UnwrittenLibra in Maryland
return to valentina1209 in NY

RELEASE NOTES:

beginning its journey with nuttyreader

This came today. I am reading it now as I have no others in line TBR just books to be sent back out.

Waiting for the address and will send it on.
I think this is a remarkable book. Thanks for the chance to read it. No coincidences.

After I got the address it landed in my daughters car and she was on her way out of town. Sorrly but as I cannot drive any more it was in the car a good while before she had time from work to get to the PO. It wa mailed the 18th.

Book arrived today!! Thanks!!

Wow!! It is not often that a book captures my attention that I read the book in one sitting. This is a powerfully written story. Every August we hear about the bombings that occured in Japan during the war. We hear about the devastation. This story tells us how it affected individual people, how it affected Mieko and Tori. How it changed their lives forever. But love conquers all. Thank you my friend for sharing this book with me!

To quote a statement made by Tori in the book: "We must all learn to forgive one another."

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending to the next bookring participant!!

Thanks! I received this book and will start reading it soon!

(aka PaulsBooks)
What an amazing tale of love and forgiveness! I felt so many emotions as I read this story. I certainly felt despair and sadness at the horrible effects of war on so many families. The American and the Japanese people suffered such atrocities, and yet, many did not see the others devastation. The bigotry was well-represented in this story.
There are so many quotes that affected me so deeply.
The author's note at the very beginning describe some of the lessons I have learned in the past few years:
"Look back on your life's path and you will find that the fears you once had look much different now than when you faced them for the first time. As we take this journey into the unknown, resolve to live without fear, as today is only a perception subject to change." -Dan Davis Maloney
I appreciate Grandfather's wise advice to Mieko: "Now that you are getting older, you must remember that above all things in life, your family must always come first."
Tori was an incredible person. She exemplified such love and respect for humankind. I loved her spirit of forgiveness and kindness. I was sad Mieko was so consumed in hatred that he could not recognize Tori sooner. I love Tori's prayer: "I pray that no other countries will ever use such powers in war. I pray for strength to forgive...I pray to forgive them because forgiveness from us is imperative in order for everyone to live peacefully." Imagine our world if every single person would strive to live as Tori and live in a spirit of love and forgiveness. Imagine a world without war and hatred!
Thank you for sharing this amazing and powerful book with me. I will be sending it to booklover!

Received this book in the mail yesterday. This is a mini-bookring started by valentina1209. I will read it and send it on to Unwritten Libra. Thanks tostle for the extra book from my wish list (Peace like a River.)

Great tale of love and forgiveness. I read this in one sitting. This book gives good details of how individual lives were affected in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Will send this off to UnwrittenLibra.

Received it earlier in the week...thanks, booklover! I might not get to it for awhile as I have a few other bookrings to take care of, but it looks like a fun, easy read. Can't wait. Thanks also to Valentina1209 for including me in this ring!

Finished this book a few days ago...some parts were confusing but overall it was a page turner. A word to the wise - read it in ONE SITTING. I made the mistake of stopping halfway - boy was I wrong!!! It ruined the mystique of Maloney's world. The plot was woven together very nicely, but some places it seemed the ribbon was tied too tight. Still, I found the characters sympathetic (except for the narrator, really) and it definitely was a quality read. Kudos, Dan Maloney!

Holding it for some unknown bookcrosser in the future per request of valentina1209.

Back to valentina1209 in NY with today's mail. It was sent from Amherst, MA. Go book go!

book arrived safely home yesterday. Thanks to all participants!

RELEASE NOTES:

RABCK to lake1044 in Utah.

I hope this book can continue being control released to other bookcrossers, rather than sent off into the wild.

Valentina1209,
Thank you for the RABCK! I will read this book and continue its Controlled Release Journey by either finding it on someone's Wish List or "advertising" it on the Forum.
Peace,
Lake44

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Reserving for my 1-Year BC Anniversary Asian-Inspired "Box" which will be raffled on December 2nd.

RELEASE NOTES:

Mailing to Tempestsans who won my "Asia Box" raffle on The Forum.
Happy BookCrossing!

another lovely book that will likely go on my TBR first before it travels. this one has seen a number of places in the country already and is autographed by the author. may try and ring it again when done reading to get it some more travel time.

thanks again for sharing and a lovely full to the brim box of books!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

handing off to my friend maria over coffee. she'll share on with family and friends some of whom bookcross as well.