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Oregon Reads Book Blogs
Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler
 A factual account of three generations of a Japanese-American family living in the Pacific Northwest. It begins in 1903, when Masuo Yasui arrived in Hood River, Oregon, to seek his fortune. This part of the story is similar to other immigrants' tales-years of hard work, loneliness, and struggles with a new language and customs. The striking distinction appears around 1919, with the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment. Yasui, his brother, their wives, and children had sacrificed much to establish a thriving general store and owned several orchards. Yasui, who spoke fluent English, was the acknowledged leader of the Japanese community in the area and an active member of the orchardists' cooperatives, the Methodist Church, and the Rotary Club. His family continued to have great success despite discrimination. Their lives were painfully disrupted, however, on December 7, 1941. Yasui was arrested as a spy and imprisoned for the rest of the war; his relatives were scattered and some were interned. This book puts human faces and emotions to the events of that period. Readers learn how racism and internment continued to affect the choices and decisions of second-generation family members. Part sociological study, part American history, part family saga, this title will make a significant addition to any library.
Book Trailers To Share??
posted by Linda Yoshida writing as Kaylin Mcfarren Friday, November 20th, 2009, 01:49pm
Would love to share the book trailer for my upcoming release and enjoy seeing others!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idl7XJijKRA
Spoken Word Artists wanted
posted by Edward flynn Thursday, July 16th, 2009, 11:36am
Since moving here last November, I have noticed that while
there are a slew of venues for bands, there just aren't that
many spoken word events. So in response, I and two other
"new comers" have decided to create a monthly party of
spoken word.
It will also feature one to two unique bands from the area
who are also new to Portland.
BTW, your website is a great resource. Below is information
on the event.
+++++++++++
Spoken Word Wanted:
We are organizing a party in SE Portland on August 20th and
are looking for folks who would like to share their
"Relocating to Portland" stories with an audience. Pieces
should be no longer than 5 minutes in length. Deadline to
submit to the event is Aug 1st.
Hello dear blogger
posted by PiterKokoniz Wednesday, April 8th, 2009, 01:45am
Hi !!! :)
My name is Piter Kokoniz. oOnly want to tell, that your posts are really interesting
And want to ask you: what was the reasson for you to start this blog?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you!
Your Piter
Very nice resource
posted by RaiulBaztepo Sunday, March 29th, 2009, 07:18pm
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I'v just started to learn this language ;)
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Stubborn Twig Review Blog Post
posted by Amanda Villagomez Monday, March 16th, 2009, 02:53pm
Here is a link to a blog post that I did to talk about Stubborn Twig: http://mrsvsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/stubborn-twig.html
Lauren Kessler Presentation on Video!
posted by Kimberly Willson Wednesday, March 11th, 2009, 05:42pm
If you have not had the chance to hear Lauren Kessler's brilliant presentation about Stubborn Twig, take a look here!
http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/calendar/LOReads2009Videos.htm
Many thanks to LAke Oswego Public Library for sharing their video at the Oregon Authors website!
Children in Stubborn Twig
posted by Mary Ginnane Friday, February 6th, 2009, 08:57pm
Does anyone want to talk about what Stubborn Twig says about how children get raised across cultures and in various periods of time? I think about Kay Yasui so much. Was his role as first born son too much pressure? Was racism too hard on a sensitive teen? Was there a disorder that in today's culture would get diagnosed and treated? Lauren Kessler reads one of his poems in her public talks for Oregon Reads. It is so teen, and so valiant. Was the family silence about Kay after his death personal grief or a cultural response?
Mrs.
posted by Marleen Wallingford Monday, February 2nd, 2009, 07:15pm
The Yasui Family's story is the story of the Japanese immigrants who came to this country in the early part of the 20th century. The United States has a longstanding history of racism and bigotry that should not be forgotten. All it takes is fear and it rears it's ugly head again. Ms. Kessler wrote about one of our early community leaders, Masao Yasui whose life was tragically impacted by world events.
Oregon Authors Committee, Chairperson
posted by Kimberly Willson Saturday, January 17th, 2009, 12:59pm
Let's get the conversation started in this season of our celebration of the
birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King and the inauguration of President-elect
Barak Obama! Please check out Lauren Kessler's website
www.laurenkessler.com and note that she has written 11 books-- all good
reads worth your time.
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