When Can We Go Back to America?, Susan H. Kamei
When Can We Go Back to America?, Susan H. Kamei
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When Can We Go Back to America?
Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during WWII

Author: Susan H. Kamei

Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda, Allison Hiroto, Kurt Kanazawa, Andrew Kishino, Mizuo Peck

Unabridged: 21 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/07/2021

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

Four starred reviews!
A Kirkus Reviews Best YA Nonfiction of 2021

In this “riveting and indispensable” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) narrative history of Japanese Americans before, during, and after their World War II incarceration, Susan H. Kamei weaves together the voices of over 130 individuals who lived through this tragic episode, most of them as young adults.

It’s difficult to believe it happened here, in the Land of the Free: After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States government forcibly removed more than 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry from the Pacific Coast and imprisoned them in desolate detention camps until the end of World War II just because of their race.

In what Secretary Norman Y. Mineta describes as a “landmark book,” he and others who lived through this harrowing experience tell the story of their incarceration and the long-term impact of this dark period in American history. For the first time, why and how these tragic events took place are interwoven with more than 130 individual voices of those who were unconstitutionally incarcerated, many of them children and young adults.

Now more than ever, their words will resonate with readers who are confronting questions about racial identity, immigration, and citizenship, and what it means to be an American.

About Susan H. Kamei

Susan H. Kamei received her JD from the Georgetown University Law Center. She teaches at the University of Southern California on the legal ramifications of the incarceration of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II and how they apply to constitutional issues, civil liberties, and national security considerations today.

About Mizuo Peck

Mizuo Peck is a versatile actress and native New Yorker. She is internationally known for her role as Sacajawea in the 20th Century Fox movie, Night at the Museum, and its sequels. Her other film and television credits include Madam SecretaryA Case of YouAlmost in LoveLaw & Order: Criminal Intent; and All My Children. Her stage work includes 365 Days/365 Plays at the Public Theater and All’s Well That Ends Well as a company member of their exclusive Shakespeare Lab Program. Mizuo’s on camera commercial and voiceover work has been for many brands including Levi’s, Suave, Verizon, KitchenAid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Glade, and Oil of Olay. For photos, interviews, reels, and more please visit her website, MizuoPeck.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Brooke on April 27, 2022

This is an excellent overview of the Japanese American Incarceration as well as the movement for redress that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. As with any overview, not every topic is covered extensively, but the book is not merely a surface level summary either. Kamei's work stands out for its analy......more

Goodreads review by Laura on August 25, 2022

When Can We Go Back to America by Susan H. Kamai Title: When Can We Go Back to America Author: Susan H. Kamai Narrated by: Allison Hiroto, Kurt Kanazawa, Andrew Kishino, and Mizuo Peck Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Length: Approximately 21 hours and 42 minutes Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuste......more

Goodreads review by Tonja on October 11, 2021

This is a wonderful weave of historical events and very personal experiences, which touches the heart, makes an impression, and leaves more than a little food for thought. These pages take a look at the WWII incarceration of Japanese-Americas and cover the time before, during and after the experience......more

Goodreads review by April on November 05, 2021

This book was different from what I expected. Considering that it is called "Voices of Japanese American Incarceration..." I expected extended narratives. Instead, it was a traditional historical monograph that included lists of short quotations from people who experienced incarceration during WWII.......more

Goodreads review by Ana on January 29, 2022

This book had a lot of potential and certainly had parts that were very well written. It’s such an important part of history waiting to be told but unfortunately, it was confusing to keep track of all the events. The audiobook might not have been the best way to get through this book tho. Also, half......more