The fascinating, surreal story of Hollywood's ill-fated attempt to produce the first epic motion picture about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and NaThe fascinating, surreal story of Hollywood's ill-fated attempt to produce the first epic motion picture about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki....more
An insightful, disturbing account about how American doctors, including the author's grandfather, were connected to the development of the atomic bombAn insightful, disturbing account about how American doctors, including the author's grandfather, were connected to the development of the atomic bomb, the Trinity test, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and post-war tests in the Marshall Islands. An illuminating look at a little-known, deeply troubling aspect of America's nuclear history. ...more
Lowry's thoughtful, personal, poetic reflections in shared humanity in the tragic times of war.Lowry's thoughtful, personal, poetic reflections in shared humanity in the tragic times of war....more
Shimoda's poetic, haunting memoir about his pilgrimages to learn more about his grandfather who lived through the Japanese American internment.Shimoda's poetic, haunting memoir about his pilgrimages to learn more about his grandfather who lived through the Japanese American internment....more
Vividly written, thoroughly detailed account of the infiltration of Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge by three peace activists told in the broadVividly written, thoroughly detailed account of the infiltration of Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge by three peace activists told in the broader context of the long U.S. government's obsession with creating and maintaining the world's largest arsenal of nuclear weapons. ...more
The true story of an almost 400-year-old bonsai tree that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and given in 1976 as part of a special bicentenniaThe true story of an almost 400-year-old bonsai tree that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and given in 1976 as part of a special bicentennial gift to the United States. The little bonsai ended up at the National Arboretum, where it is now known as the Peace Tree. I'm not a fan of the story being told in the first person from the tree's point of view, but this gentle, affecting story is effective and works as a simple introduction to an aspect of Japanese culture and a terrible event in history. Facts about bonsai trees are included in the book. ...more
A thoroughly researched, thoughtful study that shatters the American-held myth that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were decisive in JapA thoroughly researched, thoughtful study that shatters the American-held myth that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were decisive in Japan's unconditional surrender. ...more
This third volume, as sweeping and compelling as the other two, chronicles Japan's defeat in World War II and post-war years that encompass the occupaThis third volume, as sweeping and compelling as the other two, chronicles Japan's defeat in World War II and post-war years that encompass the occupation, Korean War and Cold War. Along with the sweeping historical changes during this period, Mizuki traces his own life choices. After losing his arm during the brutal fighting, Mizuki struggles to decide where to go: whether to remain on the island as an honored friend of the local Tolai people or return to the rubble of Japan and take up his dream of becoming a cartoonist. ...more
This is the best book on the subject I've read yet, a superbly researched and absorbing narrative. I particularly like how Ham alternates between the This is the best book on the subject I've read yet, a superbly researched and absorbing narrative. I particularly like how Ham alternates between the American and Japanese perspectives. He effectively shatters the popularly held belief that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were justified because they ended World War II in the Pacific without a costly invasion of Japan’s home islands. Ham further convincingly argues that the bombings played no role at all in the surrender of Japan, that it was rather Japan's feared entry of the Soviet Union into the war made real that was the deciding factor. A skillful, comprehensive, provocative, and challenging work of history. ...more
The true story Tustomu Yamaguchi (1916-2010), the only person documented to have survived both the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. HorrificThe true story Tustomu Yamaguchi (1916-2010), the only person documented to have survived both the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Horrific, tragic, and profoundly moving. ...more