Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Winter Read invites our community to read a book together and engage in conversation about a critical historical and regional civil liberty topic. This year’s selection is Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, a story centering on Japanese American families who were incarcerated during World War II. The Winter Read will coincide with a study of the history of the Minidoka National Historic Site, a Japanese internment camp just 80 miles south of Ketchum that is a setting of the novel.
Join us for one of the many free public programs taking place this winter to explore this significant history and its implications for us today.
Exhibits
Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II
Regional History Museum
Forest Service Park, Ketchum
Open Wed. – Sat., 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Following the Japanese American community’s lead in addressing the U.S. government about the wrongs of World War II Japanese American incarceration, this Smithsonian poster exhibit shows images and describes the realities of the camp experience. There are as many questions as there are answers to this period of our American history. See the images, read the texts, and think about the themes of racism, civil rights, courage, and American identity.
On display January 31 through March 21, courtesy of the Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) program.
The Bitter and Sweet: World War II Stories of Japanese Americans in the West
The Community Library Foyer
In honor of the February 19th Day of Remembrance, this exhibit shares potent images and possessions from families who directly experienced incarceration because of their Japanese heritage and where they lived. It also tells the story of families who lived outside of the exclusion zone of the West Coast, but felt anti-Asian suspicion and bravely answered the call to armed services.
On display January 31 through March 21.
Programs
Winter Read Kickoff
Friday, January 31
Regional History Museum, Forest Service Park, Ketchum. 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Opening of Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II, a poster exhibit. Join us to experience the new exhibit, hear from local students, and enjoy refreshments. We’ll also be giving away free copies of Jamie Ford’s novel to the first 30 attendees!
Minidoka Civil Liberties Symposium
Wednesday, February 5
The Community Library Lecture Hall
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
“The Legacy of Minoru Yasui and WWII Japanese American Incarceration”
Civil Rights Investigator Jessica Asai will keynote the symposium, speaking on the Legacy of Minoru Yasui, one of four Japanese Americans who fought the legality of detention during World War II all the way to the Supreme Court.
Presented in collaboration with the National Park Service and Friends of Minidoka.
Film Screening of Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp
Wednesday, February 26
The Community Library Lecture Hall
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This film, produced by North Shore Productions, tells the intimate story of the Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes and put on trains to a concentration camp in the desert of southern Idaho. In the compelling voices of survivors of the camp, the film explores the unconstitutional suspension of the civil rights of these Americans and the long-lasting impact of the incarceration on their community. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Hanako Wakatsuki, Chief of Interpretation at Minidoka National Historic Site.
Presented in collaboration with the National Park Service.
Panel Discussion
Friday, March 6
The Community Library Lecture Hall
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Local families will share their stories of immigration, incarceration, military service, and community. The panel will be moderated by Mia Russell, Executive Director of Friends of Minidoka.
Presented in collaboration with Friends of Minidoka.
Winter Read Closing and Keynote Presentation
Thursday, March 12
The Community Library Lecture Hall
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, will visit the Library for the Winter Read Closing Celebration and Keynote. Seats will be available on a first come, first served basis, and the event will be live streamed. A book signing with Chapter One Bookstore will follow the presentation.
Discussions
Hotel Book Discussion
Wednesday, February 19
The Community Library Lecture Hall. 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion on Minidoka and Jamie Ford’s of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. The discussion will be led by students from the Sun Valley Community School.
Hotel Book Discussion
Tuesday, March 3
Hailey Public Library. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion on Jamie Ford’s of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. The discussion will be led by The Community Library’s Winter Read High School Interns.
Winter Read Book Group: East to Exile
Thursdays, January 23 – February 27
The Community Library Program Studio. 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Led by Jenny Davidson, Executive Director. Meet each Thursday afternoon to discuss three books about Japanese history and culture in the American West: Jan. 23 & 30 – The Buddha in the Attic; Feb. 6 & 13 – Farewell to Manzanar; and Mar. 20 & 27 – Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
The 2020 Winter Read has been generously sponsored by the Spur Community Foundation and Carlyn Ring.
