From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat, a gripping World War II saga of patriotism and courage: the special Japanese-American Army unit that overcame brutal odds in Europe; their families, incarcerated back home; and a young man who refused to surrender his constitutional rights, even if it meant imprisonment.
Facing the Mountain is an unforgettable chronicle of war-time America and the battlefields of Europe. Based on Daniel James Brown’s extensive interviews with the families of the protagonists as well as deep archival research, it portrays the kaleidoscopic journey of four Japanese-American families and their sons, who volunteered for 442nd Regimental Combat Team and were deployed to France, Germany, and Italy, where they were asked to do the near impossible.
But this is more than a war story. Brown also tells the story of these soldiers’ parents, immigrants who were forced to shutter the businesses, surrender their homes, and submit to life in concentration camps on U.S. soil. Woven throughout is the chronicle of a brave young man, one of a cadre of patriotic resisters who stood up against their government in defense of their own rights. Whether fighting on battlefields or in courtrooms, these were Americans under unprecedented strain, doing what Americans do best–striving, resisting, pushing back, rising up, standing on principle, laying down their lives, and enduring.
Reviews
“Masterly. An epic story of four Japanese-American families and their sons who volunteered for military service and displayed uncommon heroism… Propulsive and gripping, in part because of Mr. Brown’s ability to make us care deeply about the fates of these individual soldiers…a page-turner.”
– Wall Street Journal
“Facing the Mountain is more than just the story of a group of young men whose valor helped save a country that spurned them, it’s a fascinating, expertly written look at selfless heroes who emerged from one of the darkest periods of American history.”
—NPR
“[A] bravura account the experiences of Japanese American soldiers and their families during WWII . . . Drawing from extensive firsthand accounts, Brown interweaves the stories of dozens of Japanese American soldiers with the experiences of their interned families back in the U.S., and tracks legal battles waged by Nisei who refused to sign loyalty oaths or register for the draft because they believed their civil rights had been violated. The result is an illuminating and spirited portrait of courage under fire.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This is a masterwork of American history that will change the way we look at World War II. You don’t just read a Daniel James Brown story—you go there. Facing the Mountain is lump-in-the-throat territory, page after page.”
—Adam Makos, author of A Higher Call
“Facing the Mountain proves that the savagery of war isn’t restricted to foreign battlefields. Many went to war – those who remained incarcerated endured the wrath of their fellow countrymen. It is said that to be an American we should strive to live life worthy of the sacrifices of those who came before us. Our bearing with each other is dependent on it.”
—Lt Col Michael J. Yaguchi, USAF (ret), Commander, Nisei Veterans Committee
“Daniel James Brown has done it again. HIs rich, nuanced recreation of the dark years when thousands of our fellow citizens were incarcerated because of their ancestry is a must-read contribution to the history of the 20th century. It’s also uplifting. I’ll never look at the World War II story in the same light.”
—Timothy Egan, author of The Worst Hard Time
“A must-read. You will not be able to put it down.”
—Scott Oki, former VP Microsoft, Founder, Densho
“‘Facing the Mountain arrives at the perfect time, to remind us of the true meaning of patriotism. In Daniel James Brown’s gifted hands, these overlooked American heroes are getting the glory they deserve. Read this book and know their stories.”
— Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La
“Daniel James Brown brings to life the gripping true story of Japanese Americans whose steely heroism fought Nazism abroad and racism at home. Bound by Japanese values of filial piety, giri (social obligation) and gaman (endurance) and forged in the crucible of brutal combat, the soldiers served the very country that locked their families in American concentration camps for no crime other than looking like the enemy while camp resisters fought for justice denied.”
—Lori L. Matsukawa, News anchor, KING TV, Seattle
“The loyal and often heroic service of Japanese American soldiers is one of history’s most inspiring responses to bigotry and oppression. Daniel James Brown brilliantly pairs these events in an epic of courage and resistance.”
—David Laskin, author of The Long Way Home
“This book’s breadth and depth are unparalleled as it poignantly traces the Japanese American thread in the rich fabric of America. We meet compelling individuals, witness war’s horrors and celebrate moments of triumph of the human spirit. The author vividly describes communities confronting prejudice with resilience and patriotism, surviving and ultimately having the opportunity to thrive.”
—Terry Shima, T/4, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
PARTNERSHIP WITH DENSHO
Facing the Mountain grew out of conversations Daniel James Brown had with Tom Ikeda, Executive Director of Densho in 2015. Densho is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization originally dedicated to collecting and preserving the oral histories of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. In the twenty-five years since its inception, Densho’s mission has expanded to include educating the public more broadly about the Japanese American experience and to inspire action for social and racial equity. Since first meeting Mr. Ikeda, Daniel James Brown has worked closely with him and Densho’s team of historians and archivists to identify and develop the real-life storylines of the four protagonists at the heart of Facing the Mountain, as well as to draw a broad and historically accurate history of life in the Japanese American community before, during, and after the war. In addition, Viking is working closely with Densho to publicize and promote Facing the Mountain. Densho is a Japanese term meaning “to pass on to the next generation,” or to leave a legacy. A portion of the author ’s proceeds from the sale of this book go to support Densho in its work.
“When Densho began, I dreamed the stories we collected would humanize and educate others to stand against injustices. Facing the Mountain comes to us during a time of deep unrest, a time when our empathy for others is so needed to guide the choices we will make. This book will open hearts.”
–Tom Ikeda, Executive Director of Densho