Gardens of Hope

"Tugs at the heartstrings while bringing into focus a too often overlooked injustice in U.S. history."- Kirkus ReviewsCan two men from the same city but segregated worlds maintain a connection during a time in US history that not only brands one of them as the enemy but denies that a love such as theirs exists?On the surface, Jack appears to have all a man in World War II era 1941 could want with his solid middle-class background, upcoming college graduation, and the perfect, devoted fiancee. But one night when he accidentally stumbles upon a shadow life of men who desire other men in a Downtown Los Angeles park, he begins to realize exactly what has always left him with a feeling of emptiness.Despite the constant danger of being arrested by vice cops, Jack continues to visit the park every chance he has to feel a connection, no matter how fleeting, with another man. One night he meets a handsome and charismatic Japanese-American, Hiro, who appears to want more than a quick encounter, and Jack surprises himself by starting to truly fall in love for the first time.However, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt issues Executive Order 9066 and orders the mandatory relocation of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans, who have never been charged with a crime, to far flung internment camps sites. Jack and Hiro suddenly find themselves torn apart before their secret, fledgling romance can blossom.Desperate to find and reconnect with Hiro, Jack accepts a high school teaching position at an internment camp in the California desert, Manzanar. There, surrounded by armed guard towers and a prison-like environment, Jack begins to fully realize the injustices being faced by Japanese-Americans during one of the most controversial times of United States history and shifts his world view- forever."The story was timely, and lovely, and so worth the read."- The Novel Approach Reviews..".what you get is a story about lives well lived, with love and lessons that we all learn if we have enough time. I can't recommend this book enough. I would STRONGLY encourage you to get this book asap "- Rainbow Gold ReviewsIf you like stories set in historical times that feel so real it makes you think you were there, if you want to know more about what it is like to feel a love "forbidden" by society's beliefs and obstructed by political obstacles, and if you're looking for an unusual read that is touching, emotionally intense, has great characters and a nontraditional ending, then you will probably like this novel" - Rainbow Book Reviews