This was my first glimpse into the prose of Andrew Fukuda, but it certainly won't be my last. Here's what I know: it is one of the best books I've read all year. I paused at my screen many times as I tried to bring forth the words to describe how reading this made me feel. How do you describe This Light Between Us? It's nearly impossible. This does not effect my opinion in any way. I received an advanced review copy of this book from Tor Teen.Īs always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review and/or participation in the blog tour. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Andrew Fukuda's work. I feel like I have been on quite the journey with Alex and Charlie in this powerful book. It was an emotional read and beautiful at the same time. I had a hard time putting this book down once I got started with it. I would highly recommend this book to others. He never stopped thinking about his family or Charlie even when things were at their worst. Alex played a very important part in his unit and was under a lot of pressure but he handled it like a pro. I felt like I was right there with Alex, Mutt, Teddy, and the rest of their unit as they faced nearly impossible odds. The descriptions of the battles that Alex's unit faced were incredibly vivid. The descriptions of what Alex and his family went through were heartbreaking.Īlex's decision to join the military in the hopes of helping his father really demonstrated the strength of his character. I hate to admit that I don't know as much as I should about internment camps that the United States put into place after the attack on Pearl Harbor but what I learned in this book made me sad and angry at the same time. We see Charlie through her letters but we get to see Alex during the challenges he faced. We get to know Charlie and Alex through the letters that they write to each other and we get to see how things are changing in both of their worlds.Ĭharlie does play a part in this book but I really feel like this was Alex's story. Alex is a Japanese American boy at a time when being of Japanese descent is more than just a little difficult. Charlie is a Jewish girl living in Paris with her family. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this powerful novel.Īlex and Charlie become pen pals when they are only 10 years old. This was a really unique story that really did grab me. I have read quite a few books set during World War II over the years and usually find them heartbreaking and powerful. I happened on this book quite by chance but decided to give it a try and I am so glad that I did. This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This light between us andrew fukuda