Book Synopsis
This is a fascinating story set in 1927, told through the journal of Fumiko Saito, a Japanese-American high school senior. It’s a blend of a nature adventure, a murder mystery, and a coming-of-age tale, all unfolding in a summer outdoor program at MacArthur County Park in West Virginia.
It is a rich narrative about how Fumiko’s father has to travel to Japan for family reasons, so she’s sent to this two-week program designed mostly for adults, with just a couple of teenagers, including herself. The story really captures the historical and cultural context of the time—especially the challenges of being mixed-race in during that time in America, and the stigma around therapy in her family.
The book coveys a powerful message about courage, truth, and the complexity of human nature. The story leaves us with hope and the promise of new beginnings.