Facing the Mountain

How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change how Japanese Americans were perceived in the U.S., and how did it impact their sense of identity and loyalty?

The book highlights different forms of bravery—on the battlefield and in resisting injustice at home. How do you compare the courage of those who enlisted with those who resisted the draft from within internment camps?

Many characters in the book face difficult choices between family obligations and national duty. How did family expectations influence their decisions?

What moments in the book stood out to you as particularly powerful examples of resilience, either in the internment camps or in combat?

What does the book reveal about the U.S. government's treatment of Japanese Americans, and what lessons can we apply to present-day civil rights issues?

How did Japanese cultural values such as gaman (enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity) shape the actions of the individuals portrayed?

Brown uses historical documents, interviews, and detailed narrative techniques. How does his storytelling approach affect the emotional impact and authenticity of the book?

How does Facing the Mountain challenge or reinforce your understanding of patriotism in a racially diverse America?

Can you draw any parallels between the wartime treatment of Japanese Americans and the treatment of other marginalized communities in U.S. history?

What role should stories like this play in public memory, education, and national history? Were you surprised by how long it took for many of these soldiers to be officially recognized?