Facing the Mountain

More about the book

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat comes a gripping World War II saga of patriotism and courage, focusing on a special Japanese-American Army unit that triumphed against brutal odds in Europe. Their families faced incarceration in camps back home, while a young man stood firm in defending his constitutional rights, even at the cost of imprisonment. Hailing from across the continent and Hawaii, these individuals embraced their Japanese heritage alongside their American identity. Despite enduring bigotry, they held onto hope for a bright future as American citizens. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the FBI began raiding their homes and detaining their fathers, leading many to internment camps. This narrative chronicles wartime America and the battlefields of Europe, based on extensive interviews and archival research. It highlights the experiences of four Japanese-American families whose sons volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, deployed to France, Germany, and Italy to undertake nearly impossible missions. Beyond the war story, it also reveals the struggles of their immigrant parents, forced to close businesses and live in concentration camps. Interwoven is the tale of a courageous young man among those who resisted government actions to defend their rights, embodying the American spirit of resilience and principled action in the face of adversity.