This is one of those stories that will stick with you long after you finish it. I'm drawn to historic literature during WWII and I loved how this novel focused on the American half instead of the European portion. This is the second book I know of that describes the aftermath of Pearl Harbor when the Japanese living on the West Coast were rounded up and forced to live in camps scattered across the West. The camps had horrible living conditions, food shortages, running water issues, and cramped "rooms" presented as houses, not to mention rivalries between those loyal to America and those switching to support Japan. We can look back on how the Nazis treated those of inferior status and be sickened, but yet the same thing (to a different degree since the US wasn't exterminating the Japanese) happened here in America due to mass panic, racism, and judgement.

Evalina was a star of a character. She wasn't afraid to support everything she loved, even if her views were in the minority. She was dedicated to Taichi from the start and refused to care how others viewed them. Taichi's character struggled a lot as he had his fate torn away from him and he questioned the future from the dusty atmosphere of Manzanar. Gia was self-centered and annoying since she only cared about boys and wasn't a good friend to Evalina and I was happy when she disappeared after the 50% mark. Taichi's sister Aiko was a warrior from the beginning; almost like the Japanese version of Evalina with her sarcasm and inability to keep her mouth shut around injustices. She also wasn't afraid to shine.

Stephanie's works are always beautiful to read, but Within These Lines is my favorite and packs a more powerful message on courage, racism, doing the right thing, and undoubtedly, love.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

When my teens are looking for another great historical fiction on par with Between Shades of Gray I will have new story to hand to them!

A beautiful love story set during the Japanese evacuation during WWII. I was skeptical that I would like this book as much as I did because one of my favorite books is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Could this really be as good? Well I'd say it was pretty darn close. It wasn't really all that different from that story but possibly it would be a more approachable story for teens since the main characters are young adults. (Also, the romance is very sweet and is appropriate for 7th grade &up).

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this advanced reader. I didn't want this gripping story to end. I think my teens will love this book as much as I did and I can't wait to have it in our stacks!

I practically inhaled this book. Taichi and Evalina are two beautifully fluid characters that both narrate the story amazingly. Their personalities are so different, yet their chemistry is undeniable (despite them actually being together only seen for a short time). It focuses on love, loss, hate, war, heartbreak, sacrifice and so many more emotions.

Something I loved was the historical aspect, teaching me so much more of the discrimination and hatred that was targeted at Japanese Americans in WW2.

I would highly recommend this book that deals with so much love and hate. Thank you.

Within these Lines tells a story of two young people Taichi and Evaline both swept in a war that hits closer to home then they expect. With Taichi and his family along with thousands of other Japanese Americans being sent to interment camps burning the majority of the war. Both of them most learn to deal with the injustice and cruelty that was brought on by the Pearl Harbor attacks in December 1942.

This story was one of the many facts that came out of World War Two. With the world living in fear and mistrust, rumors turn into misguided anger. It was a very true and horrible occurrence that this happen in the first place. This book really brought of that and I learned tons of other facts that I never new prior to reading it. It was an fantastic read and I loved the story and it’s a book that everyone definitely needs to consider reading.