John Okada

"This is a strong compilation, mixing Okada's writing with copious analysis of it, and telling a story of his life that both echoes and informs his best-known work."—Jeff Fleischer, Foreword Reviews

"Combining an extensive biographical treatment of Okada (1923–71), recovered works by Okada, and critical essays, John Okada offers an innovative introduction to the Japanese American author. . . . Recommended."—Choice

"Thanks to the recent publication of a collection of previously unknown writings by Okada (John Okada: The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy), readers are in a better position to understand how these themes were embedded in the author's life. Revisiting No-No Boy alongside the recent collection offers a valuable opportunity to connect the legacies of wartime incarceration with current struggles against a state that seems intent on repeating the injustices of the past."—Los Angeles Review of Books

"We have long needed a good book on John Okada. No-No Boy is a transformational novel, one of the most important pieces of writing ever in Asian American studies. Creating a context for it by examining the author's life in detail, adding other bits of his writing, and analyzing his oeuvre from all angles is a mighty undertaking, but this is a book we need."—Paul Spickard, coeditor of Red and Yellow, Black and Brown: Decentering Whiteness in Mixed Race Studies

"This volume reminds us of the key place of Okada's novel in the development of Asian American literary history. It makes us consider literary history more cogently, locating No-No Boy as both a literary artifact and as political and social intervention. By proposing new ways of reading and understanding elements—even controversial ones—in the text, this collection of essays highlights how novels that engage history continue to be relevant for new generations."—Rocio G. Davis, author of Relative Histories: Mediating History in Asian American Families

"Finally, a book that unravels the enigma of John Okada and contextualizes his classic novel. A profound and thorough collection of work that was a joy to read."—Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

"Thrilling! A relevant and long-awaited exploration of an American literary hero, John Okada."—Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award Winner

"A moving, comprehensive, and wonderfully readable tribute to a pioneer of Asian American literature. John Okada: The Life and Rediscovered Work is part eulogy, part pedagogy, part literary excavation, and part scholarly compendium. These editors, scholars and writers have created a monument that will keep John Okada's work relevant and his legacy alive."—Ruth Ozeki, author of A Tale for the Time Being

"John Okada is perhaps still the greatest voice to have reached print from our community. Frank Abe has authored a fine and corrective biography, and the editors have assembled a festschrift of illuminating essays that demonstrate the significance of Okada's work and its pertinence to our time. This book is a treasure and a compelling tribute to our first literary master. Yes-yes!"—Garrett Kaoru Hongo, author of Coral Road