Readers Applaud Vanished; JANM Reorders

This past weekend was a memorable one. On Saturday the Santa Maria Chapter of the American Association of University Women heard George Yoshitake and John McReynolds tell the story of Vanished. The crowd of one hundred purchased almost all the copies available as their applause filled the room.

Later in the day came the following e-mail from Marlene Silva, once of Lompoc but now of Coarsegold, with more applause. She sent it to her friend Barry:

Barry, I want to thank you again for sending me that wonderful book about the Japanese in Lompoc. That writer did a great job in writing  just how it was. I remember so well at the age of 8, my parents crying, busses waiting for people and them rushing around trying so hard to save their beloved belongings in such a short time, by passing them on to their neighbors...we were such neighbors that still have beautiful dishes and treasures that these innocent people held so dear. So many names in the book I so do remember, as the generation down were listed in my year book and many graduated with me in 1950. Many of the Inouye are still a family we keep in touch with. .I'm also glad that Tom Parks was put where he belonged...not on a pedestal where he thought he was. I didn't like him the first time we met and my feelings were right after reading the book...there are always bad guys and good guys ‘til this day, huh? I am sharing the book with the Inouye family in Santa. Maria...thanks again, good reading and I think I am going to read it the second time before  passing it on...love to all....Marlene

Then on Sunday the Japanese-American National Museum ordered a new shipment of books.  

It was a very good weekend. Thanks to AAUW, Marlene Silva, JANM and everybody.