Reading Journal In the second part of the book, Jeanne provides us with a nice overview of camp life after the first year and explainshow people began to leave the camp, either for work or to be relocated to other parts of the country. For this writingassignment, you can feel free to explore or discuss anything you like or thing that you find interesting (orupsetting), but I have included some prompts below that you can follow if you choose.
1. In chapters 12 – 14, we learn about her schooling, the social and recreational activities that people availed themselves of, and the ways that life seemed to normalize. What are some of the things she shares with us? Do you think that everyday life was better once things settled in? Do you find it odd that many of the Japanese Americans seemed to take pride in their gardens and yards? And do you think that Jeanne’s point of view was different from the adults or do her experiences and reflections represent the overall sense of the detainees?
2. In chapters 15 – 17, we learn of the departures from the camp as people left for various reasons. How does this process tear families apart? Where does everyone end up? How does Jeanne (and others) view returning to “real life” outside the camp?
3. Chapter 18 has a particularly lovely retelling of Woody’s experience after the war as he visits Japan. Why does Jeanne include this in the story? How does it help you (and her) to understand and appreciated the family story?
4. In chapters 19 – 21, Jeanne tells us of her life after the camp – school, friends, etc. How does she see herself?What issues does she face? How does her camp experience shape her life as she grows up?
5. Part III of the book brings us full circle to Jeanne’s life as an adult. Why does she and her family visit Manzanar?What experiences do they have? Does this last chapter seem like a good ending to the book? What about the title,”Ten Thousand Voices”? How do you think her husband and kids felt after visiting?
6. In many ways this book is a “coming of age” tale, with the narrator growing up with the camp experience helping her to understand her family dynamics (especially her father), as well as how her years at Manzanar shaped the adult she became. Do you agree with this or is there another way of viewing the book (or the author)?
7. Analyze the book (all three parts). Did you like it? Why or why not? Did you find it helped your understanding of the people, events, and issues of the time period?
