“In author Paul Mark Tag’s historical novel How Much Do You Love Me? two young lovers challenge the taboos of World War II America. How Much Do You Love Me? relates the story of Keiko Tanaka’s and James Armstrong’s love for each other and how their love is tested. The two struggle against the aftermath of the removal and shameful imprisonment of Japanese-American citizens following Pearl Harbor. How Much Do You Love Me? is a romance, very well written, sensitive and compassionate. A few great historical novels tell the truth about history. Dr. Tag’s How Much Do You Love Me? is one of these few. It tells the truth of a young married couple faced with overwhelming risks and hardships brought on by war and unjust laws. At its heart is a mystery pressing the reader on to the last few pages to a surprising solution. It is a compelling read. It is an unforgettable story.”
—JOHN GUBBINS, author of Profound River and Raven’s Fire
“A tender, well told, love story set in two times. While Keiko, a Japanese American mother, lies stricken in a hospital, inwardly living the time of her internment during World War II, her daughter, Kazuko, meets a man from Keiko’s past. He inadvertently reveals information suggesting that Keiko is hiding a secret from the internment. Kazuko races to unravel the mystery; what she discovers epitomizes the very definition of human love.
“Tag’s skillful, suspenseful writing brings alive an era many have forgotten, a time when America turned against its own.”
—ARLINE CHASE, author of Ghost Dancer, Killraven, and the Spirit series
“How Much Do You Love Me? is a rich and tender love story shown through the lens of racial divides, prejudice, and war. Told in two different time periods, the tale of James and Keiko seamlessly flows back and forth between the 1940s and 2000. Full of history, culture, and fascinating family dynamics, this is a story you won’t soon forget.”
—SARAH BEARD, author of Porcelain Keys
“Keiko Tanka and James surprise engagement is huge news to both of their families. Not only was their romance hidden from both of their families but their inter-rational relationship came at a time in American history when tensions were very high with the Japanese following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
“This historical fiction begins in the present day with Keiko’s two children rushing to her bedside after a stroke has left her in a coma. A surprise visitor sets the kids Aunt on guard, making the now grown children wonder what happened in their mother’s past, a past she rarely talks about; a past with years spent in the relocation centers the government ordered Japanese American’s along the west coast into following the bombing.
“The book flashes back to the 1930’s and 40’s and takes you through the Tanka’s family experience as they are forced to leave theirhome and business. The author does a great job transporting you back there, and then jumps to the modern day where more clues and mysteries are slowly revealed.
“It left me not being able to turn the pages fast enough, trying to figure out what truly happened in the past. It is one of those books that when I finished, just left me sitting there with my head spinning thinking of all that happened.
“This book addressees a hard time in America’s history in such a way that not only did I learn a lot but had characters that I feel in love with and a story that flowed so well.
“It is a quick read and I highly recommend it. This is also a clean book free of vulgar language, sexual content or graphic imagery.”
EMMY from goodreads
3 Comments
I purchased your book at Barnes and Nobles in San Jose. I could not believe the story was all told at the beginning. But as I read it captured me and saw how little of the secret you really gave away.
Its a beautiful love story. Thank you so much for the experience.
I have been reading several books about the internment in preparing for my role as docent at the Japanese American Museum in San Jose. Your book stands out in the manner in which it is written, moving from the present day to WWII days. The search to solve the mystery keeps your attention to the final pages. I recommend this book to all readers, those who know very little about the camps and to even those who experienced the camps.
Thanks so much for your kind comments. I appreciate it!