Above the East China Sea

“A stunning account of wartime Okinawa… . Wise and sensitive.” -Anthony Marra, San Francisco Chronicle “Extraordinary… . A major display of literary talent-an absolutely don’t-miss novel.” -The Washington Times “Richly rewarding… . Finely wrought.” -Chicago Tribune (Editor’s Choice) “Bird’s fine novel suggests that … ancient beliefs can still provide comfort and connection in a modern world.” -The New York Times Book Review “Engaging, haunting, and illuminating… . A unique tale of friendship that defies time and space… . Poignant and deeply memorable.” -The Daily Beast “Compelling… . Bird deftly captures the unique, era-appropriate voice of each girl… . Revelations are at once heartbreaking and uplifting, and reinforce an Okinawan expression uttered by many of Birds’ unforgettable characters: ‘Nuchi du takara.’ Life is the treasure.” -The Seattle Times “A moving dual coming-of-age story.” -Marie Claire “This is the rare tome that has the goods for both popular and critical acclaim at the highest level… . After this book, Bird should be a literary household name.” -The Dallas Morning News “Revelatory.” -Reader’s Digest “Gripping… . This tale of how women and girls survive bloody times manages its happy ending without offering easy answers-quite a feat for such an entertaining read.” -The Austin Chronicle “To my mind, Bird is the finest living Texas novelist, and Above the East China Sea showcases all of her gifts in spades-her unmistakable voice displays warmth, wit, and that rare variety of irreverence that possesses real heart.” -Robert Leleux, The Texas Observer “Bird has penned elegiac novels of tremendous depth and richness… . Her latest-Above the East China Sea, a return to her military-brat youth in Asia-may be her best.” -San Antonio Express-News “Fascinating… . Above the East China Sea provides welcome context to the news reports from an island whose pivotal place in global power politics remains mostly unexamined.” -BookPage “Has immense teen appeal… Teens will be turning pages quickly.” -School Library Journal “An extraordinary novel… . Intermingles past and present young adult lives, with entertaining banter plus a touch of the supernatural… . A gratifying read. Highly recommended.” -Historical Novel Society “Readers won’t soon forget Tamiko’s searing depiction of her experiences during the Battle of Okinawa… . A multilayered and utterly involving work.” -Booklist “A rich and engrossing achievement… . A suspenseful and magical journey.” -Library Journal “Fascinating… . Ambitious and rewarding… . A powerful sense of history and place.” -Publishers Weekly