Lane County Events Center | Eugene, OR

Festive groups of Obon dancers and Taiko drummers entertained from the main stage in the afternoon and early evening and fairgoers sampled tasty Japanese and Indian dishes served from booths circling the hall. There was a steady flow of attendees throughout festival and at the Two Faces booth all day.

The afternoon was rewarding and emotional – Talking with people unfamiliar with but interested in this tragic time in our nation’s history, listening to the stories of some who were affected by it, and always sharing about Two Faces, its dual memoir-style approach to two childhood friends and their families’ experiences during World War II. Many times a visitor and I shared tears, reliving a common memory together. The story of Two Faces moved people, and they appreciated our sharing it with them.

Sometimes visitors were doubly-touched, impressed, and moved when they realized I was actually one of the co-authors. Many assume I am a book vendor despite my booth being identified in the festival map as 42/Author! (Organizers were pleased to have me there. I was their first ever author!) A pair of young women, touched by Two Faces, determined to purchase copies of the book. As we concluded the transaction, one asked me, pointing to my name on the cover, “Is this your grandfather?” When I replied, “No, that’s me!” she was overcome with embarrassment and amazement and asked if she could take a photo with me. I said, “Of course,” and I was instantly immortalized in a photo with the two women, each holding a copy of Two Faces.

Given the crowds, scenes like this, selling almost 30 books … it was a very good day.