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Humanities Book Group

The Eagles of Heart Mountain

Reading & discussion event led by a humanities scholar.

Selected Readings on the Japanese American Experience: A monthly reading and discussion group focusing on topics in history, culture, and the humanities. The group typically meets first Thursdays at 7 pm and is led by guest scholars. Pick up a copy of each month's book from the front desk. Click here to go to the website for the Brigham City Library's Humanities Book Group.

The Eagles of Heart Mountain by Bradford Pearson

Scholar: Clayton Brown, PhD, USU.

Book Description:

Spring, 1942. The United States government forced 120,000 Japanese Americans from their homes and sent them to incarceration camps across the West. Nearly 14,000 of them landed on the outskirts of Cody, Wyoming, at the base of Heart Mountain. They faced racism, cruelty, and frozen winters. Trying to recreate comforts from home, many established Buddhist temples and sumo wrestling pits. Kabuki performances drew hundreds of spectators. Then in fall, 1943, the camp's high school football team, the Eagles, started its first season and finished it undefeated, crushing the competition from nearby, predominantly white high schools. As the team's second season kicked off, the young men faced a choice to either join the Army or resist the draft. Parson profiles the team as teammates were divided, and some were jailed for their decisions.

Series Frequently asked questions:

• I can't make it in person, can I attend via Zoom? Yes. A Zoom link is available by request. Please contact the library, 435-723-5850, at least 24 hours before the event to get a link.
• How do I join the Book Group? Come to an event. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the discussions.
• How do I get a book? A limited number of books are available for group members to borrow at the library's circulation desk. No library card necessary.
• Do I have to read the book in order to come to the discussion? No. Reading the book will certainly enhance your experience in the discussion and prepare you for talking points, but all are welcome no matter how much (or how little) of the book they have read.
• Can I borrow a copy to read after the discussion? Yes. As group members turn in their books, those books may be borrowed by others.

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