Snow Falling on Cedars 

In celebration of our recent snowfall, I'd like to recommend the novel Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Taking place on a small island off the coast of Washington state, the story follows the 1954 trial of Kabuo Miyamoto who stands accused of murdering well-known fisherman Carl Heine. In the years after World War II, pervasive racism permeates the Japanese American's trial from the witnesses to the jury members and the press. However, a local journalist drawn to the trial due to his romantic past with the defendant's wife, has uncovered knowledge that -- if he chooses to expose it -- will seal Kabuo's fate.

The author provides a strong sense of place for the backdrop for an immersive, emotional story centered around love, morals, and justice. This book is a great pick for readers who like historical fiction, especially the 1930's to 1950's era.