"The wartime diary of Tokita is . . . a fascinating primary document, filled with uncertainties and ambivalence that make some of the received wisdom about the internment camps feel a little too pat. Even though the reader knows, in general terms, how the story came out, the suspense in this eyewitness account is considerable."
(Seattle Times) "Examines Tokita's art in the context of his life and the historic events that he lived through, integrating it all into a deeply moving human story."
(International Examiner) "Barbara Johns examines Tokita's art in the context of his life and the historic events that he lived through, integrating it all into a deeply moving human story."
- Susan Kunimatsu (International Examiner) "To see history unfold through Tokita's words and images is to gain a whole new perspective on that conflict [Japanese internment during World War II] and the nature of all immigrants to America who suddenly find themselves identified as the enemy."
- Bob Duggan (Bigthink.com) "A fascinating book that accomplishes more than one purpose. The first part is a biography of Tokita . . . the second is Tokita's diary from 1941-44. . . . Signs of Home includes plenty of examples that prove his status as an important regional artist."
- Jeff Baker (The Oregonian) ". . . one of the more beautiful and soulful books you might lay your hands on . . ."
- Mike Dillon (City Living) "If 'painting Seattle' feels like the welcome restoration of a long-lost chapter in local art history, the wartime diary is a thornier business . . . filled with uncertainties and ambivalence that make some of the received wisdom about the internment camps feel a little too pat."
- Michael Upchurch (The Seattle Times)
