The following excerpts are presented to give you an idea how some of the information is furnished in the book:

1.  A short background on the Sameshimas.

As accurately as Stanley could determine, the overall ruling Tokugawa Sho-guns of Japan (who had initiated the "closed door" policy of Japan, roughly the years from 1600 to 1853, that was opened-up by Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy, 1853) had set up a feudal Lord for Satsuma (which is the Kagoshima area).  There were "lines" of the Sameshimas.  One of them was "traditionally" loyal to the Feudal Lord and enjoyed status as one of the faithful's.  The second "line" was a sub-clan that resisted and fought the Feudal Lord and was subjugated to a low status.  The third "line," interestingly, was fish merchants - they were said to have been a hardy lot that came ashore from the island of Koshikijima off the western coast of Satsuma where they had operated as buccaneers (romantic term), otherwise known as pirates who plied the East China Sea.  Stanley found that Jack's forbearers were from the third "line."

2.  A revolting situation.

It was the all Nisei 522nd Field Artillery unit that liberated the concentration camp at Dachau (Germany) which the Nazis used to hold Jewish civilians, later to murder most of them.  It was an awkward predicament for the U.S. Army for it couldn't very well exclaim publicly that the all Nisei 522nd Artillery unit, whose parents were in U.S. concentration camps, had liberated the concentration camp at Dachau.  Consequently, it was not openly publicized until about May 1996.

3.  Why Jack and Etta thought they could start a new life in southern
California.

However, it seemed opportunities were opening up in southern California after World War II.  There wasn't the kind of employment and social prejudice that existed prior to World War II.  The Nisei were being accepted into employment in many fields of endeavor, according to reports to Jack.  The war record of the 100th infantry and the 442nd regiment helped much to change conditions that existed before WW II.  Etta felt she needed a change of scenery and was in favor of moving to Pasadena.  Jack did not resist her wishes.

4.  Etta's siblings' first experience with a urban house's commode vs small town outhouse.

Henceforth, the Stiadles became parishioners of St. Jerome Church.  Father Hammer was very helpful in obtaining more clothing for the Stiadle children and also obtaining more food for them.  His help ensured their well being until they were able to become established in their new surroundings.  One experience frightened the children when they went to the bathroom.  In a way it was somewhat amusing.  They had been used to a silent outhouse when nature called. In their new home, instructions were given to push down on a little lever on the side of a large white ceramic tank, after use of the commode.  The subsequent whooshing noise and gurgling sound absolutely frightened them.

5.  Jack's reaction when he found Etta dead in bed.

---.  He then felt her arms and they were very cold.  He knew she was
dead and already in God's care.

It was a great shock to Jack!  He just couldn't believe what had
happened.  She must have died from a heart attack while dozing,
because neither book was in her hands.  It took him a few minutes
to fully realize he had lost his wonderful loyal wife and the mother
of their children.  Etta had lived such a hard life in her youth.  Jack
thought to himself.----In passing away, she missed by eleven days
the the importance to her of seeing Amy at her First Holy Communion. 
That was a shame!

Etta passed away, "50 years, 5 weeks and a day" after they were
married.