In 17th century Japan, young Shiro Nakagawa is different from other boys his age. He's quiet and introverted and, though of the samurai class, much more interested in wielding philosophy than the sword. And he's a Christian. That hasn't presented too much of a problem until the recent edict banning the "foreign religion." One Sunday at Mass, imperial soldiers break in and arrest the Portuguese priest, Shiro's friend and mentor. Later that day, Shiro's childhood friend, Kumiko, is assaulted … [Read more...] about FEATURED BOOK: Masaru by Michael Cibenko