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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
I went into this book thinking it was going to be more like the TV show, which I love, and I was initially put off a bit when it wasn't. (Not that I was surprised, just... not expecting some of the differences to be so stark.) But I stuck with it, and I'm so glad I did. Although I missed about 30% or more of his references, I thought the writing got better as his story went on, and I was totally pulled in to his arc. In the end, this is a great book about immigrants, food, race, hip-hop, stereotypes, education, family -- there's so much here, and it all makes for a pretty tasty read.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This is a really solid memoir. Unfortunately, I was not a huge fan of this book. I did not care for the writing, nor the somewhat appropriative nature of Huang’s comedic voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Gun violence
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I am so HAPPY that I've read this book. It's the most relatable book I've ever read. I'm so glad that there's people who's been in the same situation. This book is therapeutic and I would recommend this to any fresh off the boat kids such as myself.
I love memoirs, and I've seen a couple episodes and really liked this show. The book is NOTHING like the show. Eddie Huang is so off-putting, he comes across as arrogant and somehow still trying to be a cool teenage thug. I wanted to love this book, but it is easily one of my least favorite books I've ever read. That feels harsh to say about someone's life, but there it is.
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Nothing like the popular sitcom that was inspired by this book, this memoir is raw and Huang's frustration with authority figures and institutions that let him down (often, held him down) throughout his development are palpable. He has a balanced perspective and tells his life story with humor and vulnerability. He isn't overly concerned with being "PC" but you can tell he has his own moral code and he sticks to it. The book is full of accounts of personal successes, failures, and learning moments. A very different perspective on growing up in America in the 80's and 90's than I had, and I appreciated a peek into his world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Drug use, Violence, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Cultural appropriation
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
So many relatable parts to this, especially the sheer rage, though really funny and thoughtful reflection on growing up as the only Asian family in the community. Agreed that the show does not do the book justice at all.
His story is inspiring and great. I love his philosophy and attitude.
As a book this didn’t do it for me, it took me a long time to work my way through it, I don’t know what I expected, but having watched the tv series (I know, I know, VERY loosely based..) I was left feeling a bit misguided (eg, the book wasn’t funny at all).
Honestly you can’t really rate a persons life story or how they chose to tell thier own truth, but still.
The second half of the book engaged me more than the first.
As a book this didn’t do it for me, it took me a long time to work my way through it, I don’t know what I expected, but having watched the tv series (I know, I know, VERY loosely based..) I was left feeling a bit misguided (eg, the book wasn’t funny at all).
Honestly you can’t really rate a persons life story or how they chose to tell thier own truth, but still.
The second half of the book engaged me more than the first.