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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
I couldn't put FRESH OFF THE BOAT down. I can imagine objections to this memoir—some misogyny or appropriation, perhaps, and the strangely recurring notion that what we wear determines who we are—and I want to go out and read that criticism. The truth is, though, that I loved FOB, a "rotten banana" anti-assimilation narrative shot through with really, really sharp race and cultural criticism. This wasn't a food or chef memoir, but I love how Huang prioritizes food and his relationship to it throughout the book. Reminiscent of Junot Diaz in terms of voice and the blend of references to lit and pop cultures (check Huang on Jonathan Swift and Audre Lorde as well as streetwear and hip hop), but more similar to Trevor Noah's BORN A CRIME in terms of overall quality—and even some biographical overlap. I'm so excited to have this in my classroom library, particularly for my Asian American boys looking for a mirror they probably haven't seen before.
People who voice their opinions in a raw, articulate way, without compromise, are rare these days.
I think of Harlan Ellison or Anthony Bourdain, or even Mary McCarthy. They stand out because their honesty and insight is packaged so poetically that their work comes across as some kind of street-corner serenade.
Which brings us to Eddie Huang.
The voice of this memoir is so heartfelt, humorous, and unique, I switched from print to an audio version, read by the author--which is THE best way to consume this book.
I think of Harlan Ellison or Anthony Bourdain, or even Mary McCarthy. They stand out because their honesty and insight is packaged so poetically that their work comes across as some kind of street-corner serenade.
Which brings us to Eddie Huang.
The voice of this memoir is so heartfelt, humorous, and unique, I switched from print to an audio version, read by the author--which is THE best way to consume this book.
Eddie Huang is a sexist (no matter how much he quotes Audre Lorde) obnoxious tryhard but he's strongest when he speaks on food and identity. So, I personally found the first half/quarter of the book fairly strong.
funny
fast-paced
This is the first time in a long time that I've read a book in which I literally did not understand some of the sentences, a lot of the slang, and a great deal of the culture -- which makes perfect sense, when I think about it, and only adds to the book's raw style. There were a lot of painful, awful things in this book, and while I didn't really enjoy reading them, I did feel like I learned a lot from hearing Huang's perspective.
I hope the statute of limitations has run out for his various criminal activities, and that his brash successes continue.
I hope the statute of limitations has run out for his various criminal activities, and that his brash successes continue.
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced