Reviews

Yellow by Don Lee

kathshiroma's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Here we are, yet again, with another book full of women obviously written by men. The only short story in this collection that I think was worth time is the last story, Yellow, which discusses the multifaceted Asian American experience; from the depiction of the model minority paradigm, microagressions, and the effects of the pressure to assimilate into white America, the short story Yellow is relatable and recognizable to  many Asian Americans who feel as if they walk a daily tightrope between identities. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Racism, and Xenophobia

sunwatersalt's review

dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sheelal's review

5.0

Asian Americans have diverse experiences and don't fit a model minority myth. YELLOW explores that reality authentically and lovingly.

jamiely's review

4.0

I'm not really into ethnic fiction, but I found the stories in this book entertaining. The author's style is well-paced and he throws in enough twists and odd scenarios to lift stories of every day life of Asian Americans into those that say something universally real and valuable about who we are.

noemi's review

4.0

I loved the stories, and liked the way the different stories intertwined.

I felt like some of the characters were a little too similar - confusing narcissistic women and the men who love them. Maybe that's why I liked "The Lone Night Cantina" so much - told from the point of view of an interesting woman, and possibly the only story that passed the Bechdel Test.