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Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian American Identity by Soo Jin Lee, Linda Yoon
transparent_tea's review
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I'm calling it after ten chapters.
When I first saw this book, I thought it would help me better understand the "trauma" that is somewhat known as being an Asian-American (based on society). I've been fortunate that I grew up in Southern California, fairly close to the San Gabriel Valley, and that I haven't had to endure some of the marginalization that someone else would have if they were living in the Midwest.
Granted, even though the book would be less targetted at me, some aspects made me realize that there are some events that occurred that my parents went through and I did not fully comprehend until I grew up and started to see the world through my own eyes (rather than rosy-colored lenses of what my parents instilled). Rather than being frustrated with how my mother acts (because it's not the norm), I try to put myself in her shoes and understand why something happens, understand the logic, and try to mimic what she would actually do if she was able to speak fluent English.
I did appreciate that the book isn't all about the negative parts; the authors made an effort that we should also celebrate the wins and use this as a stepping stone to better understand one's self, especially for those people who are considered 1.5 or second-generation.
Again, this book is best suited for those who are feeling a bit lost in life that do not have the Asian community readily available, but it's still a read for those who need a nudge in the right direction.
When I first saw this book, I thought it would help me better understand the "trauma" that is somewhat known as being an Asian-American (based on society). I've been fortunate that I grew up in Southern California, fairly close to the San Gabriel Valley, and that I haven't had to endure some of the marginalization that someone else would have if they were living in the Midwest.
Granted, even though the book would be less targetted at me, some aspects made me realize that there are some events that occurred that my parents went through and I did not fully comprehend until I grew up and started to see the world through my own eyes (rather than rosy-colored lenses of what my parents instilled). Rather than being frustrated with how my mother acts (because it's not the norm), I try to put myself in her shoes and understand why something happens, understand the logic, and try to mimic what she would actually do if she was able to speak fluent English.
I did appreciate that the book isn't all about the negative parts; the authors made an effort that we should also celebrate the wins and use this as a stepping stone to better understand one's self, especially for those people who are considered 1.5 or second-generation.
Again, this book is best suited for those who are feeling a bit lost in life that do not have the Asian community readily available, but it's still a read for those who need a nudge in the right direction.
kayceiling's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
This was my first self help book I read. It was nice to see that other people had similar experiences to me as an immigrant. My struggles feel seen and recognized.
mpatterson610's review against another edition
5.0
I liked the personal stories shared, they represented a wide breath of identities that intersect with Asian American identities. I also enjoyed the reflection questions that were shared and overall got a lot out of the book
lesson0_reads's review
informative
5.0
I am thoroughly impressed with this book. There was great care and awareness put into this book to be inclusive and representative of all corners of the "Asian American" identity. I have become so used to works been written through East Asian/Wasians lens that I was admittedly skeptical at first.
But after reading the book and seen many stories from Southeast Asian, South Asians and Blasians; all the skepticism went out the door. Both Linda and Soo Jin did well in providing context and history such as Khmer Rouge and the "secret wars". Both points in history that is still not properly talked about.
The book also addresses anti-blackness and emphasizes the importance of solidarity.
I think this book is well rounded and great for Asian Americans in the community who are hestitant about getting help or don't have the resources to do so.
The book includes journal prompts and excercises at end of each chapter which is very beneficial if you want to just try it on your own first.
But after reading the book and seen many stories from Southeast Asian, South Asians and Blasians; all the skepticism went out the door. Both Linda and Soo Jin did well in providing context and history such as Khmer Rouge and the "secret wars". Both points in history that is still not properly talked about.
The book also addresses anti-blackness and emphasizes the importance of solidarity.
I think this book is well rounded and great for Asian Americans in the community who are hestitant about getting help or don't have the resources to do so.
The book includes journal prompts and excercises at end of each chapter which is very beneficial if you want to just try it on your own first.