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hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
4/5. exploring friendship through vignettes of the everyday and the noteworthy moments, and the beauty of being known and of knowing someone else
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
loved this so much it’s stupid. this is a book for real nostalgia heads who won’t shut up about their friends but also think a little bit too hard about everything.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Thoughtful, intimate, slightly overwrought in parts.
I was moved by the deep, unexpected friendship between Hua and Ken—two very different people who found connection through music, long conversations, and the shared experience of being Asian American in the 90s. Ken’s authenticity and ease in his own skin stood out.
The writing is lyrical and observant, especially when describing the textures of everyday life and college friendships. But some of Hsu’s post-loss reflections felt overly intellectualized—searching for meaning where maybe there was just tragedy. Understandable, but at times it edged into overwrought territory.
Still, a tender and honest tribute to someone who clearly mattered. A quiet book that lingers.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Wow! I have never experienced a loss of friend before but I would like to revisit this if i ever do. It was beautiful. I feel like it captured perfectly the feeling of possibility in the world you feel in university - but at the same time, a huge rush to have to define yourself neatly. “what’s are your 3 hobbies - go”
I have a question for other readers: If you feel the majority of a book is great, but find the ending disappointing, or some parts lacking, do you still love the book or highly recommend it? I find this the most frustrating experience. I thought the majority of Stay True was excellent, but the last 1/4 or so was excruciating, so bad it made me mad.
Such a lovely California text, about Berkeley and Hua's immigrant experience and also such a layered remembering of what collegiate life was like in one corner of a time and place, probably the last genuinely analog era. I found his characterization of his relationship with his dad and their phone calls and letters while he was in college so sensitive. Even knowing what is coming with Ken, the recounting of what happens and the aftermath is so carefully told and shattering. So tragic and random and cruel in a way that is so difficult to grapple with, especially at 20/21/22.
I hope he found some closure and affirmation in writing this and how much acclaim the book has deservedly received.
I hope he found some closure and affirmation in writing this and how much acclaim the book has deservedly received.
A deeply honest and sincere reflection on the unique experiences of life. I was reminded the Asian American experience is not isolated, and yet in the same ways one can find shared commonality, each experience is so individualized. What we carry with us holds power.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Murder
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced