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katzreads's review
4.0
I don't really remember reading this book, but it was on a list of "Favorite Books" that I produced some time in 2009.
jacki_f's review
3.0
I love Anne Tyler's quietly observant style of writing and for a long time I've considered her one of my favourite authors. However I was somewhat disappointed by Digging to America, which had its shining moments but also long episodes of not much happening. The story is about two unconnected families living in Baltimore - one being American, one being Iranian immigrants - who both adopt baby girls from Korea. The girls - Jin-Ho and Susan - arrive on the same flight and that way the families get to know one another and to become friends. The story takes place over the next 6-7 years and covers the various events in their lives. It's not a book about the children, but about their parents and grandparents - particularly the Iranian grandmother, Maryam, and one of the American grandfathers, Dave.
It took me a while to get into this book. Once I did, I enjoyed it, but I never loved it. There is a chapter near the end when Tyler suddenly stops referring to anybody by name and instead defines them in relation to Jin-Ho. I have no idea why she did this, but it really irritated me.
In short: Tyler fans will enjoy her thoughts on cultural differences and assimilating into a new country. If you're new to Tyler, one of her other books would be a better place to start.
It took me a while to get into this book. Once I did, I enjoyed it, but I never loved it. There is a chapter near the end when Tyler suddenly stops referring to anybody by name and instead defines them in relation to Jin-Ho. I have no idea why she did this, but it really irritated me.
In short: Tyler fans will enjoy her thoughts on cultural differences and assimilating into a new country. If you're new to Tyler, one of her other books would be a better place to start.
annepw's review
3.0
A simple, bittersweet novel about aging and family. Enjoyable but would benefit from a little more plot and a more robust ending.
bupdaddy's review
5.0
Man, once I start an Anne Tyler book, it seems like the next thing I know, I'm done. Her voice is so effortless and smooth I don't even feel like I'm reading.
Maryam Yazdan's 30+ year, sometimes grudging journey to become American, even as the novel is ostensibly about two baby girls from Korea adopted by two families in the Baltimore area, captures something really special. As has happened millions of times in the nation's history, each person changes America just as America changes them.
Maryam Yazdan's 30+ year, sometimes grudging journey to become American, even as the novel is ostensibly about two baby girls from Korea adopted by two families in the Baltimore area, captures something really special. As has happened millions of times in the nation's history, each person changes America just as America changes them.
susiegorden's review
4.0
Good stuff. I particularly liked the closer look at expectations we have of immigrants ... and that they have of themselves. It was also refreshing to have a romantic relationship between older protagonists.
margaretmechinus's review
Had to return this audio book to the library and did not mind that I had not finished it.
jessiejo42's review
2.0
Very difficult to get into and stay into the book. I didn't see a whole lot of point being made.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
Its been awhile since I have read Tyler but this was one of her typically entertaining tales. The narration was also very well done.