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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Absolutely loved this book. So incredibly well written and gives a lot of insight to a young immigrants life as she struggles to adjust to nyc, her familial difficulties, and poverty. 10/10 recommend
I really enjoyed reading this book! Some parts were tough to read and it took me a while to finish. I had to stop reading it for a while to really reflect on what I just experienced. Wang had a way of drawing you in, but also some parts were slow. Overall, though, I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about an undocumented immigrant's experience! It was a good read :)
Personally felt like this was written for a certain audience in mind…which is not me (someone who also moved from Asia to the US as a child lol) I love reading asian literature as I’m always craving more representation in all creative spaces, but this definitely felt like it was catered for the white gaze (sry don’t come at me).
Lately and unfortunately, I feel like whenever I pick up a book from an asian author, I have to play The Game: “Will this be a book from an asian author or will this be a book from an asian author /for/ a White Audience?”
Another thing is that it was written in a way that is constantly telling you exactly how the author wants you to feel about every little thing in every little moment. And the ….self-orientalism in the writing was…???¿!… something. To say the least.
It felt like the set up for a “But I succeeded despite all terrible, horrible odds! Aren’t I incredible?” story for the author as it only really goes up to/through part of middle school. Also, it felt like it was written by a lawyer, which it was.
Lately and unfortunately, I feel like whenever I pick up a book from an asian author, I have to play The Game: “Will this be a book from an asian author or will this be a book from an asian author /for/ a White Audience?”
Another thing is that it was written in a way that is constantly telling you exactly how the author wants you to feel about every little thing in every little moment. And the ….self-orientalism in the writing was…???¿!… something. To say the least.
It felt like the set up for a “But I succeeded despite all terrible, horrible odds! Aren’t I incredible?” story for the author as it only really goes up to/through part of middle school. Also, it felt like it was written by a lawyer, which it was.
Reminded me of Glass Castle, really enjoyed and related to the MC in surprising ways. Super duper recommend.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Good. Thought provoking. A little clunky, the way memoirs often are but still made me stop and reflect and for that I'll give it it's due. Not to spoil anything really, it's very easy to forget, a) sweatshops do exist in America and b) the people working there often have significant education. The desperation that comes from that kind of uprooting really makes you grateful.
I received an ARC.
This is just a stunning story of growing up as an illegal immigrant in America. Nothing I say will give this book the justice it deserves in a review.
I will say, while I think this book is considered a book for older teens/adults. I would say kids in middle school (5th grade and up) would be able to learn and grow from the story of Qian' life.
This is just a stunning story of growing up as an illegal immigrant in America. Nothing I say will give this book the justice it deserves in a review.
I will say, while I think this book is considered a book for older teens/adults. I would say kids in middle school (5th grade and up) would be able to learn and grow from the story of Qian' life.
This was a beautiful and honest memoir. As the book goes over her younger years, Wang’s childhood innocence is painfully honest as it is re-examined through her matured understanding of the world. Wang’s writing was touching and brought me to tears on multiple occasions.