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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
4.5/5 Stars
American Panda is a truly authentic exploration of the cultural clash that happens for many young Asian Americans whose parents hold tight to their roots. The book is obviously deeply personal, and it resonates with the reader because of that.
What Fed My Addiction:
Cultural ties.
As I said in my intro, this book presents the issue of growing up in America, surrounded by American culture and values, and how that can be difficult with first-generation parents who were raised with a completely different set of values and cultural mores. Mei has always been a "good girl." She has tried hard to please her parents, and she sees the value in their deeply seeded Taiwanese culture. At the same time, she struggles to find herself when her parents' expectations start to clash with her own wants and needs. She has to decide if she will live for her parents or live for herself---a question that might seem simple from an outside perspective, but is anything but. Seeing the world through Mei's eyes, you can't help but sympathize with her and understand the struggle that she goes through daily to fit into two very different worlds.
Family ties.
Mei's relationships with her family truly take center stage in this book, and those ties are complicated, to say the least. Her brother has been cut off from the family for years, and Mei's feelings about that are difficult to parse. On the one hand, she was relatively young when it happened and she didn't feel like she had much control over the situation (not to mention the fact that the only perspective she got was her parents'). But now that Mei is older, she sees her brother and her family's banishment of him very differently. Mei's relationship with her mother is also a key component of the book, and it was beautiful to see that relationship transform as the book went on.
All the feels.
This book is funny, but it's also so much more than that---Mei's personal journey isn't always easy, and you can expect to get wrapped up in it in a hundred different ways!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Not much focus on the romance.
The romance is actually much less a focus of the book than I thought it would be (which is fine but just surprised me). I just never completely felt a connection between Darren and Mei, but they were cute together! I also felt like the plot itself was a bit lacking in the middle of the book---it's more of a character-centric story than a plot-based one---but that was minor.
This is one of those books that I would encourage everyone to read because it gives such insight into a cultural perspective many of us might not otherwise experience, and it gives many YA readers who have experienced this cultural clash a glimpse of themselves on the page. I look forward to reading more by Gloria Chao! I went back and forth on my rating for this one a bit, but ended up settling at 4.5/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
4.5/5 Stars
American Panda is a truly authentic exploration of the cultural clash that happens for many young Asian Americans whose parents hold tight to their roots. The book is obviously deeply personal, and it resonates with the reader because of that.
What Fed My Addiction:
Cultural ties.
As I said in my intro, this book presents the issue of growing up in America, surrounded by American culture and values, and how that can be difficult with first-generation parents who were raised with a completely different set of values and cultural mores. Mei has always been a "good girl." She has tried hard to please her parents, and she sees the value in their deeply seeded Taiwanese culture. At the same time, she struggles to find herself when her parents' expectations start to clash with her own wants and needs. She has to decide if she will live for her parents or live for herself---a question that might seem simple from an outside perspective, but is anything but. Seeing the world through Mei's eyes, you can't help but sympathize with her and understand the struggle that she goes through daily to fit into two very different worlds.
Family ties.
Mei's relationships with her family truly take center stage in this book, and those ties are complicated, to say the least. Her brother has been cut off from the family for years, and Mei's feelings about that are difficult to parse. On the one hand, she was relatively young when it happened and she didn't feel like she had much control over the situation (not to mention the fact that the only perspective she got was her parents'). But now that Mei is older, she sees her brother and her family's banishment of him very differently. Mei's relationship with her mother is also a key component of the book, and it was beautiful to see that relationship transform as the book went on.
All the feels.
This book is funny, but it's also so much more than that---Mei's personal journey isn't always easy, and you can expect to get wrapped up in it in a hundred different ways!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Not much focus on the romance.
The romance is actually much less a focus of the book than I thought it would be (which is fine but just surprised me). I just never completely felt a connection between Darren and Mei, but they were cute together! I also felt like the plot itself was a bit lacking in the middle of the book---it's more of a character-centric story than a plot-based one---but that was minor.
This is one of those books that I would encourage everyone to read because it gives such insight into a cultural perspective many of us might not otherwise experience, and it gives many YA readers who have experienced this cultural clash a glimpse of themselves on the page. I look forward to reading more by Gloria Chao! I went back and forth on my rating for this one a bit, but ended up settling at 4.5/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
missbookiverse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Ich liebe Bücher über Figuren, die zwischen zwei Kulturen stecken. Ich glaube, weil ich neugierig auf mir unbekannte Kulturen bin, mich mit der westlichen Seite aber besser identifiziere, so dass ich neue Luft schnuppern kann ohne den Boden komplett unter den Füßen zu verlieren. Gleichzeitig finde ich es megaspannend zu verfolgen, wie Kinder von Einwanderern.innen diese zwei Welten unter einen Hut bekommen.
Meis Mutter macht mit ihren ständigen Kontrollanrufen und besorgten Tipps (den Teebeutel nicht mehr als zweimal benutzen, aber auch nicht seltener, das wäre Verschwendung) erst mal einen amüsanten Eindruck, aber wer wie Mei regelmäßig ernst gemeinten Aussagen wie “Iss nicht so viel, mach mehr Sport, dein zukünftiger Ehemann wird keine dicke Frau wollen!” ausgesetzt ist, merkt schnell, dass Tipps wie 300 Mal am Tag die Arme hin und her zu schwingen, um Kalorien zu verbrennen alles andere als lustig sind. Dennoch schafft Mei es wieder und wieder auch das Gute in ihren Eltern zu sehen und deren ständige Zurechtweisungen als Besorgnis um ihr Wohlergehen und ihre Zukunft zu deuten.
Neben den innerfamiliären Konflikten lernt Mei auch andere Varianten ihrer eigenen Kultur kennen. Nicht alle taiwanesischen Einwanderer.innen nehmen die alten Traditionen so ernst wie Meis Eltern und nicht alle Kinder mit dem gleichen Migrationshintergrund fühlen sich Mei automatisch verbündet, ganz im Gegenteil. Zusätzlich werden kleine Teile japanischer Kultur erwähnt, besonders in Zusammenhang mit dem historischen Konflikt zwischen Taiwan und Japan, der es Mei laut ihren Eltern nicht erlaubt mit japanischstämmigen Jungs auszugehen.
Trotz Meis ständiger innerer Zerrissenheit, würde ich das Buch eher als “easy listening/reading” bezeichnen. Es hat zahlreiche niedliche und lustige Momente, die vor allem die Eskalation im letzten Drittel auflockern. Aufgrund dessen löst sich am Ende vielleicht alles auch einen Ticken zu schnell und einfach, aber insgesamt gefällt mir diese Mischung aus Leichtigkeit und Tiefgang.
Ich liebe Bücher über Figuren, die zwischen zwei Kulturen stecken. Ich glaube, weil ich neugierig auf mir unbekannte Kulturen bin, mich mit der westlichen Seite aber besser identifiziere, so dass ich neue Luft schnuppern kann ohne den Boden komplett unter den Füßen zu verlieren. Gleichzeitig finde ich es megaspannend zu verfolgen, wie Kinder von Einwanderern.innen diese zwei Welten unter einen Hut bekommen.
Meis Mutter macht mit ihren ständigen Kontrollanrufen und besorgten Tipps (den Teebeutel nicht mehr als zweimal benutzen, aber auch nicht seltener, das wäre Verschwendung) erst mal einen amüsanten Eindruck, aber wer wie Mei regelmäßig ernst gemeinten Aussagen wie “Iss nicht so viel, mach mehr Sport, dein zukünftiger Ehemann wird keine dicke Frau wollen!” ausgesetzt ist, merkt schnell, dass Tipps wie 300 Mal am Tag die Arme hin und her zu schwingen, um Kalorien zu verbrennen alles andere als lustig sind. Dennoch schafft Mei es wieder und wieder auch das Gute in ihren Eltern zu sehen und deren ständige Zurechtweisungen als Besorgnis um ihr Wohlergehen und ihre Zukunft zu deuten.
Neben den innerfamiliären Konflikten lernt Mei auch andere Varianten ihrer eigenen Kultur kennen. Nicht alle taiwanesischen Einwanderer.innen nehmen die alten Traditionen so ernst wie Meis Eltern und nicht alle Kinder mit dem gleichen Migrationshintergrund fühlen sich Mei automatisch verbündet, ganz im Gegenteil. Zusätzlich werden kleine Teile japanischer Kultur erwähnt, besonders in Zusammenhang mit dem historischen Konflikt zwischen Taiwan und Japan, der es Mei laut ihren Eltern nicht erlaubt mit japanischstämmigen Jungs auszugehen.
Trotz Meis ständiger innerer Zerrissenheit, würde ich das Buch eher als “easy listening/reading” bezeichnen. Es hat zahlreiche niedliche und lustige Momente, die vor allem die Eskalation im letzten Drittel auflockern. Aufgrund dessen löst sich am Ende vielleicht alles auch einen Ticken zu schnell und einfach, aber insgesamt gefällt mir diese Mischung aus Leichtigkeit und Tiefgang.
mischief_in_the_library's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like there has been a spate of first-generation American stories lately, that offer a really exciting glimpse into a different culture, but ultimately fall a little flat for the cliche, the stereotypes, and the subpar writing. Maybe this was the case here because it felt like the conflict between Mei's traditional Tawainese upbringing and her own desire for independence was pretty much the whole story. There wasn't anything else going on, really. Her college experience created cultural conflict, her potential boyfriend was an issue because her parents disapproved, her passion (dance) was seen as not important by her parents because of the - here it is - culture. And I get that this would be a big thing in your life. But was there honestly nothing else?
This book reminded me a lot of [b:When Dimple Met Rishi|28458598|When Dimple Met Rishi|Sandhya Menon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488s/28458598.jpg|48593860]. Both had really interesting premises, but everything felt a bit too over the top, the cultural references felt a little forced at times, and plot points were just far too coincidental to be realistic. You don't just get to shadow a doctor because you ask nicely. That doctor will not just announce a patient's yeast infection in front of you without asking them if it's ok you're there. And that doctor who is basically the same character but 8 years in the future? (Chinese, a doctor because her parents want her to be, likes maths but didn't pursue it because of the doctor thing, literally the same germ phobia that manifests exactly the same way - the representation of this mental illness as essentially )
Lots of people enjoyed this, and liked the representation, and I think it's a valuable book for that reason. Definitely not for me, though.
This book reminded me a lot of [b:When Dimple Met Rishi|28458598|When Dimple Met Rishi|Sandhya Menon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488s/28458598.jpg|48593860]. Both had really interesting premises, but everything felt a bit too over the top, the cultural references felt a little forced at times, and plot points were just far too coincidental to be realistic. You don't just get to shadow a doctor because you ask nicely. That doctor will not just announce a patient's yeast infection in front of you without asking them if it's ok you're there. And that doctor who is basically the same character but 8 years in the future? (Chinese, a doctor because her parents want her to be, likes maths but didn't pursue it because of the doctor thing, literally the same germ phobia that manifests exactly the same way - the representation of this mental illness as essentially )
Lots of people enjoyed this, and liked the representation, and I think it's a valuable book for that reason. Definitely not for me, though.
sprigplantar's review against another edition
5.0
this was so cute! i really enjoyed how integral the main character's asian culture was to the story since i feel like a lot of books make characters asian but literally never talk about the rich culture. this was also the first piece of media i've come across in a LONG time where the asian character has an asian love interest and it was super cute seeing them interact with one another's culture.
gayathiri_rajendran's review against another edition
3.0
A solid 3.5 stars from me.American Panda is a contemporary young adult novel about Mei,a Taiwanese-American college student at MIT who struggles to carve her own path and keep up a good relationship with her family.
The book is mainly Mei's voice and it is very multifaceted. Her voice is so believable and this book balances between explaining the cultural differences and issues that arise and the struggle with strict parents. The story of American Panda is one we've heard a lot of times and it actually works because it feels so natural. The author says in the personal note that this book is based on her own experiences as well as a few friends of hers.
There is great development in the lead character as the story progresses. There is a good balance between comic and serious elements in the story. The story is a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up the pace after a while.I liked the way the author focused on Mei's relationship with her brother,Xing and her mother. I love how the character of her mother was not one dimensional but rather layered and complicated.
The only thing I did not like was how extreme Mei's parents were. The voice messages from her mother gave me the chills. I don't want to discount the experiences but it felt very harsh.
Overall,this book was good. It was a quick,fun and an enjoyably diverse read.
The book is mainly Mei's voice and it is very multifaceted. Her voice is so believable and this book balances between explaining the cultural differences and issues that arise and the struggle with strict parents. The story of American Panda is one we've heard a lot of times and it actually works because it feels so natural. The author says in the personal note that this book is based on her own experiences as well as a few friends of hers.
There is great development in the lead character as the story progresses. There is a good balance between comic and serious elements in the story. The story is a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up the pace after a while.I liked the way the author focused on Mei's relationship with her brother,Xing and her mother. I love how the character of her mother was not one dimensional but rather layered and complicated.
The only thing I did not like was how extreme Mei's parents were. The voice messages from her mother gave me the chills. I don't want to discount the experiences but it felt very harsh.
Overall,this book was good. It was a quick,fun and an enjoyably diverse read.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great story about the struggles of meeting not only your parents' standards, but your own as well. Mei has entered an Ivy-league college a year early, and has entered into the medical program, per her parents' wishes. Unfortunately for her, anything to do with germs sends her reeling for some hand sanitizer. Not only that, but her potential confidant--her brother, who is also a doctor--is the one person she can't talk to. Not ever since he decided to continue seeing a woman against his parents' wishes.
But Chinatown is small, and word gets out.
Mei is an upstanding character, ready to take on...well, maybe not the world--there's too many germs there. But her parents? Yeah, she can take them. After all, parents are supposed to care for you and love you unconditionally...right?
As she struggles through her complicated emotions to those who cared for her, she must also try to find herself and decide just what she likes and dislikes. And perhaps, along the way, she can escape the cycle in which her own mother is entrapped. Her mother might smile, but Mei certainly won't. Not when it's her personal freedom and general feeling of safety on the line. But the sources of her support are forbidden, and another source of support would be acceptable...if she hadn't taken on the superstitious performance name of a castaway Chinese girl.
Overall, this was a fun book, and just reminiscent enough of my first year at college. All those wonders, those sights, the classes, the superstitions...though quite different from my own experience, it rings of the universal experience of learning what it takes to be your own person.
Review cross-listed here!
But Chinatown is small, and word gets out.
Mei is an upstanding character, ready to take on...well, maybe not the world--there's too many germs there. But her parents? Yeah, she can take them. After all, parents are supposed to care for you and love you unconditionally...right?
As she struggles through her complicated emotions to those who cared for her, she must also try to find herself and decide just what she likes and dislikes. And perhaps, along the way, she can escape the cycle in which her own mother is entrapped. Her mother might smile, but Mei certainly won't. Not when it's her personal freedom and general feeling of safety on the line. But the sources of her support are forbidden, and another source of support would be acceptable...if she hadn't taken on the superstitious performance name of a castaway Chinese girl.
Overall, this was a fun book, and just reminiscent enough of my first year at college. All those wonders, those sights, the classes, the superstitions...though quite different from my own experience, it rings of the universal experience of learning what it takes to be your own person.
Review cross-listed here!
mermaird's review against another edition
4.0
When it comes to English young adult novels, Asians are mostly side characters, either a main character’s friend or simply unnecessarily there just for the sake of having Asian characters. But that’s not the case in American Panda. In this book, Asian rules (well, in a way 🤷🏻♀️)! .
Mei Lu is a Taiwanese American, and due to her heritage, it was hard for her to mingle around just like normal Americans. As an Asian myself, I know that most of us have really strict cultures and beliefs to follow, and in a way, I understand the struggle Mei had to go through. My culture and her culture are still different, but being Asian makes it close enough.
At first, Mei simply followed whatever her parents told her to, but it was hard because she is not going down the path her heart wanted. Throughout that time, my rate for this book has been solid three stars, but when Mei eventually finds her voice and fights for her dream, I knew that this is what I’ve been looking for ✨ .
I love the way Gloria Chao depicts the hardships of coming from the Asian heritage and living in America, despite actually being an American. You will be judged, and some may even look down upon you for no apparent reason. Sometimes even your own family will cage you simply because they think they know the best for you. But just like Mei did, some things are worth sacrificed if it means staying true to your own self.
And can we just talk about how cute Darren Takahashi is? I want a man that invents cute nicknames like Princess Pecan too 🐼💕 .
Mei Lu is a Taiwanese American, and due to her heritage, it was hard for her to mingle around just like normal Americans. As an Asian myself, I know that most of us have really strict cultures and beliefs to follow, and in a way, I understand the struggle Mei had to go through. My culture and her culture are still different, but being Asian makes it close enough.
At first, Mei simply followed whatever her parents told her to, but it was hard because she is not going down the path her heart wanted. Throughout that time, my rate for this book has been solid three stars, but when Mei eventually finds her voice and fights for her dream, I knew that this is what I’ve been looking for ✨ .
I love the way Gloria Chao depicts the hardships of coming from the Asian heritage and living in America, despite actually being an American. You will be judged, and some may even look down upon you for no apparent reason. Sometimes even your own family will cage you simply because they think they know the best for you. But just like Mei did, some things are worth sacrificed if it means staying true to your own self.
And can we just talk about how cute Darren Takahashi is? I want a man that invents cute nicknames like Princess Pecan too 🐼💕 .
greywuren's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't read a proper young adult novel in a long time and I have to admit, this writing style was not for me at all. I found myself really struggling to get through some of it but towards the end, i began to really enjoy the story. the representation in the novel is so very important and the way the characters developed was very beautiful to see. If i hadn't had to read this for my class, i probably would have just put it down because the beginning was tough to get through simply because the writing made me cringe quite a bit. But honestly? i'm really surprised by the ending, i found myself actually tearing up several times because some of the cultural aspects our main character goes through i could relate to within my own culture and i'd never before seen that represented in a novel and thus, i think this is a very crucial book, especially for teenagers in high school and young adults who need to read something like this to know they're not alone.