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nickscoby's review against another edition
4.0
Not a literary masterpiece, but it doesn't claim to be. Fresh Off The Boat is a quintessential anti-post-racial narrative. Should be mandatory reading in any contemporary ethnic studies course.
prodigalstudent's review against another edition
3.0
So, this book gets a lot of credit for sustaining my attention, because before this, I have never been able to really finish an autobiography.
I liked how real the author was. It's weird but I felt like after reading this book I was able to properly appreciate how gentrification can (negatively) affect the community. Also being a foodie, I loved all the parts about food. It's so true that the best food is many times just the simple dishes we have at home.
However, I need to cut off points for some of the middle chapters. Those were really boring and did not offer me anything insightful to think about. Plus, while I respect and admire the author for taking his own path in life, I don't think it is right to judge people who follow the more traditional path, as long as that's what they want. So, it's a 3 stars for me.
I liked how real the author was. It's weird but I felt like after reading this book I was able to properly appreciate how gentrification can (negatively) affect the community. Also being a foodie, I loved all the parts about food. It's so true that the best food is many times just the simple dishes we have at home.
However, I need to cut off points for some of the middle chapters. Those were really boring and did not offer me anything insightful to think about. Plus, while I respect and admire the author for taking his own path in life, I don't think it is right to judge people who follow the more traditional path, as long as that's what they want. So, it's a 3 stars for me.
inook_u's review against another edition
4.0
I have the biggest love hate relationship with Eddie because he is someone I wouldn’t get along with he’s to cocky, smokes drug and can be a straight up dick. I admire him as well because he’s so hardworking, is very intellectual and successful but my favourite quality of Eddie is his love for his family! Especially with his brothers Emery and Evan. When he talks about his brothers in the book you can really feel how much he cares and want to protect his younger brothers. I love his dedication “To Emery who loved it and Evan who built it” made me cry!!!! Such a great story and I recommend listening to the audiobook
bibliovino's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Huang is a genius on so many fronts and it’s evidenced again by the wildly entertaining, darkly humorous and heart-tugging stories collected here. You can easily see why he caught the attention of a nation and rocketed to fame, especially considering his rocky roots. With passion and humility, the chef, activist, lawyer, and comedian invites us to see the world through a wholly unique lens!
eden_ainsley's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
After watching and loving the show, I listened to the audiobook, since I believe life stories should be told through speaking and not words on a page. I’m so shocked at how much of disservice the show did to Eddie’s life story.
I’m super impressed with Eddie’s ability to reflect and articulate on his thoughts and feelings. The author has a unique skill for story telling to make you feel like you were there for all of his experiences.
Im not really interested in traveling to America, but after this I’m tempted to buy a plane ticket just to try his food.
As an Australian, the dominate ethnic group in my city is Chinese, so if your looking to understand a smidge of your neighbours culture and experience, Eddie’s book is a great point of reference for some of the hardships and adversity.
Thanks Eddie!!!
I’m super impressed with Eddie’s ability to reflect and articulate on his thoughts and feelings. The author has a unique skill for story telling to make you feel like you were there for all of his experiences.
Im not really interested in traveling to America, but after this I’m tempted to buy a plane ticket just to try his food.
As an Australian, the dominate ethnic group in my city is Chinese, so if your looking to understand a smidge of your neighbours culture and experience, Eddie’s book is a great point of reference for some of the hardships and adversity.
Thanks Eddie!!!
wifienabled08's review against another edition
5.0
Eddie Huang's memoir is a refreshing view on what it's like to grow up as a minority in America and finding your way in life. I have rarely laughed out loud while reading a book but Huang's words are refreshing, entertaining, and most importantly, brutally honest.
capone12's review against another edition
3.0
Huang's descriptions of his childhood and relationships with food are captivating. The other parts of his story were not as interesting.
drgnhrt968's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
ptothelo's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished my first book of the summer!
After a year back at school, I identify with his struggles re: identity, and the catch-22 of doing what you are good at and not wanting to seem like a stereotype, and the realization, as you read, that you are most definitely not alone and not the first person to ask these questions (see: almost all the Asian-American and post-colonial theology I read outside my classes). That liminal space is actually pretty crowded.
Also, realizing that I think a lot about church through the lens of food, fashion and scriptwriting.
Some favorite quotes:
"People forget how powerful the culture of a restaurant is. Food is what's on the plate, but dining extends beyond it."
"People who don't understand something need poles to grasp, but those who truly love and undersatnd something through experience don't need those training wheels. Food is that way for me. There's a difference between bastardizing an item and giving it the room to breathe, grow, and change with the times."
After a year back at school, I identify with his struggles re: identity, and the catch-22 of doing what you are good at and not wanting to seem like a stereotype, and the realization, as you read, that you are most definitely not alone and not the first person to ask these questions (see: almost all the Asian-American and post-colonial theology I read outside my classes). That liminal space is actually pretty crowded.
Also, realizing that I think a lot about church through the lens of food, fashion and scriptwriting.
Some favorite quotes:
"People forget how powerful the culture of a restaurant is. Food is what's on the plate, but dining extends beyond it."
"People who don't understand something need poles to grasp, but those who truly love and undersatnd something through experience don't need those training wheels. Food is that way for me. There's a difference between bastardizing an item and giving it the room to breathe, grow, and change with the times."