A review by betweentheshelves
Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam by Thien Pham

emotional hopeful medium-paced

4.0

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Family Style by Thien Pham to review! There have been a slew of graphic novel memoirs being published recently, and so far, they have all been phenomenal. I especially enjoyed that this one was so centered around food, with each stage of Pham's life tied to an important food or dish from that moment. It's a unique way to structure a memoir!

Pham captures his family's journey from Vietnam to America through his food journey, focusing on details that I think a lot of people won't necessarily know. The illustration style felt sort of printmaking-esque to me, with so much detail. It also helps in emphasizing the food throughout, showing how they impacted Pham and his family.

The little comics included at the end, where Pham asks his family about making this book, are such a great addition to the story. I love when authors include personal little details like that, so definitely don't skip it! It gives even more characterization to his family as well.

All in all, this is a strongly written, wonderfully illustrated graphic novel memoir that you should definitely pick up when it comes out in June! 

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