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audreyknutson 's review for:

4.0

I’m a huge fan of the “Fresh Off the Boat” TV series so I wanted to check out this book. It’s different from the series and deals with complex issues in a serious and sometimes comedic way. I really enjoyed it.

I’m a first generation Korean-American and I’m interested in how other Asians reconcile their own identity with being American. I don’t agree with how Eddie Huang views and treats women in the book and I don’t necessarily relate to some of his views of American and Asian identity and culture, but I think he hit it home with a lot of his ideas. It took me a long time to read this book because I would have to pause a lot; his descriptions of family and cultural differences hit a little too close to home and it was hard for me to deal with. I find some solace knowing I have some shared experiences with others.

Eddie Huang struggles with his voice and identity. He uses food to address and answer questions of race, culture, and what it means to be American and to try to gain some understanding. It’s awesome to see someone so passionate about something they love; for Eddie it’s food. I’m sure this book was difficult at times to write and I respect him for it. I’ve got to read his second book now.