Scan barcode
A review by mermaird
American Panda by Gloria Chao
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 🐼💕 .