martereadsalot 's review for:

American Panda by Gloria Chao

3.0

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“And right now I had no idea where I ended and my parents began.”

In the ever-expanding sea of YA contemporaries, it takes a lot to stand out. And while American Panda is refreshing with its’ diversity and portrayal of Taiwanese culture, it doesn’t offer too much beyond that.

Obviously, as a very white person, I can’t comment on the accuracy of the representation of Taiwanese, Chinese and Asian-American cultures depicted in this. That being said, it was what drew me into this to begin with. It quickly also became clear that it was going to be the highlight of the book.

Gloria Chao managed to capture both actual cultural traditions and differences, and how they deeply affect and shape the people they encompass. I particularly liked how she focused on the harmony and dissonance created by culture within families.
The family dynamics definitely held a lot of potential. And while I would’ve loved to see even more nuance there, it stood head and shoulders above everything else.

Now this is where the real issues arise. Because while the story of Mei and her family is interesting, the rest really isn’t.
Instead of having Mei’s family as the plot’s solitary driving force, there are big chunks dedicated to not these "side plots". Entire chapters about what I can only call attempts at slap-stick, conflicts with underdeveloped side-characters and a very unnecessary romance. Seriously, why was there even a romance in this?

Not to be that bitch, but I can help but wonder if these side plot would have happened if this was targeted toward an adult audience. That's not to say there aren't very serious YA contemporaries out there - there certainly are. But generally speaking, the label seems to come with certain limitations or criteria.
Romance and humor is all well and good, but certain story just crave to be told with a bit more grit. I really think some unfiltered harshness could have done this book a lot of good.

In the end, despite its potential, American Panda stands as a very average YA contemporary to me. Inoffensive, safe and somewhat forgettable.