As alienated kids go, Jin Wang is fairly run-of-the-mill: he eats lunch by himself in a corner of the schoolyard, gets picked on by bullies and jocks and develops a sweat-inducing crush on a pretty classmate. And, oh, yes, his parents are from Taiwan. This much-anticipated, affecting story about growing up different is more than just the story of a Chinese-American childhood; it's a fable for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape. The fable is filtered through some very specific cultural icons: the much-beloved Monkey King, a figure familiar to Chinese kids the world over, and a buck-toothed amalgamation of racist stereotypes named Chin-Kee.
This was an really interesting story. It's about a "American-born Chinese" boy who is trying to fit in with his peers - but also learn to appreciate his Chinese heritage. It is told in three different stories, that end up being connected and thought-provoking. I enjoyed it!
3 comments:
I'm glad things are going well. Sounds like your enjoying the job. I'm glad your having fun on your bible belt journey waaaay across the states.
Sweet - glad to hear things are formulating in wonderful ways for you in the Eastern part of the World! We're doing all we can do to keep your brother out of trouble!!
This book sounds interesting...The bible belt sure sounds interesting too! Glad you're enjoying it!
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