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Title: The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker (Vintage) by Eric Liu ISBN: 0-375-70486-8 Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: 01 August, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.75 (48 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: More than meets the eye.
Comment: This book is a fast read, and it sort of sneaks up on you. There is a quiet force to the questions Liu asks about race, about where Asian Americans fit into the big picture of identity. Since he's a skeptic about identity politics, some people might say he's pro-assimilation, but that's not quite right. He constantly wrestles with what "becoming American" does to him and others in the second generation, and by being tough on himself he makes you think harder about your own preconceived ideas. If you're looking for fiery arguments or sharp positions you won't be satisfied -- even I wished he didn't spend so much time delicately exploring middle ground. Also, it's defnitely not a comprehensive book about the Asian American experience. But I think lots of Asian Americans and people of other backgrounds too can find something here to relate to and chew on. He writes nicely, and he has a way of mixing storytelling and social commentary that draws you in.
Rating: 4
Summary: Interesting Perspective
Comment: The Accidental Asian makes for quick, fascinating reading. Eric Liu is very eloquent and his viewpoints are very thought provoking. I really recommend the book. But however, his viewpoint is of an "ABC" who grew up primarily in a white suburb and occasionally visits the "Old Chinatown" (in NY). He does mention Monterey Park and the new Little Taipei but lacks experience in that community. There's a whole new world of Asian Americans out there in Southern California left to be explored hopefully by other authors. We immigrated to the U.S. when we're in grade school and grew up in the U.S. in mixed culture and race neighborhoods unlike the polar extremes presented in Eric's book: white suburban neighborhood or a very Chinesee-Chinatown. We grow up fully aware and accepting of our dual-cultural upbringing and identity...and quite comfortable at that. It's like the Irish Americans and the Italian Americans...we're Chinese Americans. We also grew! up in affluent, professional Asian American neighborhoods, with friends who all attend prestigious universities and graduate school. Eric does make a good point that the "Asian American" is an artificial and contrived term.
Rating: 5
Summary: pretty good
Comment: This book is honest and the author doesn't try to say more than he knows. Nothing exotic thrown in for effect or drama. He writes for Asians and for himself which is uncommon.
It's not perfect but I gave it five stars anyway.
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Title: Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White by Frank H. Wu ISBN: 046500640X Publisher: Basic Books Pub. Date: 25 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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Title: Asian American Dreams : The Emergence of an American People by Helen Zia ISBN: 0374527369 Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Pub. Date: 15 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
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Title: YELL-Oh Girls! Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity, and Growing Up Asian American by Vickie Nam ISBN: 0060959444 Publisher: Perennial Currents Pub. Date: 01 August, 2001 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Joe Turner's Come and Gone: A Play in Two Acts by August Wilson ISBN: 0452260094 Publisher: Plume Books Pub. Date: 01 October, 1992 List Price(USD): $11.00 |
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Title: The Chinese in America: A Narrative History by Iris Chang ISBN: 0670031232 Publisher: Viking Books Pub. Date: 28 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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