As another reviewer said, there's not a lot of action in this book, but there doesn't need to be. Nguyen paints rich pictures with words; her descriptions are a joy to read and her characters and dialogue believable. I definitely enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more by Nguyen. ( )

Van and Linny Luong are complete opposites. Van is the over achiever who has been hurt really bad by Mr. Right walked out on her. Linny is the beautiful socialite who gets humiliated when her affair with a married man turns nasty. Both sister don't get along with each other and would never call the other for advice. When their father calls them home to celebrate his finally becoming an American Citizen, both girls find themselves finally communicating with each about their deceased mother, their past, and their romantic troubles. Getting a chance to see things through the other's point of view, the rift between them starts to heal, but will the two ever be able to put their differences aside and see eye to eye or will their fragil relationship take a turn for the worst when certain family secrets start coming out? A heartwarming, at times funny, book about two sisters with an interesting twist on a classic case of sibling rivalry. Although some of the issues about immigration and citizenship are never quite fully resolved, this story opens a world to the readers that has never been seen in quite this way. Readers will find that they can relate to at least a few of the characters in this book and will be slightly changed and maybe even edified by the story Bich Mich Nguyen tells in this book. ( )

Short Girls is a quick but engrossing read. This book, about two second generation Vietnamese American sisters, tells the story of their coming to know themselves and realize the value of family and tradition. The sisters, though distant and on diverging paths in life, are brought together through both crisis and celebration, both in their personal and professional lives.

Whether or not you identify with Van, the lawyer whose even temper and drive to achieve doesn't suffice to hide her fragility, or her capricious and irresponsible sister Linny, you will find the characters well developed and quite likable. Much of the story revolves around the girls sense of obligation to their widower father, and stories of his obsession with height, or really the families lack of it. Current dealings with him, the inner and outer conflicts they create, and memories of their deceased mother set much of the emotional tone. The novel does end on a hopeful note and is another in the genre of asian american fiction or quasi-memoir that I would recommend. ( )

Though this book didn't have a whole lot of action or a whole lot going on even, it was really good at keeping my attention and keeping me interested. The book is very well written. ( )

Van and Linny Luong are sisters who were born in America to Vietnamese immigrants. Their mother has died, and though they both feel strong ties to their hapless but domineering father, they don’t like to spend time with him. The sisters are estranged from each other as they have very little in common. This story is about family ties and how these sisters reconnect.

The story is interesting, especially the insight into Vietnamese culture, and what it is like to be an immigrant. Van is a lawyer who specializes in immigration law and this point of view was insightful.

I expected more humor from this book. The title and the cover make it sound like it will be lighthearted, something it definitely was not. It was actually depressing in parts because Van is going through a painful divorce and Linny is dating a married man.
The story did end on an uplifting note as the sisters learn to appreciate each other and their heritage. ( )