Ha Jin

I always approach books of short stories with a little trepidation. Sometimes I feel very unfulfilled by the short form, sometimes I feel like I get worn out reading and situating my self over and over in stories by the same author. Historically, its been really hard for me to make it through a short story collection without taking long breaks or getting burnt out or bored in the process.

This was an exception.

I read straight through this and really really enjoyed every story. Jin's characters are so well formed. The stories were all distinct and all of them were arced in a way that felt really satisfying. I love stories that give me insight into other people lives - these all succeeded in really giving some light to lives very different from mine and I really appreciated all the stories and felt like I knew the characters well. I haven't read Jin before this - and will definitely seek out his other works.… (more)

Thoughtful, easy-to-read novel about the accidental journey of Tian Yao - from celebrated and acclaimed singer with a thriving career in China to struggling, impoverished, but ultimately grateful citizen of the US. I was constantly on edge waiting for the story to become a nightmarish, Kafka-esque tale of persecution and treachery, yet it was never that. The author does something different. He simply tells the story straightforwardly and lets Tian's evolution unfold, showing the reader that here is a person of great character and integrity. His relationships with family and friends are sometimes moving, sometimes perplexing, but always interesting. The descriptions of food are a nice bonus!… (more)