A good introduction to Asian America. I will say however, that Frank H. Wu's background is in law, which definitely shows throughout the book. A particularly long list of stereotyped caricatures of Asians in media sticks out in my mind, though I do remember thinking simultaneously that his list was 'way too long' but also 'really interesting.' He seems to have a gift at moving you along and getting you through to the end. A bit dense to read at times (from what I recall as an undermotivated undergrad), but definitely recommended reading for anyone interested in learning more about the Asian American experience.
****SPOILER ALERT********GIVING AWAY THE ENDING****Damn, when Brother Francis Dellacourt dies. I had to lay back and let that one sink in, after having followed his journey throughout the series.
Just wish I'd received it earlier, but even as a college student it struck home and was great. Some really relateable scenes. I'll have to go back over it again to remember the overall story-line, but in retrospect it was interesting for Yang to tie in the story of the Monkey-King, especially in the way he did it.
Yell-oh girls! : emerging voices explore culture, identity, and growing up Asian American by Vickie Nam
Phoebe Eng's intro to the book still makes this anthology stick out in my mind."[B]ig things can never been accomplished by sheer will and talent alone. Instead, it requires the collusion of hundreds of people who also believe in you, who want you to thrive, and will do what is necessary to lift you up to that place where, finally, you will have what you need to fly on your own."
YELL-Oh Girls! is an anthology of writings by and for younger Asian/Pacific American women (mostly youth/teens, with some young adults [early twenties]) -- which is not a bad thing by any means. When I came across the book, it was a refreshing breath of air, (re)affirming, in some ways, my own lived experience as a young Asian American.
Those who come to this book a little further along in their journey of discovery and identity formation may not find it quite so engaging as those who are 'younger' may find it. However, it is still a great collection for those looking for a work that speaks to their experience*, and I'd highly recommend it to any young Asian American woman who has ever thought about her identity and what it means to be "Asian."
*Though I really can't remember if transracial adoptees and Desis get a fair shake in this volume -- given the scope of the project, I'd think they would!
YELL-Oh Girls! is an anthology of writings by and for younger Asian/Pacific American women (mostly youth/teens, with some young adults [early twenties]) -- which is not a bad thing by any means. When I came across the book, it was a refreshing breath of air, (re)affirming, in some ways, my own lived experience as a young Asian American.
Those who come to this book a little further along in their journey of discovery and identity formation may not find it quite so engaging as those who are 'younger' may find it. However, it is still a great collection for those looking for a work that speaks to their experience*, and I'd highly recommend it to any young Asian American woman who has ever thought about her identity and what it means to be "Asian."
*Though I really can't remember if transracial adoptees and Desis get a fair shake in this volume -- given the scope of the project, I'd think they would!