Messy Roots

(7/15/2023) the author and i share a common character in our names that's hard to pronounce in english so it was pretty interesting seeing it splashed across a triumphant spread in the conclusion. tons of relatable moments in here (also a she/they queer asian american who grew up in majority white neighborhoods, whose name was constantly mauled in class roll calls, and whose parents found immigrant community in similar ways after coming to the states – church for laura, buddhist association for me). i was pleasantly surprised to find this on the shelf at my local library after signing up for a library card the same day as it'd been vaguely (waves hand) on my to-read list.

this might've been because i read this a little at a time over a number of days (as opposed to in one sitting) but as a memoir goes, i don't think it went particularly deep on any one topic. it was more relying on the audience to be insiders at certain points, if that makes sense? the art was also a bit inconsistent throughout, being doodle-like in places and sophisticated in others. that all said, this is the first time i've ever felt the urge to write to an author right after i read something. gotta recommend a local bakery.

This is so sweet and heartfelt while also being hilarious. I enjoyed learning more about Wuhan than just COVID!

I love how inspiring and well-written this memoir is. :) Glad I have the pleasure to read another well-done graphic memoir this year.

an emotional and heartfelt (truly) memoir about growing up chinese american and plus the art style is so funny and feels very flowy? goals fr

A thoughtful and honest memoir. I'm sure many children of immigrants can relate!