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I liked this picture of #Taiwan in the 1940s and 50s, when the Japanese occupiers are pushed out by the Nationalist Revolutionary Chinese (who lost on the Mainland). Saburo is the youngest son and not even his mother is nice to him. He develops a core of inner strength that lets him accomplish things *despite* his parents. And yet he is emotionally tied to pleasing them.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022 #readingasia

Generally, this book about a Taiwanese boy growing into manhood isn‘t funny. But this passage comparing Asian vs American cooking styles made me LOL.

My AAPI husband and I can definitely relate to this. Throw a steak on the grill or chop for an hour to make something with Asian roots? We do both, but often comment on the extra effort.

My book sort of matches my new crochet project‘s yarn. This book is a slow start ... and the crochet tempts me away from it!

3.5 Stars

This was really readable and an interesting perspective on Taiwan as well as family dynamics with an”lesser” son. I really enjoyed the plot for about the first 2/3 of the book but it seemed to fall apart at the end. I wish there was more about the Nationalist agents spying on students and that the immigration to the US part was better developed.

I couldn't pull myself away from this one. The main character's escape from his harsh family, his unwillingness to give up and accept second best from himself. That will stay with me from this book.