Books matching: american upbringing
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- #1
Save:'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a compelling narrative that follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation Indian American born in Boston to Bengali parents. The story delves into the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the struggle to find one's place in a foreign land. Lahiri's writing style beautifully captures the nuances of immigrant experiences, blending themes of tradition, assimilation, and self-acceptance.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of the Ganguli family, exploring the generational conflicts, personal growth, and emotional journeys of its characters. Through the lens of Gogol's coming-of-age tale, readers are taken on a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for identity amidst the clash of cultures and the weight of family expectations.
On a sticky august evening two weeks before her due date, Ashima Ganguli stands in the kitchen of a Central Square apartment, combining Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts and chopped red onion in a bo... - #2
Save:'Taste: My Life through Food' by Stanley Tucci is a memoir that delves into the author's deep connection with food, drawing on his upbringing in an Italian family and his love for culinary traditions. Tucci intertwines personal anecdotes, family recipes, and reflections on his life, including his experiences with throat cancer, to create a narrative that celebrates the role of food in his life. The book is written in a light and engaging style, reminiscent of Tucci's storytelling in his series 'Searching for Italy', making it a delightful read for both food enthusiasts and fans of the actor.
I grew up in Katonah, New York, a beautiful town about sixty miles north of Manhattan. We moved there when I was three years of age from Peekskill, New York, a small city with a large Italian populati... - #3Ayitiby:
Save:Ayiti by Roxane Gay is a collection of short stories that beautifully intertwines the experiences of Haitian immigrants with the perspective of their American upbringing. Through scathing and honest insights, Gay delves into the routine and specific experiences of the Haitian diaspora, portraying the struggles of loving and leaving one's homeland. Each story in the collection offers a raw and vivid look into Haiti, exploring the country's beauty, poverty, and cultural contradictions. Gay's writing style is described as sure-footed, honest, and agnostic to story length, conveying meaningful experiences with brutal honesty and empathy.
Instructions: Kill the puffer fish. Don’t be squeamish. Extract the poison. Just find a way. Allow it to dry. Grind it with the blood and hair to create your coup de poudre. A good chemist can help. B... - #4
Save:Eat a Peach by David Chang is a memoir that delves into the personal journey of the renowned Korean American chef, focusing on his struggles with mental health, his culinary career, and the challenges he faced in the restaurant industry. The book offers a candid look at Chang's upbringing, his experiences with bipolar disorder, and his reflections on race and Asian identity. Through a mix of humor, raw honesty, and engaging storytelling, Chang shares his highs and lows, from his childhood to the establishment of his successful restaurants, providing insights into the world of food and the inner workings of the restaurant business.
We used to get a lot more snow in Northern Virginia. When it was especially heavy, my older brothers and Thomas, their Finnish friend from up the street, would build a makeshift luge course and ride a... - #5
Save:'Mornings on Horseback' by David McCullough delves into the formative years of Theodore Roosevelt, exploring his childhood, family dynamics, health struggles, early adventures, and entry into politics. McCullough's writing style is described as riveting, with rigorous research and flawless analysis, providing readers with a detailed insight into the life of one of America's most iconic presidents. offers a comprehensive look at Roosevelt's upbringing, his relationships with family members, and the societal context of the time, painting a vivid picture of the world that shaped the future leader.
The head of the household was Theodore Roosevelt (no middle name or initial), who was thirty-seven years of age, an importer and philanthropist, and the son of old Cornelius Van Schaack Roosevelt, one... - #6
Save:Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee is a novel that delves into the lives of young Korean Americans in New York City, exploring themes such as identity, family expectations, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of success. The story follows Casey Han, a Princeton graduate navigating post-college life, relationships, and career choices while grappling with her Korean heritage and American upbringing. Through a diverse cast of characters, the book offers a multi-layered narrative that touches on issues of class, money, ambition, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery.
As a capable young woman, Casey Han felt compelled to choose respectability and success. But it was glamour and insight that she craved. A Korean immigrant who’d grown up in a dim, blue-collar neighbo... - #7
Save:Diary of a War Bride by Lauri Robinson is a heartwarming tale set in 1942 England during World War II. The story follows the blossoming romance between Sergeant Dale Johnson, an American plane mechanic pilot, and Kathryn Winslow, a sheltered young woman sent to the countryside for safety. Despite initial misunderstandings and the harsh realities of war, Dale and Kathryn forge a deep friendship that gradually transforms into love. The narrative unfolds through the pages of a diary, capturing the emotional journey of two individuals navigating the challenges of wartime while cherishing each moment together.
As the war rages on, Dale and Kathryn face uncertainties and separations, but their bond remains strong amidst the chaos. The book beautifully portrays themes of friendship, love, sacrifice, and resilience, offering readers a glimpse into the profound impact of war on personal relationships and the strength found in unexpected connections.
- #8
Save:'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.
The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.
Buster was standing in a field in Nebraska, the air so cold the beers he was drinking were freezing as he held them. He was surrounded by former soldiers, a year returned from Iraq, young and strangel... A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah is a harrowing and eye-opening memoir that recounts the author's experiences as a child soldier in Sierra Leone during the civil war. Beah's narrative provides vivid details of the violence and horrors he witnessed and participated in, shedding light on the brutal reality faced by children caught in war-torn regions. The book explores themes of survival, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit as Beah navigates through the atrocities of war to ultimately find healing and hope for a better future.
I AM PUSHING a rusty wheelbarrow in a town where the air smells of blood and burnt flesh. The breeze brings the faint cries of those whose last breaths are leaving their mangled bodies. I walk past th...- #10
Save:"Sarah, Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan is a heartwarming story set in the 1800s about a widower named Jacob who places an ad for a mail order bride to help him on the farm and with his children. Sarah, a woman from Maine, responds to the ad and agrees to come for a one-month trial. As Sarah spends time with Jacob and his children, Anna and Caleb, she struggles with leaving her home by the sea but eventually grows to love the family and the prairie life. The story beautifully portrays themes of family, love, sacrifice, and adaptation to new surroundings, capturing the emotions of the characters and the simplicity of frontier life.
Caleb thought the story was over, and I didn’t tell him what I had really thought. He was homely and plain, and he had a terrible holler and a horrid smell. But these were not the worst of him. Mama d...
