Books matching: chinese immigrant experience
18 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang is a beautifully written novel that follows the captivating protagonist, Lin Daiyu, on her journey as a Chinese immigrant in 19th century America. The story begins in Zhifu, China, where Lin Daiyu, a young girl posing as a boy, is kidnapped and eventually trafficked to San Francisco to work in a brothel. The book explores themes of endurance, strength, adaptation, extreme racism, sexual assault, and violence, providing a glimpse into the historical lives of Chinese immigrants in the American West during the 1800s. Through heartbreak, the author weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested in Daiyu's story.
When I am kidnapped, I am thirteen and standing in the middle of the Zhifu fish market on Beach Road, watching a fleshy woman assemble whitefish the shape of spades into a pile. The woman squats, her ... - #2
Save:"How Much of These Hills Is Gold" by C. Pam Zhang is a novel set in the American West just after the Gold Rush, following the journey of two Chinese American siblings, Lucy and Sam, as they navigate the challenges of being orphaned in a harsh and unwelcoming environment. The story delves into themes of family, immigration, gender roles, and the search for identity, all while exploring the complexities of the characters' past and present through a mix of flashbacks and current events. The writing style is described as highly stylized and poetic, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and a narrative that weaves together elements of mysticism and survival in a bleak yet compelling manner.
“Sorry,” she says to Ba in his bed. The sheet that tucks him is the only clean stretch in this dim and dusty shack, every surface black with coal. Ba didn’t heed the mess while living and in death his... - #3
Save:In "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See, the story follows the journey of two Chinese sisters, Pearl and May, who are forced to flee Shanghai amidst the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. Sold into arranged marriages by their father, the sisters navigate through the challenges of life in America, particularly in Los Angeles Chinatown, where they encounter prejudice and discrimination. The book delves into the historical context of Chinese immigration to the U.S. during World War II, shedding light on the struggles faced by Chinese immigrants and the complexities of family relationships.
The narrative captures the emotional turmoil, sacrifices, and choices made by Pearl and May as they navigate through the upheavals of war, immigration, and family dynamics. Lisa See's writing style intricately weaves together the historical backdrop and the personal journeys of the characters, offering a poignant exploration of sisterhood, resilience, and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity.
Mama stares at Baba, but what can she say? My face is pretty enough—some might even say lovely—but not as luminescent as the pearl I’m named for. I tend to blush easily. Beyond that, my cheeks capture... - #4
Save:The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a novel that delves into the intricate relationships between four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters. Through interconnected vignettes, the book explores themes of cultural differences, generational divides, and the struggles of understanding and connecting with one's family history. Set in San Francisco, the story spans decades and continents, revealing the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the impact of heritage on individual identities.
Amy Tan's writing style in The Joy Luck Club is described as captivating, poignant, and emotionally evocative. The narrative weaves together the stories of multiple characters, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that touch on themes of sacrifice, tradition, and the search for belonging. Through a blend of past remembrances and present reflections, Tan masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with readers by exploring the universal complexities of family relationships and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
When I was little, my mother told me my great-grandfather had sentenced a beggar to die in the worst possible way, and that later the dead man came back and killed my great-grandfather. Either that, o... - #5
Save:"Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok follows the story of Kimberly Chang, a young Chinese immigrant who moves to New York City with her mother. They face poverty, harsh working conditions, and cultural challenges while trying to build a better life. Kimberly excels in school despite her struggles with the English language, working in a sweatshop to support her family. The book portrays Kimberly's journey of resilience, determination, and growth as she navigates the complexities of her dual life.
The narrative in "Girl in Translation" is described as engaging and emotionally impactful, capturing the reader's attention with its portrayal of immigrant experiences, poverty, aspirations, and sacrifices. Through Kimberly's perspective, the author, Jean Kwok, skillfully weaves a story that delves into the challenges faced by immigrants in America, highlighting the importance of education, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better future despite adversities.
A sheet of melting ice lay over the concrete. I watched my rubber boots closely, the way the toes slid on the ice, the way the heels splintered it. Ice was something I had known only in the form of sm... - #6
Save:Nineteen-year-old Chloe Wang is at odds with her traditionalist Taiwanese parents who have promised her to the son of a wealthy family. To avoid the marriage proposal, Chloe hires a fake boyfriend, Andrew Chan, from a company specialized in providing fake boyfriends. As the lines between real and pretend blur, Chloe and Andrew develop feelings for each other, leading to a complicated situation. The story follows Chloe's journey to stand up to her parents and her community, ultimately seeking autonomy over her life.
The book explores themes of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships. It delves into Chloe's experience as a child of Chinese immigrants and her struggles with anxiety, communication, and love for her parents, all while navigating a fake dating scenario that turns into something more real and challenging.
Since he already knew my life story (at least the parts that mattered), it was “highly recommended” we not meet before the “assignment” to minimize confusion. Which meant my Uber picked me up from the... - #7
Save:Dragonwings by Laurence Yep is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century San Francisco, focusing on the experiences of Chinese immigrants. The story follows Moon Shadow, an eight-year-old boy who travels from China to America to reunite with his father, Windrider. Moon Shadow and his father embark on a journey to build a flying machine inspired by the Wright Brothers, despite facing cultural taboos and racial prejudice. The book explores themes of family, heritage, determination, and the challenges of assimilation in a new country, providing a vivid portrayal of Chinese American life during that era.
The narrative in Dragonwings delves into Moon Shadow's coming-of-age story, his relationship with his father, and their shared dream of defying societal norms to achieve the impossible. Laurence Yep weaves a tale that combines elements of hope, resilience, and cultural identity, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of Chinese immigrants in America. The book also touches on historical events such as the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, adding depth to the backdrop against which the characters' journey unfolds.
- #8
Save:The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy is a poignant exploration of the Chinese immigrant experience in Vancouver's Chinatown before and during World War II. Through the perspectives of three siblings in a Chinese family, the book delves into the struggles of immigrants facing discrimination, poverty, and cultural clashes while trying to find their identity in a new country. Each section of the book offers a unique insight into the family dynamics, the impact of historical events like WWII, and the intergenerational conflicts arising from the clash between old traditions and new ways.
Choy's writing style in The Jade Peony is characterized by its vivid imagery, heartfelt storytelling, and intricate character development. The book reads like a collection of interconnected short stories, allowing readers to slowly uncover the complexities of relationships within the family and the broader Chinese community in Vancouver. Through the use of multiple narrators, Choy skillfully captures the nuances of immigrant life, the challenges of assimilation, and the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernity.
THE OLD MAN FIRST VISITED our house when I was five, in 1933. At that time, I had only two brothers to worry about. Kiam and Jung were then ten and seven years old. Sekky was not yet born, though he w... - #9
Save:'The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu' is a unique blend of adult fiction adventure and western genres, set during the time of the transcontinental railroad construction in the 1870s. The story follows Ming Tsu, a Chinese assassin seeking revenge for the injustice done to him, accompanied by a blind prophet and a group of individuals with magical abilities. The narrative combines elements of violence, romance, magical realism, and historical context, offering a captivating and action-packed journey from Salt Lake City to Sacramento.
The book introduces readers to Ming Tsu, a complex protagonist navigating a world of retribution, magic, and racial discrimination. As Ming embarks on his quest for vengeance and redemption, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. The writing style seamlessly weaves together themes of violence, love, and resilience, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of identity and morality.
For a long time it had ceased to trouble him to kill. The town of Corinne was behind him, together with its gambling dens and saloons and bars full of angry men. Not two hours ago Ming had killed a ma... - #10
Save:"Peach Blossom Spring" by Melissa Fu is a moving historical fiction novel that follows the journey of Meilin and her son Renshu as they navigate through the tumultuous times of China during the Japanese invasion and civil war. The story beautifully captures the essence of survival, dreams, and family bonds, showcasing the perseverance and determination of the characters in the face of adversity. Melissa Fu's writing style intricately weaves together narratives of migration, love, and cultural heritage, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs experienced by the Chinese family over the decades.
The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, maternal love, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through the lens of Meilin and Renshu's journey, readers are taken on a poignant exploration of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of storytelling. Fu's storytelling prowess shines through as she brings to life the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, interwoven with themes of hope, survival, and the lasting effects of war on generations to come.
The first wife had the first son, Dao Zhiwen. This boy was too wild. He grabbed his first-son privileges with one hand and cast away his first-son duties with the other. He changed his name to Longwei...
