Books matching: cultural identity struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong is a classic memoir that vividly portrays the struggles of a Chinese American girl growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown during the Interwar years. The book follows the protagonist, Jade Snow Wong, as she navigates the cultural differences between her traditional Chinese upbringing and the American society she is part of. Through her journey of self-discovery, education, and independence, Wong charts her own course in a time when women had limited opportunities, ultimately becoming a successful artist, author, and businesswoman. The narrative covers roughly 25 years of Wong's life, highlighting her challenges, triumphs, and the cultural nuances she encounters along the way.
- #2
Save:"My Name is Not Easy" by Debby Dahl Edwardson is a historical fiction novel that delves into the lives of Native Alaskan children sent to a Catholic boarding school far from their homes. The story follows characters like Luke, Chickie, Sonny, Amiq, and Donna as they navigate the challenges of being separated from their families and cultures, forming friendships, and dealing with the well-meaning yet often harmful attempts to assimilate them into white Christian society. The book sheds light on the real events that Native children faced in government and private boarding schools, highlighting the struggles they endured in the name of education and Christianity.
The narrative captures the experiences of these children as they grapple with loss, cultural identity, and the clash between different indigenous groups and white authority figures. Through multiple viewpoints and lyrical prose, the author paints a vivid picture of life in northern Alaska, showcasing the bond that forms between the characters amidst adversity and the resilience they exhibit in the face of oppressive systems.
- #3
Save:American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that intertwines three separate stories - one of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at a white school, the story of the Monkey King from Chinese folklore, and the tale of a Caucasian family with a stereotyped Chinese cousin. These stories come together to illustrate themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different in a predominantly white society. The book addresses issues such as racism, stereotypes, and the Asian American experience through a blend of humor, fantasy, and relatable teenage struggles.
The novel is written in a comix style, featuring colorful illustrations that complement the storytelling. The plot weaves together the lives of the characters in a way that brings depth and complexity to the narrative, ultimately delivering a message of self-acceptance and tolerance. Through the combination of image and text, Gene Luen Yang masterfully creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of readers, including middle school children and adults.
- #4
Save:In "Nation" by Terry Pratchett, the story revolves around Mau, a native boy who survives a tsunami that devastates his island, and Daphne, an English girl who is the only survivor of a shipwreck that crashes onto the same island. Together, they must navigate cultural differences, rebuild their society, and explore themes of faith, civilization, and community. The book delves into the characters' growth, the challenges they face, and the mysteries they uncover about their ancestors, all while maintaining a balance of humor, adventure, and thought-provoking moments.
The writing style of "Nation" is described as a departure from Pratchett's Discworld series, with a more serious and poignant tone that still retains his signature wit and charm. The narrative explores complex subjects like religion, morality, colonization, and societal norms, offering a richly layered story that appeals to readers of all ages. Through the characters of Mau and Daphne, Pratchett weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
T HE SNOW CAME DOWN so thickly, it formed fragile snowballs in the air that tumbled and melted as soon as they landed on the horses lined up along the dock. It was four in the morning and the place wa... - #5
Save:'The Exiles' by Christina Baker Kline is a historical novel set in the nineteenth century that follows the lives of three women - Evangeline, Hazel, and Mathinna. Evangeline, a governess falsely accused of a crime, is sentenced to exile in Australia, where she meets Hazel, a skilled midwife, and herbalist who was transported for stealing. Mathinna, an aboriginal girl taken from her home and adopted into a household, faces mistreatment and cruelty. The novel beautifully weaves together the stories of these resilient women, portraying a narrative that is heartbreaking yet full of hope and strength.
By the time the rains came, Mathinna had been hiding in the bush for nearly two days. She was eight years old, and the most important thing she’d ever learned was how to disappear. Since she was old e... - #6
Save:Some Prefer Nettles by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki is a novel set in pre-World War II Japan, exploring the cultural conflict between Eastern and Western influences through the lens of a disintegrating marriage between Kaname and Misako. The story delves into themes of indecision, traditional Japanese values, modernity, and the struggle between stability and excitement. Tanizaki's writing style is described as dreamy, detached, and loaded with subtext, reflecting the complexities of the characters' relationships and the societal changes happening around them.
Kaname as usual was evasive, however, and Misako found it impossible to make up her own mind. The morning passed. At about one o'clock she took a bath and dressed, and, ready for either eventuality, s... - #7
Save:Tell Me How to Be by Neel Patel is a poignant novel centered on Renu, a widowed mother yearning for a connection to her past, particularly with her old flame, Kareem. Living in America, Renu faces a life filled with regret and cultural disconnect, struggling to find her identity amidst the expectations of family life. She is joined by her son Akash, who grapples with his own issues, including being a gay songwriter dealing with alcoholism and familial disappointment. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, showcasing their shared pain, secrets, and the complexities of love and belonging, all set against a backdrop of cultural dynamics.
The writing style is captivating, with flashbacks enhancing character depth and emotional resonance. Patel's prose is raw yet charming, balancing humor with heartbreak as it explores family dynamics and personal growth. The dual narrative allows readers to empathize with both Renu and Akash, who navigate their struggles with regret and acceptance. Embedded within are themes of tradition, cultural identity, and the search for fulfillment, making this an engaging and heartfelt story.
- #8
Save:'White Ivy' by Susie Yang follows the journey of Ivy Lin, a Chinese immigrant who struggles to fit in and navigate between her family's values and her aspirations for a wealthier lifestyle. The story delves into Ivy's complex character, her manipulative tendencies, and her relationships with Gideon, a wealthy classmate, and Roux, a mysterious figure from her past. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and deception as Ivy grapples with her desires and past transgressions, leading to a gripping and suspenseful exploration of privilege and self-discovery.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot that unfolds through unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. Susie Yang's writing style is praised for its ability to portray Ivy as a multifaceted and flawed protagonist, evoking a mix of emotions from readers as they witness her journey from a young girl yearning for acceptance to a woman entangled in a web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade.
IVY LIN WAS A THIEF but you would never know it to look at her. Maybe that was the problem. No one ever suspected—and that made her reckless. Her features were so average and nondescript that the brai... - #9
Save:In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas lives an embittered judge who wants only to retire in peace, when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep. The judge's cook watches over her distractedly, for his thoughts are often on his son, Biju, who is in New York working in one gritty restaurant after another. Kiran Desai's brilliant novel, published to huge acclaim, is a story of joy and despair. Her characters face numerous choices that majestically illuminate the consequences of colonialism as it collides with the modern world. The novel is set in a crumbling grand house in the hills below Kangchenjunga, covering poverty, wealth, and inequality in both India and the US, where the cook's son emigrates illegally to and has exploitative jobs, illustrating constant loss of dignity, love, possessions, and freedom in India.
All day, the colors had been those of dusk, mist moving like a water creature across the great flanks of mountains possessed of ocean shadows and depths. Briefly visible above the vapor, Kanchenjunga ... - #10
Save:"Down These Mean Streets" by Piri Thomas is a memoir depicting the author's tumultuous upbringing in Spanish Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s. It delves into his struggles with youth crime, gang involvement, drug addiction, and time spent in prison, while also exploring the themes of race and identity. The narrative provides a raw and intimate account of Piri's journey from boyhood to manhood, navigating a tough world where strength was essential, and weakness was not tolerated.
Piri Thomas's writing style in "Down These Mean Streets" is described as engaging and entertaining, with a matter-of-fact tone that vividly portrays the experiences of the author and his gang in their youth. captures the essence of life in New York's Spanish Harlem, offering a glimpse into a world filled with violence, cultural clashes, and personal struggles, ultimately painting a poignant picture of resilience and self-discovery.
I had been walking around since 9 p.m. My thoughts were boiling. Poppa ain’t ever gonna hit me again. I’m his kid, too, just like James, José, Paulie, and Sis. But I’m the one that always gets the bla...
