The Dim Sum of All Things

by Kim Wong Keltner
The Dim Sum of All Things  
published 2004 by Avon Trade
binding Paperback
isbn 0060560754   (isbn13: 9780060560751)
pages 352
description <blockquote>

Have you ever wondered:

<ul type="disc"> <li>Why Asians love "Hello Kitty"?&l...more

date added
02-21-07



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Kim
Kim rated it: 2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars
07/11/07

Read in July, 2004
This book reads as though Kim Wong Keltner wrote it primarily for a white American audience, because of the in-depth descriptions of Chinese customs (like the funeral) and cuisine. I remember taking writing workshops as an undergrad, and all the white instructors suggesting that I write more about being Chinese. growing up Chinese in America, and my identity as a Chinese American. Well, Keltner has taken that suggestion too seriously, as her watered-down prose and voice is along the lines of, ...more
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Joni
Joni rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
04/04/08

Read in February, 2008
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Jocelyn
Jocelyn rated it: 5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
09/13/07

Absolutely hilarious. I finally feel like I am reading about someone I can relate to. This fictionalized ABC (American Born Chinese) and her (mis)adventures in dating, work, family and life in general ring far-too-true for comfort at times.

I cringed at my OWN memories while reading the equally cringe-worthy (though much more amusing as it wasn't happening to me) experiences she had while finding the right guy (what does she call those yellow-fever types again?) among other job and family r...more
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Sharif
Sharif rated it: 4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars
01/14/08

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Monique
Monique rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
05/02/08

Read in May, 2008
recommended to Monique by: Michelle
recommends it for: San Franciscans, Bay Area Residents
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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pinkgal
pinkgal rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
02/27/07

bookshelves: the_random_pile
There are plenty of Asian-American-struggling-to-reconcile-two-cultures books out there. This wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that great either. One memorable part, however, is the kitty-chan toaster and the drinking of ovaltine. =) Read to find out what I mean. If you're looking for a book about that particular struggle (and oh, I've read plenty of them) Gish Jen's Typical American is a good choice. Another one I'm quite fond of is, unsurprisingly, Amy Tan's The Joy-Luck Club.
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Alena
Alena rated it: 2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars
07/30/08

bookshelves: 2008-reading
Read in July, 2008
The protagonist of this book, a young Chinese-American living in San Francisco, is extremely annoying. She's whiny, self-absorbed, and is at the same time obsessed with and disdainful of her heritage. I don't think that was the author's intention in writing this book, but that's certainly how it came off to me. The author also overuses adjectives and other descriptive phrases, oftentimes repeating herself. The ending is pat and corny and the character has barely grown over the course of the ...more
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Kalani
Kalani rated it: 2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars
08/02/08

Read in August, 2008
Not a great book - not even a very good book. I continually got the impression that the author was trying too hard - too much detail, too much attempt at "clever" descriptive elements, and just not very impressive on a literary level. I liked the ending (last chapter or two) the best - where it seemed like the main character became a completely different person. I bought the book (for $1 at Good Will) because I liked the cover and the title - I guess it was worth what I paid for it, bu...more
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Yvo
Yvo rated it: 1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars
04/17/07

bookshelves: avoid-at-all-costs
Read in July, 2004
recommends it for: NO ONE
This book freaking sucked. It was hypocritical and highly self-loathing of being Asian American. The protagonist is extremely unlikeable and though certain points scream of "coming to terms with growing up Asian American in America, my cultural identity crisis" most of it falls entirely flat and pointless. Avoid this waste of time at all costs, especially if you're Asian American.
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Eastofoz
Eastofoz rated it: 1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars
02/26/08

bookshelves: books-with-cooties
Chicklit about a girl who doesn't know what she wants, is never happy and makes a mountain out of the most insignificant things. More a story about being Chinese in American society than anything else. The ending with the grandmother is the only redeeming thing about this book--it's quite heartwarming.
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Stella
Stella rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
03/28/08

Read in March, 2008
recommended to Stella by: Linda Cheung,Tina Cheung
I was able to relate a lot to this book being a Cantonese-speaking Chinese-American. All of the phrases & customs rang true to me. This is a lovely story. I learned quite a lot through Lindsay's eyes as she began to appreciate & embrace her culture.
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Tina
Tina rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
12/15/07

Read in January, 2003
recommends it for: anyone who wants a funny read from an Asian American perspective
This book cracked me up. It provides a lil' insight on the Asian American experience. Set in SF, it's about a twenty something Asian American female and some of her experiences. It's light-hearted, so don't read it if you want some dramatic epic.
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Per
Per rated it: 3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars
06/21/08

Read in June, 2008
Started out really strong but felt that the last few chapters were a little weak. But thoroughly enjoyed her descriptions of life in San Francisco...brought back lots of memories and could easily picture myself walking along those same streets.
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Joanie
Joanie rated it: 2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars
09/17/07

There were a few funny moments in this book but overall it wasn't that great. It's about a Chinese-American girl who begins dating a white guy. The back cover sounded so funny, I was really disappointed.
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Hoan
Hoan rated it: 5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
05/11/08

Read in March, 2008
This is by far one of the best books I've ever read!! Soo good even if you read it over and over again. Def. recommend to those who know Cantonese and the clashes between Chinese and American cultures.
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Jazzw
Jazzw rated it: 4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars
08/30/08

Read in March, 2005
recommends it for: anyone interested in Chinese culture
This book made me LOL! An accurate view of Chinese culture in America. I edited my personal copy, just in case I loaned the book to someone. There are a few parts that weren't necessary.
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Jalin
Jalin rated it: 5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
06/07/07

bookshelves: awesomereads
Read in May, 2005
recommends it for: anyone who wants to enjoy some asian/american culture humor
Such a great book! Very light and very easy to read. Not all about romance or love- but more about a woman's journey into her own identity- written in a very casual tone :) loved it!
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Cherie
Cherie rated it: 1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars1 of 5 stars
03/25/08

bookshelves: fiction
I can live with the main character being a bad guy, but I hate it when he or she is a hypocrite! In my opinion, that is the biggest problem with a book that is full of them.
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Kristie
Kristie rated it: 4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars
08/29/08

Read in January, 2006
Funny stuff! This isn't you run of the mill "woe is me I'm an Asian woman" sap story. It's real and definitely relatable for anyone who has ever felt a little different.
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Chau
Chau rated it: 4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars
11/21/07

Hilarious book about Asian families and their dynamics. Great book for couples who are in interacial relationships to help understand the typical Asian culture.
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book data (includes all editions)

avg rating (all editions): 3.20 (180 ratings)
number of reviews: 36






other editions