In an extraordinary blend of eloquent narrative history, vivid personal recollection, and oral testimony, Ronald Takaki relates the diverse 150-yea...
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reviews
Jan 14, 2011
Cyndi
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Read for my Asian American History class the book is detailed but not boring relating the story of how different nationalities of Asians came to America and when. Some came willingly and some were forced from their countries due to harsh regimes and American influence. Real numbers are given and real stories with names to personalize the struggle to try to fulfill dreams. Most came not as inhabiters but as sojourners, never meaning to stay but caught in the reality of trying to earn a living in
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Apr 06, 2009
Terri
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I'm saddened that I no longer own this book but it was a good read. I'm so touched by the struggles and obstacles immigrants had to endure throughout the course of American history - not known to many people. I'm glad there are books like this that can offer many viewpoints for our culture to explore. This is definitely a well-written and amazing book that can enhance one's perception in diversity and pluralism - especially for college students.
Sep 30, 2011
June
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a historical, picturesque account of Japanese lives in America, started from their incoming to their breeds. Takaki explains how Japanese grew in population through stages of policy adoption. The best one I remember is the opening of Ellis Island for Japanese mail bride, which swelled into big matchmaker business at that time. Takaki also depict the situation faced by these brides in their newly lands. Such well and lively exploration.
Jan 12, 2009
I feel like i've already gotten the "point" of this book from reading the introduction. I hope that the book focuses a little more instead of layering numbers & statistics as a way of trying to convey its importance. Relevant social dissection & plans to change stereotypes would be the true important factors of a cultural history.
Oct 12, 2010
Linda
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required reading for intro to asn am as a freshman in college...still is one of the most poignant, insightful books to date on asn am history and diaspora
Mar 23, 2009
Carling
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This is the first Asian-American history book. Everyone should read it and get an immigration story that is not taught in American history classes.
Feb 02, 2010
Anna
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Too often history has not been kind in its portrayal of Asian Americans, more often leaving them out of the books. Takaki's book fills in that gap.
May 03, 2011
Jackson
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The Asian-American story isn't all that interesting compare to other immigrant communities. This book was an okay read though.
Apr 15, 2011
Kalpana
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This is a fantastic book! One of the best historical books I have ever read.
Jan 15, 2010
Andrés
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It is difficult to determine where ideology ends and the truth begins in this book. In bringing to light the lives of the forgotten, Mr Takaki has to be commended. His writing style is also significantly more approachable than most academics'. However, his political purpose of forging a common Asian American experience runs contrary to the facts and his conclusions tend to arrive before their supporting evidence does. In sum, Mr Takaki cuts an ambiguous figure.
Oct 01, 2008
Jackie
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Have you heard of Angel Island? It is west coast counter-part to Ellis island where thousands of Asian immigrants came to this country seeking a new life. It's part of history that still seems woefully absent in our education system. This historical book reads like a novel, accounting the heart wrenching stories of Japanese, Chinese, Filpino, Indian and other immigrant groups who were an integral part of building this nation.
Mar 22, 2007
Marcelle
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Probably one of the best written, most interesting history books I've read. (And I'm not just saying that cause of my hapa bias). I've read about half the book so far - Takaki doesn't hold any punches and freely talks about the good and the gritty about the immigration, and settling, of Asians in America.
Apr 07, 2008
Fay
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he uses the phrase "strangers from a different shore" on almost every page of this book. the annoyance from that alone sorta overshadowed any positive feelings i had about this. it's basically a history book.
May 22, 2008
Katie
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Among the books I have not finished, I would pick this book to add to my must-read list. Takagi really did an admirable job as a historian and writer. Cheers~!
Oct 17, 2007
Kate
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Read this in Education 26: The History of Education in America: The Quest for Educational Equity taught by Professor Binswanger.
May 20, 2007
Judie
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an academic-style read of Asian Am. history and stories of migration. interesting information, though.
Feb 20, 2008
Owen
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The textbook of Asian American history, but much more readable than the normal textbook.
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