Based on the author's own story, this novel in poems describes 10 year old Ha's journey with her family from war-torn Saigon to Alabama, her struggle...moreBased on the author's own story, this novel in poems describes 10 year old Ha's journey with her family from war-torn Saigon to Alabama, her struggle to accept that their father may not return home, and the difficulty of living in a strange and seemingly hostile new land. The author wrote this novel so that her nieces and nephews would understand the experiences of the family, and to encourage others to tell their stories. In my opinion, she was successful at both. Beautiful, lyrical writing, vivid characters, and an uplifting story of family strength in hard times. (less)
A lot of lovely things in the midst of a really putrid atmosphere. A good read, but I don't have high hopes for the film. This is one that should stay...moreA lot of lovely things in the midst of a really putrid atmosphere. A good read, but I don't have high hopes for the film. This is one that should stay a book.(less)
This book was required reading for me, and while I liked the mother-daughter relationship in this book and appreciate that the author wanted to tell h...moreThis book was required reading for me, and while I liked the mother-daughter relationship in this book and appreciate that the author wanted to tell his mother's story, for me this was just a series of awkward snapshots of going through puberty in a small Korean village. The love stories of each character seem to be propelled by very little other than first-sight attraction, and none of the male love interests have much of a character at all. The saving grace of this young girl forming an identity is her relationship with her mother, sharing secrets and beauty tips and affection--otherwise I'd be left drowning in phrases like "your body is a flower that opens with the spring rain". (less)
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