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The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself
A touching, humorous account of the author’s cultural reckoning with his Korean heritage and hidden family secrets. A surprising diagnosis of PTSD led Dave Gibbons to look to his past for clues to explain the unexpected result. Born to an American soldier and a Korean mother in the wake of the Korean War, Dave has spent his life struggling to blend his Korean roots and his very American upbringing. The family joins a conservative church that embraces a strict, rule-based faith, and they try to navigate life as one of the few mixed-raced families in their community. But when tragedy strikes, tearing the family apart, Dave is forced to face long- buried secrets that he can no longer ignore. As he explores his family’s difficult past, he confronts his own pain and the persistent feelings of not quite fitting in either in America or his mother’s home country. And when a DNA test ultimately reveals a truth that shatters everything he understood about his history, he begins the journey to reconcile his American upbringing with his deep Korean roots, and he is forced to confront the traumas he unknowingly carried. The Shape of My Eyes beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave’s own personal story. Dave’s wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
21 people are currently reading
2236 people want to read
About the author
Dave Gibbons
1 book20 followersDave Gibbons was born in Seoul, Korea yet culturally raised in America. He works in both for profit and not for profit organizations. Dave is an Advisor, Speaker and Spiritual leader. Dave founded an influential church known for diversity, innovation and social impact. At the same time, he launched or worked with social impact organizations such as World Vision and Fuller Seminary. He loves working with creators and innovators in entertainment, sports, government, finance, and non-profits. Dave lives in California and Seoul, Korea, with his wife, Becca. He has four adult children and two grand-dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 11, 2024
This book!!! This book had me crying beautiful tears several times in the first 8 chapters!!! I had the chance to read a copy and listen to the audiobook to offer my honest experience before the book launches near the end of July 2024.
My experience: I want to meet these real life characters in person and thank them for their struggles, it’s that good (crazy right? I usually have only “no thank you’s”for ‘struggle makes you stronger’). With tenderness he describes his power house of a mama and her own origin story in Korea, which brings me into his story even deeper. Next his older sister who cared for him and spoke words to encourage her two baby brothers as they grew up together, without any reward.
The author Dave Gibbons writes with such rich sensory detail that his words have me experiencing his childhood memories as if I’m in the story. Each sentence is an invitation to feel. This book takes you through the developmental stages of meeting yourself as if for the first time. I was given a space to be upset at the people who you still love and wonder where his story will take me in my own. With the ability to write with honor and honesty about often polarizing and difficult topics such as finding home, marginalized cultural traditions, human conflict, personal rejection and childish joys, you’re experiencing his stories with a balance of gut punching reality that includes hidden pain and the foreshadowing of disappointment. Despite these struggles, there’s a harmony of hope throughout his storytelling.
My experience: I want to meet these real life characters in person and thank them for their struggles, it’s that good (crazy right? I usually have only “no thank you’s”for ‘struggle makes you stronger’). With tenderness he describes his power house of a mama and her own origin story in Korea, which brings me into his story even deeper. Next his older sister who cared for him and spoke words to encourage her two baby brothers as they grew up together, without any reward.
The author Dave Gibbons writes with such rich sensory detail that his words have me experiencing his childhood memories as if I’m in the story. Each sentence is an invitation to feel. This book takes you through the developmental stages of meeting yourself as if for the first time. I was given a space to be upset at the people who you still love and wonder where his story will take me in my own. With the ability to write with honor and honesty about often polarizing and difficult topics such as finding home, marginalized cultural traditions, human conflict, personal rejection and childish joys, you’re experiencing his stories with a balance of gut punching reality that includes hidden pain and the foreshadowing of disappointment. Despite these struggles, there’s a harmony of hope throughout his storytelling.
March 16, 2025
"Our greatest calling resides in the place of our deepest wounds." Dave Gibbons shares the highs and lows of his life in "The Shape of My Eyes." I've read a lot of memoirs in the last year, but this one had me hiding the rush of tears flowing down my face while I listened to the audio book, flying home from Japan. Faith, trauma, discrimination, love, and so many universal human themes and experiences made this book very impactful. I definitely would recommend this to a fellow memoir enjoyer...as long as they avoid chapter 14 while flying in a crowded plane.
May 22, 2025
This was a great memoir. I really enjoyed Dave Gibbons' life story and thought he told it beautifully!
April 21, 2025
As a Korean Canadian pastor, I have followed Dave from a distance. So seeing that he published a memoir, I was excited to get my hands on it and read it. This didn’t disappoint. Dave is a gifted writer and story teller, and his memoir was inspiring on so many levels! Highly recommended.
July 24, 2024
This book reads as if one was having a candid conversation about race, religion, and cultural identity with the author himself. Dave is authentic is his self portrayal in an often times humorous self-deprecation that helps to paint his Korean American background. The eye metaphor weaves cleverly throughout the book as a subtle reference to Dave’s search to understand who he is culturally, as reemphasized by the beautifully designed cover.
The memoir reads like Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart, where in that book author meets musician. In The Shape of My Eyes, author meets pastor. Both grapple with their relationship with their parents and their mortality, a universal theme that we can all empathize with. Dave has the gift of speaking works of encouragement into others, seeing people for who they are even when he just meets them like the NFL football player, and this book shows how he leaned into that ability by understanding who he was first. “A person’s identity may rest in what they think they are not” is an idea that I’ve learned from this book. There is a realization how important it is to understand who you are before you can become anyone—whether singer, pastor, or coach. I feel like, we too can be fathers to fathers, or sisters to sisters.
With regard to the topic of race, we often times just accept the micro aggressions, but Dave has us reexamine our own racism, or the racism we face. And he teaches us that we can use that racism to empathize with others.
I do recommend picking up this book when it is released July 23, 2024. I was fortunately able to read an early release of this book in beginning of July.
The memoir reads like Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart, where in that book author meets musician. In The Shape of My Eyes, author meets pastor. Both grapple with their relationship with their parents and their mortality, a universal theme that we can all empathize with. Dave has the gift of speaking works of encouragement into others, seeing people for who they are even when he just meets them like the NFL football player, and this book shows how he leaned into that ability by understanding who he was first. “A person’s identity may rest in what they think they are not” is an idea that I’ve learned from this book. There is a realization how important it is to understand who you are before you can become anyone—whether singer, pastor, or coach. I feel like, we too can be fathers to fathers, or sisters to sisters.
With regard to the topic of race, we often times just accept the micro aggressions, but Dave has us reexamine our own racism, or the racism we face. And he teaches us that we can use that racism to empathize with others.
I do recommend picking up this book when it is released July 23, 2024. I was fortunately able to read an early release of this book in beginning of July.
July 12, 2024
This book was not only about the life of Dave Gibbons but a beautiful tribute to his parents and his family. Through the thoughts and reflections shared by the author during each of his life events, as a reader, it also provides opportunity to reflect on your own journey. As a Korean American, I resonated with many of the author's feelings but I think others will also find the sentiments relatable. The book is easy to read or listen to, captivating and uplifting. I highly recommend this book!
July 8, 2024
A raw memoir of race-family-faith and tragedy. Beautifully written… following the detailed journey of Dave’s life brought laughter, tears and reflection. I could feel the deepened love and healing journey that must have occurred during the writing of this book. Well done!
January 2, 2025
An honest and hope filled memoir through a life of brokenness, faithfulness, and unanswered questions. I cried too many times. I only knew about Dave as the former pastor of Newsong Church years ago. Enjoyed and was moved to tears throughout his story. This is one of my favorite memoirs to date.
November 28, 2025
I haven’t seen Dave Gibbons in about twenty years, but I have always respected him for how he embraces misfits and made Newsong a home for those who don't feel as if they belong. I was able to chat with him in person years ago, and have been impacted so many times by his talks. I need to see him again…Also, I appreciated how he called out all the biases and flaws that can come with religious institutions.
Notable lines:
“As I look back on this, much of what we did was motivated by fear. For years . . . this mind-set taught me to look at people as projects. It was robotic and felt unnatural. It felt cold, because there wasn’t the natural flow of respect, because it wasn’t about having compassion for others but essentially just preaching at people.”
“’Yes, son. There is no gray in the Bible.’ He said this with absolute confidence and assurance. He believed this. For years, this would be my stance as well: black and white, no gray.”
“Neuroscientists say in twenty-five seconds of concentration meditation you can create a new neuropathway, a highway that your neurons track, a new way of thinking. We all have narratives that form a mind-set or a pattern of thinking. This mind-set moves us toward how we choose to live.”
“Instead of being overly dark and negative, I chose to be hopeful. I had this feeling that winter could be long, but spring could come in one day . . . it was about managing mystery, perhaps even embracing it.”
“I didn’t know till later that historically the Church was one of the greatest perpetrators of racism, horror, and systemic oppression of the Black community, the Brown community, Asians, refugees, women, and the undocumented.”
Ok, and this shows exactly how I feel about CA and NYC!
-“In Southern California, it’s not uncommon for people to spend three or even six hours every day in their car alone with the windows up, speeding along the freeway at 80 miles an hour or sitting in traffic hating everything. In Bangkok, we got around by walking. We learned how to catch currents and openings in the crowd to flow with locals and internationals. Immersing yourself in the streets allows you to see things you don’t notice at high speeds . . . I rarely felt alone.”
Notable lines:
“As I look back on this, much of what we did was motivated by fear. For years . . . this mind-set taught me to look at people as projects. It was robotic and felt unnatural. It felt cold, because there wasn’t the natural flow of respect, because it wasn’t about having compassion for others but essentially just preaching at people.”
“’Yes, son. There is no gray in the Bible.’ He said this with absolute confidence and assurance. He believed this. For years, this would be my stance as well: black and white, no gray.”
“Neuroscientists say in twenty-five seconds of concentration meditation you can create a new neuropathway, a highway that your neurons track, a new way of thinking. We all have narratives that form a mind-set or a pattern of thinking. This mind-set moves us toward how we choose to live.”
“Instead of being overly dark and negative, I chose to be hopeful. I had this feeling that winter could be long, but spring could come in one day . . . it was about managing mystery, perhaps even embracing it.”
“I didn’t know till later that historically the Church was one of the greatest perpetrators of racism, horror, and systemic oppression of the Black community, the Brown community, Asians, refugees, women, and the undocumented.”
Ok, and this shows exactly how I feel about CA and NYC!
-“In Southern California, it’s not uncommon for people to spend three or even six hours every day in their car alone with the windows up, speeding along the freeway at 80 miles an hour or sitting in traffic hating everything. In Bangkok, we got around by walking. We learned how to catch currents and openings in the crowd to flow with locals and internationals. Immersing yourself in the streets allows you to see things you don’t notice at high speeds . . . I rarely felt alone.”
July 23, 2024
The Shape of My Eyes is out today and it is such a fantastic read! I was lucky to read it beforehand and I enjoyed every page. This book is bold, brave, and so relatable.
I couldn’t put it down!
One of the best memoirs I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and the only one I felt I could truly relate to on a personal level. This book is a must read for everyone. The story of strength and faith to find peace, growth and understanding, and forgiveness through the madness of life is unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, your heart will break and you’ll cheer…it’ll force you to go down your own memory lane, and feel seen in so many ways…and for that, I am so grateful.
The book commands attention because the story flows so nicely and it keeps you intrigued from start to finish. To discover, to ponder, to think outside of the box, isn’t this what life is about? This book makes you think, but most importantly, it makes you want to be a kind human being.
This is his story…and it’s a remarkable one.
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
I couldn’t put it down!
One of the best memoirs I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and the only one I felt I could truly relate to on a personal level. This book is a must read for everyone. The story of strength and faith to find peace, growth and understanding, and forgiveness through the madness of life is unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, your heart will break and you’ll cheer…it’ll force you to go down your own memory lane, and feel seen in so many ways…and for that, I am so grateful.
The book commands attention because the story flows so nicely and it keeps you intrigued from start to finish. To discover, to ponder, to think outside of the box, isn’t this what life is about? This book makes you think, but most importantly, it makes you want to be a kind human being.
This is his story…and it’s a remarkable one.
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
July 28, 2024
I did not expect this book to impact me as emotionally as it did. I became interested in reading it because I remembered Dave from his time pastoring Newsong Church in Irvine, when I attended over 20 years ago. He had always struck me as authentic and deeply spiritual (as opposed to religious--which is why I have stopped attending church at all since then). This book is a beautifully written and poignant account of his journey and his experiences with race, relationships, and finding his faith. As someone who has heard him speak, I could hear his voice throughout this book. What I did not expect was for his story to resonate with me so much and my own journey. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Dave.
August 29, 2024
So many touching moments. And it’s inspiring to see or read about a life lived so prayerfully amidst such tragedies and difficulties. I finished the book a couple weeks back and numerous parts came to my mind throughout the days like the part about mom’s passing, refusing to accept the father role, and “You don’t know everything.”
I learned more about racial identities, mixed-race experiences, perceptions, etc. and in reading this memoir, realizing how self-absorbed I’ve been. Being monoracial, how unaware and oblivious I’ve been to the unique beautiful and harrowing experiences of so many different people in this world.
Thanks to the author, Dave Gibbons, for sharing your story.
Highly recommend reading!
I learned more about racial identities, mixed-race experiences, perceptions, etc. and in reading this memoir, realizing how self-absorbed I’ve been. Being monoracial, how unaware and oblivious I’ve been to the unique beautiful and harrowing experiences of so many different people in this world.
Thanks to the author, Dave Gibbons, for sharing your story.
Highly recommend reading!
July 22, 2024
This book is an example of excellent story telling, deep reflection, and inspiration. It's a beautiful homage to his loving mother, a love letter to his very human father, and a roadmap to healing for everyone that reads it. Dave Gibbon's journey of faith and questioning gives the reader permission to engage in real and raw conversations with God, no holding back. By reading this book people will be able to enjoy the freedom of healing intergenerational, racial, and religious trauma, as well as find their"home" even when all the questions aren't fully answered and our life story is still unfolding. It's a must read.
March 6, 2024
[ARC]
A very nice, reflective memoir about one’s journey of exploring himself. I just find the monologues to go on for too long, and the thoughts to be too repetitive. Could’ve been made more conscise. There are also few, minimal punctuation and grammatical errors across the book, but nothing too big.
A very nice, reflective memoir about one’s journey of exploring himself. I just find the monologues to go on for too long, and the thoughts to be too repetitive. Could’ve been made more conscise. There are also few, minimal punctuation and grammatical errors across the book, but nothing too big.
January 11, 2025
It's reassuring to know that the feelings of loss and identity are the same for TCKs, even when your lived experience is vastly different.
I read The Monkey and the Fish first, because I heard Dave Gibbons covered aspects of third-culture. Which it did, but specifically in the context of the church. So I wanted to read his memoir to understand how being third-culture became a part of his ministry life. I really resonated with his story (we share a particular, um, alma mater).
Which is oddly also reassuring. You can work through the weird fundy stuff, and your cultural mishmash, and somehow still end up loving and serving God.
That's the Holy Spirit for you.
I read The Monkey and the Fish first, because I heard Dave Gibbons covered aspects of third-culture. Which it did, but specifically in the context of the church. So I wanted to read his memoir to understand how being third-culture became a part of his ministry life. I really resonated with his story (we share a particular, um, alma mater).
Which is oddly also reassuring. You can work through the weird fundy stuff, and your cultural mishmash, and somehow still end up loving and serving God.
That's the Holy Spirit for you.
April 24, 2025
How rare and healing for an asian male of the boomer gen to openly share such rich emotion and reflection! His dedication to learning, evolving, and asking the hard questions lights a candle for those ready to do the same. The stories he shares are deeply human and powerful in their ability to face truth and acceptance. A healing gift to the Korean American diaspora.
❤️🔥🌧️🌈
❤️🔥🌧️🌈
May 15, 2025
A blessing of understanding
I’m normally a mystery reader, but as a web viewer of Newsong, I wanted to know more about the man up front. This book was so much more than a biography. It spoke to me about how I view the world, how God communicates through and to us, and how to have an open mind to others perspectives. A wonderful read…
I’m normally a mystery reader, but as a web viewer of Newsong, I wanted to know more about the man up front. This book was so much more than a biography. It spoke to me about how I view the world, how God communicates through and to us, and how to have an open mind to others perspectives. A wonderful read…
July 27, 2024
Gibbons’s memoir is a celebration of God’s love and faithfulness amidst hurts, struggles, disappointments and forgiveness. I will share this with my sons, who I believe can relate and hopefully will not be judged by the shapes of their eyes, but by the living out of their faith.
July 21, 2024
This inspiring and heart-wrenching book is culturally and spiritually relevant to many of the issues we face today. It sparks discussions that can pave the way to healing. Highly recommend!
October 25, 2024
Hard to put down! Dave Gibbons is a wonderful story teller, I kept turning pages to see how his story would unfold. This is a story of identity, suffering, hope and more. Told with great vulnerability, I appreciate how Gibbons shared so openly about his life, including moments of pain, embarassment, and loss. I felt a roller coaster of emotions reading this book, and resonated with so many parts. Whether or not you share Gibbons's ethnic, racial, cultural, or socioeconomic background, there's something in this memoir everyone can relate to.
July 18, 2024
This book made me cry, heal and challenged me to love more!! Cherishing every moment I have w/ 92 yrs old mom even more b/c of this book~. Thank you to the author!!
July 24, 2024
This was such an interesting, fun and inspiring read! It made me think, laugh, cry, reflect and heal! It tackles heavy topics such as spirituality, forgiveness, race, and family, yet it is an easy read due to its humor, relatability, and authenticity. It's also a much-needed book on the Asian American experience from a male perspective which is so lacking in the available commentary out there.
I'm so grateful that Dave wrote his life journey thus-far with such vulnerability and humility. It really made me think of my own life journey and how I could learn from some of Dave's reflections. I enjoyed it so much, I've been recommending to all those around me who may be interested in reading about faith, forgiveness, race, family, generational trauma, and just a really interesting life story.
I'm so grateful that Dave wrote his life journey thus-far with such vulnerability and humility. It really made me think of my own life journey and how I could learn from some of Dave's reflections. I enjoyed it so much, I've been recommending to all those around me who may be interested in reading about faith, forgiveness, race, family, generational trauma, and just a really interesting life story.
July 26, 2024
Such a beautiful, funny and vulnerable memoir coming from a heart of someone who understands the heart of a misfit because he is one. His vulnerability is powerfully inviting, his honesty compelling and the wisdom and revelation learned throughout his life are relatable and deeply human. His story is naturally-supernatural.
His journey is unique and yet so familiar to many who will read this book. Please share this with others who are looking for home; who are looking for freedom from shame and looking for freedom to experience joy. His stories are funny, witty, and relatable.
Loved the book and will be recommending it to all of my friends, colleagues and family that have been defined by their pain for too long and are looking to turn their pain into a platform of power.
Thanks Dave for this memoir!!!
His journey is unique and yet so familiar to many who will read this book. Please share this with others who are looking for home; who are looking for freedom from shame and looking for freedom to experience joy. His stories are funny, witty, and relatable.
Loved the book and will be recommending it to all of my friends, colleagues and family that have been defined by their pain for too long and are looking to turn their pain into a platform of power.
Thanks Dave for this memoir!!!
July 16, 2024
Dave’s beautifully written memoir of his journey through trials, trauma, forgiveness and faith is heartfelt. His challenges are personal, relatable, and his stories weave a wonderful bond of kinship. It reads like a page turning novel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joni Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joni Black
September 17, 2024
Another book that reminded me of my mom. The main takeaway I got from this book is that forgiveness sets you free. My faith has been shaky and I think this book was a timely read. I’ve never thought of myself as being a third culture kid until this book.
July 26, 2024
This memoir is such a real and raw look into Dave's life. It takes a lot of courage to put your pain and experiences out there for the world to read. Thank you for sharing your story!
October 2, 2024
This memoir shares the author's story of growing up in a mixed-race family in 60s and 70s America. Dave Gibbons shares about different struggles that he faced in his early life, and then delves into the wreckage caused by his father's affair, and the ways that this family breakdown affected his whole life. The author moves through the story chronologically, and he explores how he dealt with various struggles as a teenager and young adult. This book has a powerful message about forgiveness and redemption, and explores how the author's Christian faith has helped him through his challenging life experiences.
Gibbons offers a heartfelt and nuanced perspective on the racial discrimination that he faced in different contexts, and I appreciated how he explored the tension between being genuinely accepted by many of his peers while also dealing with hurtful comments and the constraints of institutional racism, particularly at the Christian college he attended.
One thing I appreciate about this memoir is that the author didn't feel a need to vilify people or make harsh sweeping statements in order to separate himself from harmful things in Christian history or his own past. He calls out serious problems without flattening out situational complexities, and he is nuanced and compassionate when writing about the many people involved, including himself. For example, he reflects on how self-absorbed he was as a young adult, and how oblivious he was to Black freedom struggles. His reflections are very thought-provoking.
Although the majority of this book is chronological and easy to follow, the sections about his adult life are somewhat confusing, jumping around to different experiences and life lessons without always adequately explaining the context, or when and why things happened the way they did. I found the later parts of the book weaker, just because I had so many unanswered questions and had a hard time keeping track of the timeline. I also felt that some of the revelations towards the end of the book were a little rushed, especially in comparison to the amount of time that Gibbons spent unpacking some relatively minor details of his childhood.
On that note, this memoir often falls into the writing trap of "telling" instead of "showing." Granted, it's a memoir, so it's perfectly natural for the author's voice to dominate, and for him to explain aspects of his life without always dramatizing them in scenes. However, this book would have benefitted from more immersive scenes, without as many lengthy, distanced reflections. The author often spent so much time explaining, dissecting, and reframing his experiences that there wasn't much breathing room for his story to speak for itself. Although this book is good, better editing could have tightened the book up and given it greater impact. I also found some typos and sentence structure errors that an editor should have caught.
I enjoyed this unique, thought-provoking memoir, and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the author's experiences, and who enjoy reading redemptive Christian memoirs about persevering through suffering. This book could have been better, and sometimes delves too much into therapeutic life reflections that distract from the story, but I appreciate the author's emotional honesty and nuanced takes on complex issues.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Gibbons offers a heartfelt and nuanced perspective on the racial discrimination that he faced in different contexts, and I appreciated how he explored the tension between being genuinely accepted by many of his peers while also dealing with hurtful comments and the constraints of institutional racism, particularly at the Christian college he attended.
One thing I appreciate about this memoir is that the author didn't feel a need to vilify people or make harsh sweeping statements in order to separate himself from harmful things in Christian history or his own past. He calls out serious problems without flattening out situational complexities, and he is nuanced and compassionate when writing about the many people involved, including himself. For example, he reflects on how self-absorbed he was as a young adult, and how oblivious he was to Black freedom struggles. His reflections are very thought-provoking.
Although the majority of this book is chronological and easy to follow, the sections about his adult life are somewhat confusing, jumping around to different experiences and life lessons without always adequately explaining the context, or when and why things happened the way they did. I found the later parts of the book weaker, just because I had so many unanswered questions and had a hard time keeping track of the timeline. I also felt that some of the revelations towards the end of the book were a little rushed, especially in comparison to the amount of time that Gibbons spent unpacking some relatively minor details of his childhood.
On that note, this memoir often falls into the writing trap of "telling" instead of "showing." Granted, it's a memoir, so it's perfectly natural for the author's voice to dominate, and for him to explain aspects of his life without always dramatizing them in scenes. However, this book would have benefitted from more immersive scenes, without as many lengthy, distanced reflections. The author often spent so much time explaining, dissecting, and reframing his experiences that there wasn't much breathing room for his story to speak for itself. Although this book is good, better editing could have tightened the book up and given it greater impact. I also found some typos and sentence structure errors that an editor should have caught.
I enjoyed this unique, thought-provoking memoir, and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the author's experiences, and who enjoy reading redemptive Christian memoirs about persevering through suffering. This book could have been better, and sometimes delves too much into therapeutic life reflections that distract from the story, but I appreciate the author's emotional honesty and nuanced takes on complex issues.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 1, 2024
When 1 + 1 = 3, what does that mean? In Maths, it means this is 'abstract' maths that not many know about. In the same way, Gibbon's memoir explores what it means for him to live out the identities of 1 plus 1 equalling more than 2, but really 3. His story of being a 3rd culture person is such a riveting one that you won't want to put down the book. Gibbon's way of story telling had me reading and longing more to learn about his life and how his identity helped shape his faith. As a Korean American man, Gibbons lived his life thinking he was 1/2 White and 1/2 Korean. But as he shares, we find out more that he was more 100% Korean and 100% American.
As an Asian American woman, I could relate to so many of his emotions about events in his life. It resonated with my own immigrant journey. The 3rd culture identity is one that many Asian Americans can relate to..it is living in between at least 2 worlds, the American and the Asian world. Both of these cultures present challenges for us where we at times feel we belong to neither. It is as if we belong to a 3rd meta-universe. Gibbon's funny and yet honest sharing of his perspective through his eyes helps us to realize we are NOT alone...we are NOT so 'abstract' after all. In reading his story, we can relate the 3rd culture person's intense yearning for belonging and longing for home. Like our stories, Gibbon's story is about finding home and how God plays a part in helping us find belonging and identity.
I think this book should be read by all Americans as the USA has become such a poly-cultural society. In reading this book, we may find it easier to see the world through our neighbors' eyes and thus be able to better love all of our diverse neighbors.
I also believe that this book would especially benefit those in Asian American ministry or those who desire to serve people. The book helps in unpacking the mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American narrative. What is even more rare is that it comes from the perspective of a mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American man. There aren't that many written through those pair of eyes.
I look forward to hearing more stories from the mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American Christian perspective, and even from more men as well. Share this book with others! They will enjoy it and thank you!
As an Asian American woman, I could relate to so many of his emotions about events in his life. It resonated with my own immigrant journey. The 3rd culture identity is one that many Asian Americans can relate to..it is living in between at least 2 worlds, the American and the Asian world. Both of these cultures present challenges for us where we at times feel we belong to neither. It is as if we belong to a 3rd meta-universe. Gibbon's funny and yet honest sharing of his perspective through his eyes helps us to realize we are NOT alone...we are NOT so 'abstract' after all. In reading his story, we can relate the 3rd culture person's intense yearning for belonging and longing for home. Like our stories, Gibbon's story is about finding home and how God plays a part in helping us find belonging and identity.
I think this book should be read by all Americans as the USA has become such a poly-cultural society. In reading this book, we may find it easier to see the world through our neighbors' eyes and thus be able to better love all of our diverse neighbors.
I also believe that this book would especially benefit those in Asian American ministry or those who desire to serve people. The book helps in unpacking the mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American narrative. What is even more rare is that it comes from the perspective of a mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American man. There aren't that many written through those pair of eyes.
I look forward to hearing more stories from the mix-race or poly-cultural Asian American Christian perspective, and even from more men as well. Share this book with others! They will enjoy it and thank you!
August 15, 2024
I do not say this as a negative to Mr. Dave Gibbons. He writes well enough and he told his story in a well laid out way. However, I just did not see anything that made his story one worth telling in book form. I didn't know anything about Gibbons before picking up his book and halfway through I was waiting for something that would let me know that this was a book worth reading. Gibbons grew up a son of a Vietnam Vet GI and Korean mother and he experiences racism and heartbreak from his family. These are really standard life events and going through there isn't much that sands out. Again, Gibbons' life is worthy and those close to him should know it. Is it worth reading about a half white/half Korean person who grows up to be a leader of a diverse church? Meh. The writing is really straightforward and there isn't a lot of prose to punch up life events or to make one think deeper into life in general. Dave Gibbons has a life worth living but to me, I don't think it's a life worth reading. Final Grade - D
July 24, 2024
I had the unique experience of reading "The Shape of My Eyes" by Dave Gibbons on a flight to Singapore earlier this month. It was a journey both through the skies and through the depths of my emotions. This profoundly moving memoir stirred me emotionally, bringing me to tears multiple times. I noticed puzzled looks from fellow passengers :)
As an Asian American, Dave's story felt incredibly personal and relatable. His journey of reconciliation and forgiveness struck a deep chord, offering a sense of empowerment and healing. The way he pursued and found his identity in God is inspiring and a guiding light for anyone seeking deeper meaning in their lives.
Dave's "The Shape of My Eyes" is a tale of overcoming adversity, embracing one's heritage, and finding solace and purpose in faith. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and spiritually enriching story.
As an Asian American, Dave's story felt incredibly personal and relatable. His journey of reconciliation and forgiveness struck a deep chord, offering a sense of empowerment and healing. The way he pursued and found his identity in God is inspiring and a guiding light for anyone seeking deeper meaning in their lives.
Dave's "The Shape of My Eyes" is a tale of overcoming adversity, embracing one's heritage, and finding solace and purpose in faith. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and spiritually enriching story.
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