What do you think?
Rate this book
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2022)The star of Marvel’s first Asian superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, tells his own origin story of being a Chinese immigrant, his battles with cultural stereotypes and his own identity, becoming a TV star, and landing the role of a lifetime.
In this honest, inspiring and relatable memoir, Simu Liu chronicles his family's journey from China to the bright lights of Hollywood with wit and humour.
As a child, Simu's parents left him in the care of his grandparents, bringing him to Canada when he was four. However, Simu soon senses that his new guardians lack the gentle touch of his grandparents, resulting in harsh words and hurt feelings between him and his parents, who find their son emotionally distant and difficult to relate to.
Although they are related by blood, they are separated by culture, language, and values.
As Simu grows up, he plays the part of the pious child flawlessly – he gets straight As, performs exceptionally in national math competitions and makes his parents proud. However, as time passes, he grows increasingly disillusioned with the path that has been laid out for him.
Less than a year out of University, he is fired from his first job and hits rock bottom. He develops a determination centred around creating his own path. This leads him to not only succeeding as an actor, but also opens the door to reconciling with his parents.
We Were Dreamers is a story about growing up between cultures, finding your family, and becoming the master of your own extraordinary circumstance.
In this honest, inspiring and relatable memoir, Simu Liu chronicles his family's journey from China to the bright lights of Hollywood with wit and humour.
As a child, Simu's parents left him in the care of his grandparents, bringing him to Canada when he was four. However, Simu soon senses that his new guardians lack the gentle touch of his grandparents, resulting in harsh words and hurt feelings between him and his parents, who find their son emotionally distant and difficult to relate to.
Although they are related by blood, they are separated by culture, language, and values.
As Simu grows up, he plays the part of the pious child flawlessly – he gets straight As, performs exceptionally in national math competitions and makes his parents proud. However, as time passes, he grows increasingly disillusioned with the path that has been laid out for him.
Less than a year out of University, he is fired from his first job and hits rock bottom. He develops a determination centred around creating his own path. This leads him to not only succeeding as an actor, but also opens the door to reconciling with his parents.
We Were Dreamers is a story about growing up between cultures, finding your family, and becoming the master of your own extraordinary circumstance.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2022
1020 people are currently reading
48450 people want to read
About the author
Simu Liu
1 book334 followersSimu Liu is a Canadian actor, writer, and stuntman. He is best known for the role of Jung in the CBC Television sitcom Kim's Convenience. He will portray the superhero Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with the film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,129 reviews
May 28, 2022
4.5 stars
This was so inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I adore Simu, so I was super excited to read his memoir! And his story is simultaneously really sad and really inspiring. He didn’t have the easiest childhood, that’s for sure, and he’s been through so my h to get where he is today. But I loved listening to his story, and it’s super inspiring to hear a success story from someone who doubted themselves and wander sure if they could ever make their dreams a reality. Simu is a very talented actor and writer and I can’t wait to see what he does in the future! Also, if you’re planning to read this one, I’d highly recommend the audiobook, it’s fanatic and his voice is *chefs kiss* 😍
This was so inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I adore Simu, so I was super excited to read his memoir! And his story is simultaneously really sad and really inspiring. He didn’t have the easiest childhood, that’s for sure, and he’s been through so my h to get where he is today. But I loved listening to his story, and it’s super inspiring to hear a success story from someone who doubted themselves and wander sure if they could ever make their dreams a reality. Simu is a very talented actor and writer and I can’t wait to see what he does in the future! Also, if you’re planning to read this one, I’d highly recommend the audiobook, it’s fanatic and his voice is *chefs kiss* 😍
Want to read
January 14, 2023will never apologize for the rabid affection this man sparks in me every time he speaks or posts or does literally anything
January 1, 2024
"I had some very rudimentary understanding of the importance of representation in media and arts before, but watching Kim's Convenience really hit home the value of seeing yourself reflected in the world you live in."
There are so many incredible words written into this memoir, but as this is what Simu has consistently stood for in every word he wrote, I think it's easily the most important to highlight. I also wanted to say that while there are so many celebrities I wish I could meet, there are only a select few that it's a goal of mine to actually talk to. To know he was in Syracuse only a few years ago to talk to students and I wasn't there... it just about breaks my heart in half. Missed opportunities, one that I hope will only lead to an opportunity not missed in the future.
I can't pinpoint the moment where I realized Simu was different. Every actor is fueled by their heart and their drive, but we all have actors that make us feel seen and recognized more than others. Simu was like that for me. Not because I'm someone of color, but because when I watched Shang-Chi for the first time, I was hooked from the very first minute. I only got into Marvel when Endgame came out, so I'm still relatively new to the stories. I fell in love with Chris Evans acting, and when Simu showed up on screen, I fell in love all the same. There's just something about them that transcends who they're portraying, and makes everything around them feel real. It's magic.
I see now that it's because no matter how much he was steered in a different direction, Simu always wanted to be a hero. It may have started as wanting to be an astronaut, but that only makes me love him more. The stars, space and all of their mysteries is one of my favorite things to read about. We have that in common (so does Chris Evans. Since Simu mentioned him, I feel it's only right to give him his rightful place in this review).
The story of his parents, while heavy and heart breaking and hard for me to understand, really captured why he's so driven. Why he feels like he's always had to prove himself. Why when his moment came, he went into it with no qualms or regrets. He asked the question "What makes me worthy" and I wrote out simply... because you asked that question. Asking what makes you worthy ALWAYS makes you worthy. It's the idea that even though this roll is what he's dreamed about his entire life, he still asks why he deserves it over anyone else. It's inspiring.
I loved that when he wrote of his struggles with a 9-5 job he explained so perfectly what it feels like to be lost in expectations. I love that he wrote, "Whether you like it or not, you're getting better at something every day." And then follows it up with, "No matter what you choose to do with your day, you are either helping to create a new habit or solidifying old ones." To make yourself aware that every action you take doesn't necessarily have a good outcome... I think I really needed to hear that. I think a lot of us do, especially in the wake up a pandemic that allowed us to be lazy in so many ways.
I liked Simu before I read this book. I knew there was something about him that was different and regal and special. I knew that with how much I already love Shang-Chi, I would only fall more in love with what he would do to bring the character to life over and over again. But reading this book, seeing his drive and recognizing myself in the heaviness of expectation.... I know I'm going to love him for as long as he chooses to be on the big screen.
I hope it's a very long time. I hope one day I'll be able to say I met him and told him how meaningful his journey is. Not only for his community, but for those that want to learn as well. For those that want to tell him his perseverance is just as important as everything else.
I love you, Simu. I can't wait to see what you do next.
There are so many incredible words written into this memoir, but as this is what Simu has consistently stood for in every word he wrote, I think it's easily the most important to highlight. I also wanted to say that while there are so many celebrities I wish I could meet, there are only a select few that it's a goal of mine to actually talk to. To know he was in Syracuse only a few years ago to talk to students and I wasn't there... it just about breaks my heart in half. Missed opportunities, one that I hope will only lead to an opportunity not missed in the future.
I can't pinpoint the moment where I realized Simu was different. Every actor is fueled by their heart and their drive, but we all have actors that make us feel seen and recognized more than others. Simu was like that for me. Not because I'm someone of color, but because when I watched Shang-Chi for the first time, I was hooked from the very first minute. I only got into Marvel when Endgame came out, so I'm still relatively new to the stories. I fell in love with Chris Evans acting, and when Simu showed up on screen, I fell in love all the same. There's just something about them that transcends who they're portraying, and makes everything around them feel real. It's magic.
I see now that it's because no matter how much he was steered in a different direction, Simu always wanted to be a hero. It may have started as wanting to be an astronaut, but that only makes me love him more. The stars, space and all of their mysteries is one of my favorite things to read about. We have that in common (so does Chris Evans. Since Simu mentioned him, I feel it's only right to give him his rightful place in this review).
The story of his parents, while heavy and heart breaking and hard for me to understand, really captured why he's so driven. Why he feels like he's always had to prove himself. Why when his moment came, he went into it with no qualms or regrets. He asked the question "What makes me worthy" and I wrote out simply... because you asked that question. Asking what makes you worthy ALWAYS makes you worthy. It's the idea that even though this roll is what he's dreamed about his entire life, he still asks why he deserves it over anyone else. It's inspiring.
I loved that when he wrote of his struggles with a 9-5 job he explained so perfectly what it feels like to be lost in expectations. I love that he wrote, "Whether you like it or not, you're getting better at something every day." And then follows it up with, "No matter what you choose to do with your day, you are either helping to create a new habit or solidifying old ones." To make yourself aware that every action you take doesn't necessarily have a good outcome... I think I really needed to hear that. I think a lot of us do, especially in the wake up a pandemic that allowed us to be lazy in so many ways.
I liked Simu before I read this book. I knew there was something about him that was different and regal and special. I knew that with how much I already love Shang-Chi, I would only fall more in love with what he would do to bring the character to life over and over again. But reading this book, seeing his drive and recognizing myself in the heaviness of expectation.... I know I'm going to love him for as long as he chooses to be on the big screen.
I hope it's a very long time. I hope one day I'll be able to say I met him and told him how meaningful his journey is. Not only for his community, but for those that want to learn as well. For those that want to tell him his perseverance is just as important as everything else.
I love you, Simu. I can't wait to see what you do next.
December 23, 2024
I decided to read
Simu Liu
’s memoir because I was surprised to find that he is an actor who actually, always has something meaningful to say. Unlike other actors who falter when talking about topics beyond acting, he piqued my curiosity about his background.
His life trajectory before entering the entertainment industry is similar to many Chinese immigrants. Born in China to parents who were engineering students at Beijing Jiaotong University, they immigrated to Canada for graduate studies. While his parents were in Canada, he lived with his grandparents until the age of 5, and then his parents brought him to Canada. Raised by a "tiger mom," he learned piano, attended business school, excelled academically, and graduated to work at Deloitte.
Reading this, it’s not hard to understand why he speaks so eloquently. He may not be the top student from his business school, but he is certainly well educated, and his words are well-considered.
Due to his parents' Chinese upbringing, he comes across as quite humble, at least not exuding the entitlement that some actors do. He often repeats his parents' words: ”Nobody forced us to come here. We came here knowing we would need to work extra hard."
Many people have only recently started recognizing Simu Liu, but he began acting in Toronto over a decade ago, later moving to Hollywood for minor roles. It's easy to say that Hollywood's recent push for diversity provided him more opportunities, but without those many years of anonymous effort, he might not have been ready when opportunities arose. Making a name for oneself in Hollywood is no easy feat, so it's heartening to see an Asian actor who has climbed from the bottom now appearing on American screens.
Recently, he mentioned that even now, Asian actors can't be considered as having "made it." Everyone knows, even with a major role in Shang-Chi, there’s no guarantee of continued success, nor a steady stream of lead roles. This is the plight of minority actors. Changing this situation for Asian actors requires a collective effort from all Asian actors.
I used to think it didn't matter much whether there were Asian faces in movies and TV (this hiding in the background is a typical Asian mentality). But a few years ago during Covid, I saw an video showing continuous attacks on Asians by African Americans during the pandemic. One of them shouted: "We are Americans, you are not. We have Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, and Serena Williams. Who are you?" That moment made me realize why Latinx and African Americans fight for representation: to many people, especially ordinary Americans, "role models" are incredibly important. Having such representation provides role models for one's own ethnic group and also opportunities for visibility among other ethnicities. Silence equals lack of voice. Reflecting on this, I feel more compelled to support hardworking Asian actors.
4.2 / 5 stars
His life trajectory before entering the entertainment industry is similar to many Chinese immigrants. Born in China to parents who were engineering students at Beijing Jiaotong University, they immigrated to Canada for graduate studies. While his parents were in Canada, he lived with his grandparents until the age of 5, and then his parents brought him to Canada. Raised by a "tiger mom," he learned piano, attended business school, excelled academically, and graduated to work at Deloitte.
Reading this, it’s not hard to understand why he speaks so eloquently. He may not be the top student from his business school, but he is certainly well educated, and his words are well-considered.
Due to his parents' Chinese upbringing, he comes across as quite humble, at least not exuding the entitlement that some actors do. He often repeats his parents' words: ”Nobody forced us to come here. We came here knowing we would need to work extra hard."
Many people have only recently started recognizing Simu Liu, but he began acting in Toronto over a decade ago, later moving to Hollywood for minor roles. It's easy to say that Hollywood's recent push for diversity provided him more opportunities, but without those many years of anonymous effort, he might not have been ready when opportunities arose. Making a name for oneself in Hollywood is no easy feat, so it's heartening to see an Asian actor who has climbed from the bottom now appearing on American screens.
Recently, he mentioned that even now, Asian actors can't be considered as having "made it." Everyone knows, even with a major role in Shang-Chi, there’s no guarantee of continued success, nor a steady stream of lead roles. This is the plight of minority actors. Changing this situation for Asian actors requires a collective effort from all Asian actors.
I used to think it didn't matter much whether there were Asian faces in movies and TV (this hiding in the background is a typical Asian mentality). But a few years ago during Covid, I saw an video showing continuous attacks on Asians by African Americans during the pandemic. One of them shouted: "We are Americans, you are not. We have Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, and Serena Williams. Who are you?" That moment made me realize why Latinx and African Americans fight for representation: to many people, especially ordinary Americans, "role models" are incredibly important. Having such representation provides role models for one's own ethnic group and also opportunities for visibility among other ethnicities. Silence equals lack of voice. Reflecting on this, I feel more compelled to support hardworking Asian actors.
4.2 / 5 stars
February 27, 2023
I read this for my Boston Asian book club and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would?? In my circles Simu Liu has a reputation for being a bit of a himbo so I wasn’t sure how I’d react to this memoir. However, I found it a well-written, down-to-earth portrayal of his parents’ immigration from China to Canada as well as his childhood upbringing and his subsequent foray into business and then acting. As the child of Vietnamese immigrants myself, I liked reading about Simu’s parents’ journey and Simu’s raw honesty about the difficult and abusive parts of his childhood. I also felt quite entertained learning about his time working at Deloitte and all the effort he put into developing his acting career. One thing I appreciated in particular is his ability to name when and where he messed up in his life, to face those mistakes instead of covering them up.
The main thing I wanted more of was additional reflection on his dynamic with his parents later on in his life. He wrote with candor about what they went through as immigrants as well as their abusive behavior toward him, though I think how he processed those events later in his life felt glossed over. I know in September 2022 he tweeted about going to therapy (not sure if that’s when he first started) so I wonder if there will be even more self-insight into that part of his life later on, whether he wants to share about it publicly or not.
The main thing I wanted more of was additional reflection on his dynamic with his parents later on in his life. He wrote with candor about what they went through as immigrants as well as their abusive behavior toward him, though I think how he processed those events later in his life felt glossed over. I know in September 2022 he tweeted about going to therapy (not sure if that’s when he first started) so I wonder if there will be even more self-insight into that part of his life later on, whether he wants to share about it publicly or not.
October 17, 2022
I have conflicting opinions on this book…
I love how relatable his story is- he talks about the background of his parents who grew up in Communist China during the cultural revolution. His parents had very similar experiences to my parents, and I was so happy to see these experiences detailed and recounted in a book that could reach so many people. It’s powerful for this book/platform to also educate people on key events in Asian history. He also talks vulnerably about how hard it is growing up with parents of different cultural values and life experiences. I related to how hard it was for him to break away from his parents expectations for him, and their own vision for his future. This part of the book was 5/5
However, I could not stand how cocky and arrogant he came off. For most of the book, it wasn’t obvious because he details his childhood and struggles in the workforce, but towards the end, I was rolling my eyes at every line. He reminded the reader at least once per chapter about being in Shang Chi, and makes small jabs at people in his past who doubted or spited him similar to a “hah look at me now!”. His arrogance made his advice feel didactic and preachy. This part was 1/5
Lastly, the whole last section focused on him just struggling to be an actor and finally succeeding, but says nothing about how his relationship with his parents improved, or any other aspects of his personal growth. I think he still has a lot of maturing to do, and it would’ve been better to write with a few more decades behind him. Overall 3/5
I love how relatable his story is- he talks about the background of his parents who grew up in Communist China during the cultural revolution. His parents had very similar experiences to my parents, and I was so happy to see these experiences detailed and recounted in a book that could reach so many people. It’s powerful for this book/platform to also educate people on key events in Asian history. He also talks vulnerably about how hard it is growing up with parents of different cultural values and life experiences. I related to how hard it was for him to break away from his parents expectations for him, and their own vision for his future. This part of the book was 5/5
However, I could not stand how cocky and arrogant he came off. For most of the book, it wasn’t obvious because he details his childhood and struggles in the workforce, but towards the end, I was rolling my eyes at every line. He reminded the reader at least once per chapter about being in Shang Chi, and makes small jabs at people in his past who doubted or spited him similar to a “hah look at me now!”. His arrogance made his advice feel didactic and preachy. This part was 1/5
Lastly, the whole last section focused on him just struggling to be an actor and finally succeeding, but says nothing about how his relationship with his parents improved, or any other aspects of his personal growth. I think he still has a lot of maturing to do, and it would’ve been better to write with a few more decades behind him. Overall 3/5
December 31, 2022
I highly recommend the audiobook, because it’s read my Simu himself. Listening to him tell his own story is impactful.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Read
May 18, 2022Simu, if you are reading this, MARRY ME?
June 10, 2022
truly, this was one of the best audiobook experiences i've ever had.
i would wholeheartedly recommend listening to simu liu narrate his story aloud, as his expressive voice brings the words to life - at times deadpan, at times emotional, and at times mischievous, he is always compulsively listenable.
as a chinese person who grew up in canada around the same time as the author, i resonated with so many parts of his experience. i definitely feel seen and understood within these pages - sometimes uncomfortably, vulnerably so. i especially loved the chapters in which liu writes about his family's history, from his parents' coming-of-age to the tender - but no less ferocious - love that he shared with his grandparents. i also appreciated the unflinching, courageous honesty with which liu and his parents return to some of their most painful memories; simu, you were absolutely right - reading this felt normalizing and affirming. i even liked that there was technical info about accounting, because this detail really conveyed the complexity and tedium of what liu was going through at his office job. last but certainly not least, i was at the raptors championship parade in 2019 and saw simu liu and jeremy lin atop their double-decker bus (gasol really was wildin' up there), and it was a lot of fun getting to read this from liu's perspective.
though i wish that discussions of asian activism were more intersectional and embodied greater solidarity with other movements, and though i wish there wasn't as intense a focus on physical appearances / sex appeal / wooing women (even as i recognize this was the author's experience, and also complicated by the sex-and-appearance-related structural/interpersonal discrimination faced by asian men), there is no doubt in my mind that simu liu is a marvellous storyteller. pun intended.
i would wholeheartedly recommend listening to simu liu narrate his story aloud, as his expressive voice brings the words to life - at times deadpan, at times emotional, and at times mischievous, he is always compulsively listenable.
as a chinese person who grew up in canada around the same time as the author, i resonated with so many parts of his experience. i definitely feel seen and understood within these pages - sometimes uncomfortably, vulnerably so. i especially loved the chapters in which liu writes about his family's history, from his parents' coming-of-age to the tender - but no less ferocious - love that he shared with his grandparents. i also appreciated the unflinching, courageous honesty with which liu and his parents return to some of their most painful memories; simu, you were absolutely right - reading this felt normalizing and affirming. i even liked that there was technical info about accounting, because this detail really conveyed the complexity and tedium of what liu was going through at his office job. last but certainly not least, i was at the raptors championship parade in 2019 and saw simu liu and jeremy lin atop their double-decker bus (gasol really was wildin' up there), and it was a lot of fun getting to read this from liu's perspective.
though i wish that discussions of asian activism were more intersectional and embodied greater solidarity with other movements, and though i wish there wasn't as intense a focus on physical appearances / sex appeal / wooing women (even as i recognize this was the author's experience, and also complicated by the sex-and-appearance-related structural/interpersonal discrimination faced by asian men), there is no doubt in my mind that simu liu is a marvellous storyteller. pun intended.
February 15, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Simu Liu's, and I loved his work on KIM'S CONVENIENCE, and I've watched Shang-Chi at least four times (three times in a movie theatre in the middle of a pandemic, no less! I risked my life to see it! Three times!), so when Simu previewed the cover on his IG, I 100% screamed and went to check Edelweiss for an ARC. WE WERE DREAMERS was a joy to read. It was full of humor, honesty, and inspiration, and it brims with Asian excellence, laughs, a healthy dose of teenage cringe (like, SUPER cringe, dudes), and a lot more N*Sync than I expected. I laughed, I spoke obnoxiously at length about this ARC to my friends, and I read in awe of his determination to become an actor. Moreover, I deeply respect his honesty about his road to super hero stardom, particularly in relation to his rocky relationship with his self-esteem and his identity as an Asian creative, as well as his relationship with his parents. As a Chinese immigration myself, I related all too well to many parts of his own stories of his adolescent. Many folks of the Asian diaspora will seem themselves in Simu's memoir, and for that, I'm so glad this book exists. I really enjoyed this memoir, and it was a ton of fun to read.
June 25, 2022
Audiobook….read by the author Simu Liu
….8 hours and 10 minutes
I couldn’t figure out why this audiobook had the LONGEST wait lines at every library I use throughout the SFBay area.
Finally I said to myself “F-it”.
I’ll use one of my Audible credits and just purchased it.
I’m sorry I did.
I could have definitely waited longer….
There is ‘no’ reason I see that anyone ‘must-read-this-book now’.
Simu Liu is the star of Marvel’s first Asian superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (all of what means nothing to me one way or another) …. I’ve never seen his movies.
I was curious in learning ‘what was the big deal’ about this guy’ ….and knowing (myself)… always interested in
‘everything Canada’…
and …..(knowing myself these days)…..
desiring easy listening audio companionship while unpacking boxes- re- washing dishes, silverware, etc. …..
I figured with nothing but 5 star ratings (on Amazon anyway)… it must be ‘fantastic’.
So…. Here’s the thing about the book for me….
….when throwing out Tupperware, (replacing Pyrex storage containers instead), was more interesting,
….then it’s not a book I’d particularly ‘rave’ about.
Yeah … Simu has an engaging audio-voice.
I happen to love many of the same things he does about Canada —(starting with Canada’s delicious tasting tap water)….
plus I enjoyed him sharing about the revolution in China —and
I respect the triumph for immigrants everywhere…
but …..?
….was I really the only person that was semi-put off with is narcissistic humor?
I didn’t find it funny when he said “shame on those who skipped over the first part of the book” dedicated to his parents and grandparents —
(I didn’t skip over it yet I felt the ‘dig’)….
I was equally underwhelmed by his casual “let’s back up, shall we” style of writing and speaking as I was occasionally attentive to his
‘fight-against-the-world’.
3 average stars.
….8 hours and 10 minutes
I couldn’t figure out why this audiobook had the LONGEST wait lines at every library I use throughout the SFBay area.
Finally I said to myself “F-it”.
I’ll use one of my Audible credits and just purchased it.
I’m sorry I did.
I could have definitely waited longer….
There is ‘no’ reason I see that anyone ‘must-read-this-book now’.
Simu Liu is the star of Marvel’s first Asian superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (all of what means nothing to me one way or another) …. I’ve never seen his movies.
I was curious in learning ‘what was the big deal’ about this guy’ ….and knowing (myself)… always interested in
‘everything Canada’…
and …..(knowing myself these days)…..
desiring easy listening audio companionship while unpacking boxes- re- washing dishes, silverware, etc. …..
I figured with nothing but 5 star ratings (on Amazon anyway)… it must be ‘fantastic’.
So…. Here’s the thing about the book for me….
….when throwing out Tupperware, (replacing Pyrex storage containers instead), was more interesting,
….then it’s not a book I’d particularly ‘rave’ about.
Yeah … Simu has an engaging audio-voice.
I happen to love many of the same things he does about Canada —(starting with Canada’s delicious tasting tap water)….
plus I enjoyed him sharing about the revolution in China —and
I respect the triumph for immigrants everywhere…
but …..?
….was I really the only person that was semi-put off with is narcissistic humor?
I didn’t find it funny when he said “shame on those who skipped over the first part of the book” dedicated to his parents and grandparents —
(I didn’t skip over it yet I felt the ‘dig’)….
I was equally underwhelmed by his casual “let’s back up, shall we” style of writing and speaking as I was occasionally attentive to his
‘fight-against-the-world’.
3 average stars.
August 20, 2023
In his memoir, We Were Dreamers Simu Liu shares an inspiring story about overcoming expectations to find and pursue his passion: acting, and ultimately, gain a life changing role.
Simu was born in China and his parents brought him to Canada when he was four. Simu talks about acclimating to Canada and the challenges he faced as an immigrant, his often contentious relationship with his parents while growing up, his lack of enthusiasm for accounting as his career path, and his pursuit of acting instead. Simu is also a big basketball fan and while covering several larger life-impacting topics, did a good job infusing humor throughout his story.
I seem to watch fewer movies every year and had very limited knowledge of Simu before listening to this audiobook, which he does an excellent job narrating. I share this to emphasize that you don’t need to be a movie connoisseur to gain from Simu’s story. We Were Dreamers is inspiring, motivating, and a reminder that we only have one life so it’s important to make the most of it — 4.5 stars
Simu was born in China and his parents brought him to Canada when he was four. Simu talks about acclimating to Canada and the challenges he faced as an immigrant, his often contentious relationship with his parents while growing up, his lack of enthusiasm for accounting as his career path, and his pursuit of acting instead. Simu is also a big basketball fan and while covering several larger life-impacting topics, did a good job infusing humor throughout his story.
I seem to watch fewer movies every year and had very limited knowledge of Simu before listening to this audiobook, which he does an excellent job narrating. I share this to emphasize that you don’t need to be a movie connoisseur to gain from Simu’s story. We Were Dreamers is inspiring, motivating, and a reminder that we only have one life so it’s important to make the most of it — 4.5 stars
August 15, 2022
4.5 Stars
Simu Liu delivers a page-turning memoir that is all at once funny, inspiring and relatable, while also providing a refreshingly honest and impressively astute look at the immigrant family experience, the cultural trends of Hollywood in recent years, and what it means to be a dreamer fighting to achieve an (im)possible dream.
Here, Simu takes the reader on a grounded journey through his family’s history in China and his eventual immigration to Canada as a young boy, through his tumultuous school years and complex home life, to an early adulthood being passionately bitten by the acting bug, all the way through his rigorous slog as an aspiring Asian-Canadian actor trying to make his mark in Hollywood.
Through the highs and lows, I relished every part of Simu’s life story. I may have come initially for the Hollywood stories and his ground-breaking success with Marvel, but I stayed for the emotionally charged exploration of Simu’s family history and his deeply moving and complicated relationship with his parents.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Simu Liu delivers a page-turning memoir that is all at once funny, inspiring and relatable, while also providing a refreshingly honest and impressively astute look at the immigrant family experience, the cultural trends of Hollywood in recent years, and what it means to be a dreamer fighting to achieve an (im)possible dream.
Here, Simu takes the reader on a grounded journey through his family’s history in China and his eventual immigration to Canada as a young boy, through his tumultuous school years and complex home life, to an early adulthood being passionately bitten by the acting bug, all the way through his rigorous slog as an aspiring Asian-Canadian actor trying to make his mark in Hollywood.
Through the highs and lows, I relished every part of Simu’s life story. I may have come initially for the Hollywood stories and his ground-breaking success with Marvel, but I stayed for the emotionally charged exploration of Simu’s family history and his deeply moving and complicated relationship with his parents.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
January 6, 2023
Simu Liu has gained worldwide recognition from his work on Kim's Convenience, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and modeling in stock photos (not a joke, he really did). Now he is ready to tell the world about his upbringing and what it took to become a Marvel Superhero.
Simu really puts things into perspective when he talks about the struggles of becoming successful and the fears of disappointing his family; all while making jokes and showing gratitude to the people who supported him the most.
This was definitely a fun, tearjerker that explains how success takes lots of work. -Alyssa C.
Simu really puts things into perspective when he talks about the struggles of becoming successful and the fears of disappointing his family; all while making jokes and showing gratitude to the people who supported him the most.
This was definitely a fun, tearjerker that explains how success takes lots of work. -Alyssa C.
Want to read
September 14, 2021I love Simu Liu
December 16, 2024
This was an important story for him to talk about on multiple levels because he didn’t write the book for himself or just to talk about his life. He did it for me and for every Asian immigrant and their families. I recognized a lot of parallels with my own life story. And I’m grateful for the book and happy for his professional and family successes. The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is because I read it while listening to the audio at the same time. His acting didn’t translate well as just a voiceover - at least not for me. I think it’s one of the only memoirs I wish I hadn’t listened to. He’s definitely a better actor than what the audiobook suggests. It felt over produced and over perfected, or maybe it felt like a project he fit in between his many gigs. I’m sure I would’ve liked it a million times better if I’d stick to the digital only. And yeah, I did love him on Kim’s Convenience. He and Kimchi were my favorite characters.
June 1, 2022
I would recommend that you get the audiobook for this to hear his sincerity in his more personal chapters.
He comes off as very cocky a lot of the time.
He comes off as very cocky a lot of the time.
May 19, 2022
This book was SO good!?!?!?!
Charming, smart, thoughtful, relatable, emotional and at times laugh out loud hilarious, I adored this book. I loved learning about Liu's parents and grandparents - their lives, their struggles, their journeys, and it was great learning about Simu's own experiences. Liu was unafraid to get into the ugliness and pain that sometimes accompanies the relationships between second-generation immigrants/third culture kids and their parents. His experiences, his anger, the weight of his parents' expectations was all too relatable, but I enjoyed seeing his growth, his passion, and his fervor for chasing his dreams. It's a moving story about dreams, expectations, and the challenges they present for us. The writing is compelling, and engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Liu is a great writer, and this book was utterly delightful!
Charming, smart, thoughtful, relatable, emotional and at times laugh out loud hilarious, I adored this book. I loved learning about Liu's parents and grandparents - their lives, their struggles, their journeys, and it was great learning about Simu's own experiences. Liu was unafraid to get into the ugliness and pain that sometimes accompanies the relationships between second-generation immigrants/third culture kids and their parents. His experiences, his anger, the weight of his parents' expectations was all too relatable, but I enjoyed seeing his growth, his passion, and his fervor for chasing his dreams. It's a moving story about dreams, expectations, and the challenges they present for us. The writing is compelling, and engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Liu is a great writer, and this book was utterly delightful!
January 8, 2025
A heartfelt account written and narrated by the author about his early childhood in China, his move to Toronto, his growing up and rocky relationship with his parents, and how he broke out into acting and became the Marvel Superhero actor that he is today. He’s a very grounded man and though he does admit he likes to have time in the spotlight, his humility and spirit of loving others shines through.
Simu’s parents were extremely hard working and sacrificial. They had expectations for their son’s education and career, which he tried to meet for a time. His describing himself of being in the accounting industry was hilarious! In time, Simu and his parents come to an understanding and their relationship healed greatly.
Simu speaks about the acting profession from his Asian perspective. I appreciated what he had to say about the prejudices and difficulties to break into the industry and I hope that in short time the aspects in Hollywood that need to change will change for Asian actors.
I really loved this memoir. I related in ways that I did not expect to. I laughed and cried. When I began this book, I had a big crush of Simu. Now I feel like he’s a little brother figure that I want to hug and protect (he’s still so handsome though!).
Simu’s parents were extremely hard working and sacrificial. They had expectations for their son’s education and career, which he tried to meet for a time. His describing himself of being in the accounting industry was hilarious! In time, Simu and his parents come to an understanding and their relationship healed greatly.
Simu speaks about the acting profession from his Asian perspective. I appreciated what he had to say about the prejudices and difficulties to break into the industry and I hope that in short time the aspects in Hollywood that need to change will change for Asian actors.
I really loved this memoir. I related in ways that I did not expect to. I laughed and cried. When I began this book, I had a big crush of Simu. Now I feel like he’s a little brother figure that I want to hug and protect (he’s still so handsome though!).
August 15, 2022
One of the best memoirs and audiobooks I've ever listened to. Simu Liu is an incredible human being with great writing skills and even greater resilience. It's definitely a rags-to-riches type of story, but so well done it gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears. I've loved him when I first saw him on Kim's Convenience, loved him even more when I saw Shang-Chi twice in theaters, and now he's in my top 5 fave actors right next to Robert DeNiro & The Rock after reading this book.
TW: familial abuse
TW: familial abuse
December 12, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dare I say this is my favorite audiobook of the year? Simu Liu’s memoir We Were Dreamers was absolutely fantastic. He’s an engaging storyteller with a voice that feels like it was made to read me audiobooks. I loved every minute and had to purchase the physical book after finishing the audio so I could re-read the bits that really spoke to my millennial heart.
I had goosebumps during about 70% of the book (the other 30% I was laughing and/or had a goofy smile plastered on my face). This is an equally charming and emotional read that was truly heartbreaking at times. I loved learning about his journey into acting (and Marvel, no less!), but what I enjoyed the most were his personal words on growing up and his determination to follow his own dreams.
I admittedly knew very little about Simu before diving into We Were Dreamers, but now I feel like we’re great friends (I mean… we’re both hopeless romantics who love boy bands and Henry Golding!). I’m immensely impressed by this man’s talent and his passion to make the world a better and more accepting place. Highly, highly recommend!
“Many of our parents told us to keep our heads down, but I wanted us to stand up, to not be afraid of taking up space in the room, and to understand how powerful we could be if we banded together.”
I had goosebumps during about 70% of the book (the other 30% I was laughing and/or had a goofy smile plastered on my face). This is an equally charming and emotional read that was truly heartbreaking at times. I loved learning about his journey into acting (and Marvel, no less!), but what I enjoyed the most were his personal words on growing up and his determination to follow his own dreams.
I admittedly knew very little about Simu before diving into We Were Dreamers, but now I feel like we’re great friends (I mean… we’re both hopeless romantics who love boy bands and Henry Golding!). I’m immensely impressed by this man’s talent and his passion to make the world a better and more accepting place. Highly, highly recommend!
“Many of our parents told us to keep our heads down, but I wanted us to stand up, to not be afraid of taking up space in the room, and to understand how powerful we could be if we banded together.”
August 8, 2022
3.5 stars. I love Kim's Convenience, I enjoyed Shang Chi (even though I'm not really a Marvel hero fanatic), and I really like social stances that Simu embodies. I was looking forward to reading this book. Based on the little I knew of him before, I knew we had a lot in common. We both emigrated from China at the age of 4, were raised by grandparents before then, were business majors in college and worked at Deloitte. However, I didn't know much about his personality, but what shined most clearly through this book was his narcissism. It made the middle part of the book extremely difficult to get through when you despise the author who wrote the memoir.
Let me back up - there were 3 Acts in this book, and I had strong emotions for each one. Act 1 was about how his parents met, their time in China and his formative years with his yeye and nainai. It reminded me so much of my own upbringing when my dad was getting his PhD. My mom was around, but she was working full time as a teacher, so I spent many days alone in the apartment or was with my grandparents. The fact that he and I both share this story means there are many other immigrant children out there who have the same beginnings. I am appreciative of him sharing this story that resonates with so many, but never got told, because as immigrants and children of immigrants, we don't pursue a life of fame and land book deals. Reading about his struggles when he finally reunites with his parents made me reflect on my own relationship with my parents and I even came to some epiphanies about why my parents behaved the way they did when I was growing up. Unlike Simu, I was lucky and unlucky to have siblings. Lucky in that my parents didn't pin all their hopes and dreams on me like they did to him. The pressure and stress must have been debilitating for him. However, on the other hand, when my younger siblings were born, not only was the heat taken off me, I was almost completely neglected - to the point where I signed my own permission slips, registered myself for school and handled all administrative matters for myself...as a 10 year old.
Act 2 makes up the bulk of the book (or maybe it just took me the longest to get through?) and takes us through his school years and through his first job. In these chapters, I really wanted to smack him. He talks about being abused by his parents, and honestly, I kind of don't blame them. He's an absolute shit head and so incredibly self absorbed. I get it, if we were all honest about our high school/college years, we would probably be described that way as well. But I don't give him the credit of vulnerability. Through the stories he tells, he pines for validation, acceptance, and to be perceived as cool and hot. Sure, didn't we all? However, even when he succeeded at any of those endeavors, there was no humility. It was honestly embarrassing to read. Especially the parts where he tries to interject humor in his parents' story, but felt like an arrogant attempt to turn the spotlight back to himself. He's the kind of guy who always has to sound awesome. Everything he did was actually amazing by his telling, even if it wasn't. After getting rejected by every IB, banking and accounting firm, he got a job with a bakery in the marketing department and he somehow made it sound like it was a way better experience. We all went to college with a guy like this. Come on, enough with the self-aggrandizing.
Another thing that irked me was his very negative opinion on the accounting industry. He speaks of accountants with such disdain, and as an accountant, I do take offense to that. It's fine if accounting isn't for you, but don't disparage the entire industry where tens of thousands of chartered accountants have built a career. He explicitly says how it doesn't add value to the world, it only helps wealthy shareholders buy yachts. This shows how ignorant he is of the industry. Assurance maintains the structural integrity of the financial market. It doesn't just help the rich, but rather everyday people whose retirement savings are wrapped up in these markets.
Maybe I was so annoyed at him during Act 2, but in Act 3 we saw a whole new side of him. I'm glad it ends after this, because I don't think I could ever watch another episode of Kim's or another Marvel movie if it ended after Act 2. It was refreshing to see him work hard and be passionate about something, and I enjoyed learning about the showbiz process. I loved when he talked about Asian representation in media and entertainment, and specifically second generation Asian Americans. We have come to dominate so many industries (eh hem, like accounting), but they're not sexy or interesting enough to be talked about (don't know why). I wish Act 3 was longer and he spent more time talking about the work he's doing around AAPI and other fun projects he's done with Wong Fu. Come on, Asian Bachelorette? It was honestly his best work.
Let me back up - there were 3 Acts in this book, and I had strong emotions for each one. Act 1 was about how his parents met, their time in China and his formative years with his yeye and nainai. It reminded me so much of my own upbringing when my dad was getting his PhD. My mom was around, but she was working full time as a teacher, so I spent many days alone in the apartment or was with my grandparents. The fact that he and I both share this story means there are many other immigrant children out there who have the same beginnings. I am appreciative of him sharing this story that resonates with so many, but never got told, because as immigrants and children of immigrants, we don't pursue a life of fame and land book deals. Reading about his struggles when he finally reunites with his parents made me reflect on my own relationship with my parents and I even came to some epiphanies about why my parents behaved the way they did when I was growing up. Unlike Simu, I was lucky and unlucky to have siblings. Lucky in that my parents didn't pin all their hopes and dreams on me like they did to him. The pressure and stress must have been debilitating for him. However, on the other hand, when my younger siblings were born, not only was the heat taken off me, I was almost completely neglected - to the point where I signed my own permission slips, registered myself for school and handled all administrative matters for myself...as a 10 year old.
Act 2 makes up the bulk of the book (or maybe it just took me the longest to get through?) and takes us through his school years and through his first job. In these chapters, I really wanted to smack him. He talks about being abused by his parents, and honestly, I kind of don't blame them. He's an absolute shit head and so incredibly self absorbed. I get it, if we were all honest about our high school/college years, we would probably be described that way as well. But I don't give him the credit of vulnerability. Through the stories he tells, he pines for validation, acceptance, and to be perceived as cool and hot. Sure, didn't we all? However, even when he succeeded at any of those endeavors, there was no humility. It was honestly embarrassing to read. Especially the parts where he tries to interject humor in his parents' story, but felt like an arrogant attempt to turn the spotlight back to himself. He's the kind of guy who always has to sound awesome. Everything he did was actually amazing by his telling, even if it wasn't. After getting rejected by every IB, banking and accounting firm, he got a job with a bakery in the marketing department and he somehow made it sound like it was a way better experience. We all went to college with a guy like this. Come on, enough with the self-aggrandizing.
Another thing that irked me was his very negative opinion on the accounting industry. He speaks of accountants with such disdain, and as an accountant, I do take offense to that. It's fine if accounting isn't for you, but don't disparage the entire industry where tens of thousands of chartered accountants have built a career. He explicitly says how it doesn't add value to the world, it only helps wealthy shareholders buy yachts. This shows how ignorant he is of the industry. Assurance maintains the structural integrity of the financial market. It doesn't just help the rich, but rather everyday people whose retirement savings are wrapped up in these markets.
Maybe I was so annoyed at him during Act 2, but in Act 3 we saw a whole new side of him. I'm glad it ends after this, because I don't think I could ever watch another episode of Kim's or another Marvel movie if it ended after Act 2. It was refreshing to see him work hard and be passionate about something, and I enjoyed learning about the showbiz process. I loved when he talked about Asian representation in media and entertainment, and specifically second generation Asian Americans. We have come to dominate so many industries (eh hem, like accounting), but they're not sexy or interesting enough to be talked about (don't know why). I wish Act 3 was longer and he spent more time talking about the work he's doing around AAPI and other fun projects he's done with Wong Fu. Come on, Asian Bachelorette? It was honestly his best work.
May 20, 2022
“I’m going to be a superhero.”
I simp for this man so, of course, I had to read this book. I usually don’t rate memoirs, but as I said I simp for this man so, of course, I had to rate it. I was hoping to relate to his immigrant child issues and pain as he shows a lot on his posts. And boy I did.
Simu uses a great balance of humour, charm, emotion, and seriousness to tell his story. At times, I could tell that he was being funny to mask up some pain which made it even more relatable to read. I wished I listened to the audiobook since he narrates it but his writing really sounds like him. It felt like he was a friend verbally telling me this story (hence the audiobook wish). It was so entertaining and difficult for me to put down.
I saw a lot of myself in him growing up and his stories (aside from being a Western grad). I have similar memories of disappointing the immigrant parents, the desire to rebel but not too much because parents are scary, imposter syndrome, and not getting the excited reaction one hoped for after great news. There were moments where he verbalized some of my own feelings. It’s wonderful to see where it all started and where he is now.
I simp for this man so, of course, I had to read this book. I usually don’t rate memoirs, but as I said I simp for this man so, of course, I had to rate it. I was hoping to relate to his immigrant child issues and pain as he shows a lot on his posts. And boy I did.
Simu uses a great balance of humour, charm, emotion, and seriousness to tell his story. At times, I could tell that he was being funny to mask up some pain which made it even more relatable to read. I wished I listened to the audiobook since he narrates it but his writing really sounds like him. It felt like he was a friend verbally telling me this story (hence the audiobook wish). It was so entertaining and difficult for me to put down.
I saw a lot of myself in him growing up and his stories (aside from being a Western grad). I have similar memories of disappointing the immigrant parents, the desire to rebel but not too much because parents are scary, imposter syndrome, and not getting the excited reaction one hoped for after great news. There were moments where he verbalized some of my own feelings. It’s wonderful to see where it all started and where he is now.
July 18, 2022
I loved Simu before I read this book and now I love him even more because of the beautiful and heartbreaking insight this book gave me of his life. If you have yet to read this book, I can't recommend the audiobook enough. The emotion he puts into his storytelling is palpable.
It's true when people say that you truly can't know how a person has lived their life until you've talked to them. Looking as his photos and watching him act, I never would have thought that his past was fraught with so much change and abuse. He had an incredibly difficult and complicated relationship with his parents that veered into the abusive. His painful past is a reminder that sometimes immigrant parents put their dreams and expectations on their children to a truly detrimental point.
I did love, however, seeing his fight for success. That man did NOT give up until he succeeded. Through years of adulthood depression, procrastination, and disinterest, Simu somehow found his calling and worked his ass off. He is impressive, inspiring, and incredible.
Also, I can't believe he is only a day older than me. That made me giggle.
I have read some incredibly autobiographies this year and I feel so happy that I've been able to experience them. If you read and/or listen to an autobiography this year, please let this one be one of them!
Happy reading!
It's true when people say that you truly can't know how a person has lived their life until you've talked to them. Looking as his photos and watching him act, I never would have thought that his past was fraught with so much change and abuse. He had an incredibly difficult and complicated relationship with his parents that veered into the abusive. His painful past is a reminder that sometimes immigrant parents put their dreams and expectations on their children to a truly detrimental point.
I did love, however, seeing his fight for success. That man did NOT give up until he succeeded. Through years of adulthood depression, procrastination, and disinterest, Simu somehow found his calling and worked his ass off. He is impressive, inspiring, and incredible.
Also, I can't believe he is only a day older than me. That made me giggle.
I have read some incredibly autobiographies this year and I feel so happy that I've been able to experience them. If you read and/or listen to an autobiography this year, please let this one be one of them!
Happy reading!
September 23, 2022
2.5
Appreciate the representation and could relate a lot to his story… but I don’t know if it warrants a whole book? To be honest, I’m a bit confused why this fared so well and has such high ratings. It’s not that this is bad, but I’ve read other memoirs of those with similar upbringings and they were just better.
It had a strong start, but I got less and less interested as the book went on.The ending seemed rushed (with no real explanation of how his relationship with his parents was repaired) and focused a LOT on his ambition/hard work that led up to the Marvel role. I get that’s his biggest moment and a natural place to end the book, but this whole focus on fulfilling the American dream was a bit… corny? Uncreative? Idk.
Not by any means a bad read, but not a good read. Somewhere in between.
Appreciate the representation and could relate a lot to his story… but I don’t know if it warrants a whole book? To be honest, I’m a bit confused why this fared so well and has such high ratings. It’s not that this is bad, but I’ve read other memoirs of those with similar upbringings and they were just better.
It had a strong start, but I got less and less interested as the book went on.The ending seemed rushed (with no real explanation of how his relationship with his parents was repaired) and focused a LOT on his ambition/hard work that led up to the Marvel role. I get that’s his biggest moment and a natural place to end the book, but this whole focus on fulfilling the American dream was a bit… corny? Uncreative? Idk.
Not by any means a bad read, but not a good read. Somewhere in between.
October 8, 2022
Amazing memoir and audio was phenomenal! Finished in a few hours.
June 22, 2022
What, am I just supposed to sit here crying now?? I was lucky enough to see Simu on his book tour and we got our copies of the book that night. I literally had seventy pages read before he even took the stage. I could not read this book fast enough. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and filled with so much love and thoughtfulness. It is brilliant and I think everyone should read it and then follow their dreams. It’s what Simu would want.
May 23, 2022
4.7 stars
I first learned of Simu Liu in 2018 when he retweeted a fan calling him a hot basket of butter bread. A) The tweet was accurate, he’s a hottie, b) I loved the humor in his reply. I was oddly so proud of and excited for him when he got the role of Shang-Chi. Score one for the Asians. I wasn’t sure what to expect from his memoir. I definitely wasn’t expecting a story that made me laugh and cry. The story of growing up Asian in Canada was so familiar. His tales of being raised to be the best academically and academics being more important than anything else - friends or otherwise. The comparisons to the children of friends, the beatings when you weren’t living up to ever changing expectations. I read his story where he doesn’t hide the dark parts of his treatment by his parents and (being a child of Asian immigrants) was like omg how is he writing this where people will see, his parents will be so mad! I’m a whole grown woman but that worry is so engrained! I also loved the absolute care and heart he gave to telling his parents’ stories - of their growing up in China, of working in labor camps and not being allowed higher education and the tenacity with which they worked to get it and then move to the West. It doesn’t excuse the way he was treated in his childhood but it helps explain it, and you can feel the forgiveness. Without an example of healthy relationships at home it’s so hard to know how to have them when you grow up - breaking those cycles and learning anew how to be loved and be enough is so hard and I’m really impressed by how he laid that all bare. And he does it all with a healthy dose of pop culture analogies and a great deal of humor. If I was a Marvel superhero that may be what I wrote my whole book about, I’d shout it from the rooftops everyday, but it gets a couple pages at the end. This is a story of a boy who was torn from the warm embrace of his grandparents in China at 5 and had to learn how to survive his parents and a whole new country. It’s about the struggle of finding who you are and embracing it no matter what others say or want of you. It was really great.
Instagram.com/encyclopedia_britanika
I first learned of Simu Liu in 2018 when he retweeted a fan calling him a hot basket of butter bread. A) The tweet was accurate, he’s a hottie, b) I loved the humor in his reply. I was oddly so proud of and excited for him when he got the role of Shang-Chi. Score one for the Asians. I wasn’t sure what to expect from his memoir. I definitely wasn’t expecting a story that made me laugh and cry. The story of growing up Asian in Canada was so familiar. His tales of being raised to be the best academically and academics being more important than anything else - friends or otherwise. The comparisons to the children of friends, the beatings when you weren’t living up to ever changing expectations. I read his story where he doesn’t hide the dark parts of his treatment by his parents and (being a child of Asian immigrants) was like omg how is he writing this where people will see, his parents will be so mad! I’m a whole grown woman but that worry is so engrained! I also loved the absolute care and heart he gave to telling his parents’ stories - of their growing up in China, of working in labor camps and not being allowed higher education and the tenacity with which they worked to get it and then move to the West. It doesn’t excuse the way he was treated in his childhood but it helps explain it, and you can feel the forgiveness. Without an example of healthy relationships at home it’s so hard to know how to have them when you grow up - breaking those cycles and learning anew how to be loved and be enough is so hard and I’m really impressed by how he laid that all bare. And he does it all with a healthy dose of pop culture analogies and a great deal of humor. If I was a Marvel superhero that may be what I wrote my whole book about, I’d shout it from the rooftops everyday, but it gets a couple pages at the end. This is a story of a boy who was torn from the warm embrace of his grandparents in China at 5 and had to learn how to survive his parents and a whole new country. It’s about the struggle of finding who you are and embracing it no matter what others say or want of you. It was really great.
Instagram.com/encyclopedia_britanika
November 16, 2022
So, I think Simu is a master of craft in the arts. He is underrated and misunderstood! His passion for his people, culture, friendships and life are admirable. He is a go getter and definitely is not shy in sharing his opinions of what he likes in the memoir. His story makes you wanna feel sad for him, but his dumb manor makes you laugh and say karmas a bitch lol. Nonetheless, he is a superhero to himself and others, and a role model to look up to. Never back down from any obstacles you come up against! He is a Marvel Legend; pure Simone in the rough!
June 20, 2023
Simu's story is CRAZY!
It's so cool to see a Canadian make it in Hollywood.
I loved getting to know his family. He had a rough childhood and adolescence and it was hard to listen to.
I was curious about him because of the Marvel movie, Shang Chi. I had never heard of him before this movie. He's a great actor in my opinion.
The audiobook was really good. He narrates and the way he spoke was easy to listen to.
Warning: there's like a lot of swearing. Lots. No avoiding it. I listened past it because I really wanted to know about this guy.
It's so cool to see a Canadian make it in Hollywood.
I loved getting to know his family. He had a rough childhood and adolescence and it was hard to listen to.
I was curious about him because of the Marvel movie, Shang Chi. I had never heard of him before this movie. He's a great actor in my opinion.
The audiobook was really good. He narrates and the way he spoke was easy to listen to.
Warning: there's like a lot of swearing. Lots. No avoiding it. I listened past it because I really wanted to know about this guy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,129 reviews