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Crossing
A loner in his all-white high school, Chinese-born Xing (pronounced “Shing”) is a wallflower longing for acceptance. His isolation is intensified by his increasingly awkward and undeniable crush on his only friend, the beautiful and brilliant Naomi Lee.
Xing’s quiet adolescent existence is rattled when a series of disappearances rock his high school and fear ripples through the blue collar community in which he lives.
Amidst the chaos surrounding him, only Xing, alone on the sidelines of life, takes notice of some peculiar sightings around town. He begins to investigate with the hope that if he can help put an end to the disappearances, he will finally win the acceptance for which he has longed. However, as Xing draws closer to unveiling the identity of the abductor, he senses a noose of suspicion tightening around his own neck.
While Xing races to solve the mystery and clear his name, Crossing hurtles readers towards a chilling climax.
Xing’s quiet adolescent existence is rattled when a series of disappearances rock his high school and fear ripples through the blue collar community in which he lives.
Amidst the chaos surrounding him, only Xing, alone on the sidelines of life, takes notice of some peculiar sightings around town. He begins to investigate with the hope that if he can help put an end to the disappearances, he will finally win the acceptance for which he has longed. However, as Xing draws closer to unveiling the identity of the abductor, he senses a noose of suspicion tightening around his own neck.
While Xing races to solve the mystery and clear his name, Crossing hurtles readers towards a chilling climax.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
72 people are currently reading
1381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
May 20, 2011
Oh my God.
I couldn't breathe for about two hours after reading this book.
Why, you ask? I was sobbing.
It was so, so, so depressing! I'm not going to lie. I cried like a book has never before made me cry.
In Crossing, author Andrew Xia Fukuda artfully explores racism, particualrly against Asians. The main character, Xing Xu, also called Kris, has such a desperate, relatable, beautiful voice that I was powerless to resist. I was pulled into his world until I could feel everything he felt.
Crossing is a book heavy on emotion, something that drove me nearly up the walls at times. Like Xing's emotions, mine echoed his and flipped crazily back and forth, something that really contributed to the story.
I was left guessing about everything until the very end. Fukuda certainly knew what he was writing.
Xing's voice was so achingly heartbreaking that hen I reached the last page, when he makes his final choice, his acceptance, something inside me overflowed. I've always been against racism, naturally, and to watch as Xing made his final choice when all I wanted to do was hold him and talk to him and tell him that everything would be okay, that he didn't have to do this, was almost traumatic for me. I couldn't stop the tears that spilled onto the page as I gripped the book to my chest, still in shock.
It was so hard to realize that it was the last page was really just that, the last page. I still kept hoping for a different ending, and it took me several minutes to accept that this was just the way it ended.
Still, even now, thinking about it, I want to cry again.
I just…it was beautifully written. Haunting and heartbreaking, it was absolutely un-put-down-able.
I could not possibly justify giving it any less than five stars. This is a book that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I couldn't breathe for about two hours after reading this book.
Why, you ask? I was sobbing.
It was so, so, so depressing! I'm not going to lie. I cried like a book has never before made me cry.
In Crossing, author Andrew Xia Fukuda artfully explores racism, particualrly against Asians. The main character, Xing Xu, also called Kris, has such a desperate, relatable, beautiful voice that I was powerless to resist. I was pulled into his world until I could feel everything he felt.
Crossing is a book heavy on emotion, something that drove me nearly up the walls at times. Like Xing's emotions, mine echoed his and flipped crazily back and forth, something that really contributed to the story.
I was left guessing about everything until the very end. Fukuda certainly knew what he was writing.
Xing's voice was so achingly heartbreaking that hen I reached the last page, when he makes his final choice, his acceptance, something inside me overflowed. I've always been against racism, naturally, and to watch as Xing made his final choice when all I wanted to do was hold him and talk to him and tell him that everything would be okay, that he didn't have to do this, was almost traumatic for me. I couldn't stop the tears that spilled onto the page as I gripped the book to my chest, still in shock.
It was so hard to realize that it was the last page was really just that, the last page. I still kept hoping for a different ending, and it took me several minutes to accept that this was just the way it ended.
Still, even now, thinking about it, I want to cry again.
I just…it was beautifully written. Haunting and heartbreaking, it was absolutely un-put-down-able.
I could not possibly justify giving it any less than five stars. This is a book that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
June 13, 2012
Amazon has managed to piss a lot of publishers off recently - the delisting of Macmillan, for example. Not exactly an auspicious start for its foray into publishing. But if CROSSING is an indication of the quality of books they intend to publish, that is an auspicious start.
Andrew Xia Fukuda writes with authority. One of the major problems with small press books is the quality of the writing and editing. But Fukuda's grammar is good and his control of language is strong. CROSSING moves from meditative to harsh to creepy smoothly. The story moves back and forth in time, and I only found the transition jarring once. (Xing's father's death happens suddenly, and there is barely time to process it. In a way, it does fit.)
The main storyline is about Xing Xu, the only Chinese male at his school, finding a way out of his shell through the school's musical just as a series of disappearances and murders of high school boys begin. Xing's only real friend is Naomi Lee, the only other Chinese kid at the school. Her features are more Western and her English is better, while everyone confuses Xing with the Virginia Tech killer despite their lack of resemblance. She blends in better despite originally being the more FOB-ish.* The strain in his only close relationship doesn't do anything for his attitude.
Here's why I know Fukuda is a good writer: I emphasized with Xing and his struggles despite the fact he is not a nice person. He's cruel and petty. Fukuda makes his behavior understandable and illuminates the racism that helped shape Xing's attitude. He doesn't condone Xing's behavior, but presents it as part of his harsh look at American society and its attitudes toward race. It also works because Xing is more than his race. He's a young, lonely boy with a musical gift and no opportunities to express it.
In my mind, I'm going to pretend that CROSSING ends before the real end. It comes to a logical conclusion, but it sure is a downer ending. We all know I'm a sucker for happy endings. Fukuda's debut is atmospheric, character-driven, and affecting. CROSSING is very timely, considering the Virginia Tech Massacre happened only three years ago, but it explore several themes that will be relevant for a long time. The immigrant experience is essential to America.
I both like and dislike the cover. I think it captures the tone of the mystery very well. It has the woods, the figure that is there and isn't, and a moody palette. At the same time, it gives no indication of the conversation about being Chinese in America, which is also an important part of the novel and could draw as many readers in as the mystery.
*FOB stands for fresh-off-the-boat. I've heard the slur used more by immigrants talking about other immigrants, but that could be different elsewhere. Yes, it is a slur and not a nice thing to say.
Andrew Xia Fukuda writes with authority. One of the major problems with small press books is the quality of the writing and editing. But Fukuda's grammar is good and his control of language is strong. CROSSING moves from meditative to harsh to creepy smoothly. The story moves back and forth in time, and I only found the transition jarring once. (Xing's father's death happens suddenly, and there is barely time to process it. In a way, it does fit.)
The main storyline is about Xing Xu, the only Chinese male at his school, finding a way out of his shell through the school's musical just as a series of disappearances and murders of high school boys begin. Xing's only real friend is Naomi Lee, the only other Chinese kid at the school. Her features are more Western and her English is better, while everyone confuses Xing with the Virginia Tech killer despite their lack of resemblance. She blends in better despite originally being the more FOB-ish.* The strain in his only close relationship doesn't do anything for his attitude.
Here's why I know Fukuda is a good writer: I emphasized with Xing and his struggles despite the fact he is not a nice person. He's cruel and petty. Fukuda makes his behavior understandable and illuminates the racism that helped shape Xing's attitude. He doesn't condone Xing's behavior, but presents it as part of his harsh look at American society and its attitudes toward race. It also works because Xing is more than his race. He's a young, lonely boy with a musical gift and no opportunities to express it.
In my mind, I'm going to pretend that CROSSING ends before the real end. It comes to a logical conclusion, but it sure is a downer ending. We all know I'm a sucker for happy endings. Fukuda's debut is atmospheric, character-driven, and affecting. CROSSING is very timely, considering the Virginia Tech Massacre happened only three years ago, but it explore several themes that will be relevant for a long time. The immigrant experience is essential to America.
I both like and dislike the cover. I think it captures the tone of the mystery very well. It has the woods, the figure that is there and isn't, and a moody palette. At the same time, it gives no indication of the conversation about being Chinese in America, which is also an important part of the novel and could draw as many readers in as the mystery.
*FOB stands for fresh-off-the-boat. I've heard the slur used more by immigrants talking about other immigrants, but that could be different elsewhere. Yes, it is a slur and not a nice thing to say.
March 27, 2010
Crossing was one of those books that I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own. However, when I was given the chance to receive a review copy of the book, I thought the premise sounded interesting en0ugh, so I accepted. I’m definitely glad I did.
Crossing could be classified as a young adult novel, but it’s universal enough that adults would probably find it interesting as well. Its message is both true and heartbreaking—but I think it’s one that more people need to be aware of. Crossing tells the tale of racial barriers and the cruelty of high schoolers. I think anyone who went to high school will be able to identify with the main character, Xing, in one way or another.
The author demonstrates an excellent knowledge of teenage interactions and dynamics, and his writing style has a nice, almost lyrical flow. For those of you who are looking for a little more depth to your books, but still want something that’s a rather quick read, then Crossing is the book for you.
Crossing could be classified as a young adult novel, but it’s universal enough that adults would probably find it interesting as well. Its message is both true and heartbreaking—but I think it’s one that more people need to be aware of. Crossing tells the tale of racial barriers and the cruelty of high schoolers. I think anyone who went to high school will be able to identify with the main character, Xing, in one way or another.
The author demonstrates an excellent knowledge of teenage interactions and dynamics, and his writing style has a nice, almost lyrical flow. For those of you who are looking for a little more depth to your books, but still want something that’s a rather quick read, then Crossing is the book for you.
July 2, 2010
Ah, yes, the unreliable narrator. Remember that lesson in English class some decade or other ago? Andrew Xia Fukuda does, and he ponies it out in a big way for CROSSING, his debut YA novel that features your typical angry young (Chinese) man in your typical clueless and cruel (American) high school.
Xing Xu is called "Kris" here in the States and he attends a school Fukuda chooses to name "Slackenkill High School" (Dear Andrew: What WERE you thinking?). Xing is secretly in love with the only other Asian girl in his school, Naomi, but she has fallen for an all-American, blond hair blue eyed type. What's more, Xing is bullied (almost a requirement in any YA fare set in an American school). And, maybe worse, the new girl in town who is a Plain Jane eccentric living in a trailer with her stranger than strange dad, has fallen for him in the worse way. One word: obsession. And five words: never leads to good things.
OK. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. But Fukuda chooses not to take the path most traveled. This is not to be a Heartbreak Hotel in Chinatown book set in a cruel, cruel American school. This is not to simply be a study of ethnography, race, class, and wayward youth, either. This is to be... a murder mystery! Ah-ha. The school's name! Slackers get killed. Only who gets to define "slacker"? The kids dying one by one would seem to have little in common. A jock. A nerd. An actor. And a bully.
As the outlier (we used to say "outsider" thanks to S.E. Hinton, but the buzzword nowadays is "outlier" thanks to Malcolm Gladwell), Xing sees things that other kids don't. Some of the descriptive flourishes, like the one where Xing is being pursued through the woods during an ill-advised shortcut for home, are well done, too. Who's that red jacket glimpsed in the gathering gloom chasing him? Why, the murderer trying to add to his serial score, of course. This IS a murder mystery slash young adult melodrama, after all.
As the book hits its stretch drive, the reader begins to see the author's strings. And try as you might to pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, it's all too obvious. Fukuda winds up giving up all semblance of subtlety by laying his cards on the table at the end, to which I can only wonder, "Why?" The novel, stronger than most YA's, would prove that much stronger if more was left to the imagination. When people are not sure about something, it drives them crazy.
But no. Fukuda is thinking of that unreliable narrator and showing off his plot's conceit. Clearly he has a strict interpretation of the device. Me, I consider ALL first-person narrators (never mind angry Chinese boys) unreliable. This review, for instance, is unreliable, run through as it is with my own subjectivity and prejudices about writing, YA fare, murder mysteries, red herrings, review-writing, and canned lessons about unreliable narrators.
Four stars? Maybe. And then again, maybe not. It depends how reliable you think I am.
Xing Xu is called "Kris" here in the States and he attends a school Fukuda chooses to name "Slackenkill High School" (Dear Andrew: What WERE you thinking?). Xing is secretly in love with the only other Asian girl in his school, Naomi, but she has fallen for an all-American, blond hair blue eyed type. What's more, Xing is bullied (almost a requirement in any YA fare set in an American school). And, maybe worse, the new girl in town who is a Plain Jane eccentric living in a trailer with her stranger than strange dad, has fallen for him in the worse way. One word: obsession. And five words: never leads to good things.
OK. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. But Fukuda chooses not to take the path most traveled. This is not to be a Heartbreak Hotel in Chinatown book set in a cruel, cruel American school. This is not to simply be a study of ethnography, race, class, and wayward youth, either. This is to be... a murder mystery! Ah-ha. The school's name! Slackers get killed. Only who gets to define "slacker"? The kids dying one by one would seem to have little in common. A jock. A nerd. An actor. And a bully.
As the outlier (we used to say "outsider" thanks to S.E. Hinton, but the buzzword nowadays is "outlier" thanks to Malcolm Gladwell), Xing sees things that other kids don't. Some of the descriptive flourishes, like the one where Xing is being pursued through the woods during an ill-advised shortcut for home, are well done, too. Who's that red jacket glimpsed in the gathering gloom chasing him? Why, the murderer trying to add to his serial score, of course. This IS a murder mystery slash young adult melodrama, after all.
As the book hits its stretch drive, the reader begins to see the author's strings. And try as you might to pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, it's all too obvious. Fukuda winds up giving up all semblance of subtlety by laying his cards on the table at the end, to which I can only wonder, "Why?" The novel, stronger than most YA's, would prove that much stronger if more was left to the imagination. When people are not sure about something, it drives them crazy.
But no. Fukuda is thinking of that unreliable narrator and showing off his plot's conceit. Clearly he has a strict interpretation of the device. Me, I consider ALL first-person narrators (never mind angry Chinese boys) unreliable. This review, for instance, is unreliable, run through as it is with my own subjectivity and prejudices about writing, YA fare, murder mysteries, red herrings, review-writing, and canned lessons about unreliable narrators.
Four stars? Maybe. And then again, maybe not. It depends how reliable you think I am.
April 8, 2010
There are some books that you stay up all night reading because you just have to know what happens. Then there are books that you stay up all night reading because you really don't want to turn off the lights. Crossing falls gracefully into both categories.
The whole story, the story behind the disappearances, is told by Kris. We see his classmates, his one friend, the town, through his eyes. Kris kind of goes through the motions of his life, the ultimate observer. It isn't until he starts singing lessons before school that he gains some confidence and things really start happening both to and for him. If it weren't for the missing kids, this would be a very different story, one about an unpopular, unspectacular kid who, with a little adult attention and encouragement, finally comes out of his shell, makes friends, and is recognized by his peers. Well, almost. The disappearances are good for Kris. He's no longer bullied at school, and when the guy he's understudying goes missing, he gets the lead in the school musical. It's easy to see why Kris is the perfect suspect.
The first couple of pages of the book make it seem as though Kris is just that, at the very least: a suspect. For most of the story, however, that's not how it looks like things should go. Other things in his life, his crush on Naomi, the new girl Jan, and his music lessons, are more important than the missing kids. The disappearances are almost peripheral to Kris's story; he's to busy being a freshman for the disappearances, which make his life a little bit more livable, to worry him. When the disappearances, and the rumors surrounding them, come crashing into Kris's life, they are really creepy. Don't turn the lights off creepy. Everyone is paranoid and thinks they are being watched; Kris is chased. They've all "seen" the person watching them; Kris sees no one. He manages to brush these things off, most of the time, but they come back in strange ways.
But Jan, herself, is what creeped me out the most. She is new and an outsider, like Kris, and she eventually clings to him. Her desperation and hopelessness scared me. She is a truly haunting character. She's an important part of the story, in a nuts and bolts kind of way, but she's very much a side character. On one hand I wish there had been more of her in the book, especially in the aftermath part of it, but on the other hand, I don't think it would be the same story if she had been more present in it. The whole point, I think, is that Kris, Jan, and, to some extent, Naomi are kids no one notices. We only see what Kris sees, and even he doesn't really see Jan for a lot of the book.
The ending wasn't really a surprise, but the story did throw me for a few loops getting there. The mystery still exists, even if you think you know who did the deed.
Book source: Review copy from publisher.
The whole story, the story behind the disappearances, is told by Kris. We see his classmates, his one friend, the town, through his eyes. Kris kind of goes through the motions of his life, the ultimate observer. It isn't until he starts singing lessons before school that he gains some confidence and things really start happening both to and for him. If it weren't for the missing kids, this would be a very different story, one about an unpopular, unspectacular kid who, with a little adult attention and encouragement, finally comes out of his shell, makes friends, and is recognized by his peers. Well, almost. The disappearances are good for Kris. He's no longer bullied at school, and when the guy he's understudying goes missing, he gets the lead in the school musical. It's easy to see why Kris is the perfect suspect.
The first couple of pages of the book make it seem as though Kris is just that, at the very least: a suspect. For most of the story, however, that's not how it looks like things should go. Other things in his life, his crush on Naomi, the new girl Jan, and his music lessons, are more important than the missing kids. The disappearances are almost peripheral to Kris's story; he's to busy being a freshman for the disappearances, which make his life a little bit more livable, to worry him. When the disappearances, and the rumors surrounding them, come crashing into Kris's life, they are really creepy. Don't turn the lights off creepy. Everyone is paranoid and thinks they are being watched; Kris is chased. They've all "seen" the person watching them; Kris sees no one. He manages to brush these things off, most of the time, but they come back in strange ways.
But Jan, herself, is what creeped me out the most. She is new and an outsider, like Kris, and she eventually clings to him. Her desperation and hopelessness scared me. She is a truly haunting character. She's an important part of the story, in a nuts and bolts kind of way, but she's very much a side character. On one hand I wish there had been more of her in the book, especially in the aftermath part of it, but on the other hand, I don't think it would be the same story if she had been more present in it. The whole point, I think, is that Kris, Jan, and, to some extent, Naomi are kids no one notices. We only see what Kris sees, and even he doesn't really see Jan for a lot of the book.
The ending wasn't really a surprise, but the story did throw me for a few loops getting there. The mystery still exists, even if you think you know who did the deed.
Book source: Review copy from publisher.
March 4, 2016
WHAT JUST HAPPENED. Disturbing, haunting, chilling on so many levels. WTF, I have so many mixed feelings. Supposedly the author worked with Chinese teen immigrants in New York, which inspired this novel--I'll tell you, when he writes about the racism and xenophobia against Chinese people in the U.S., God, it just makes me sick because I know it's real. There's a sense of futility, of desperation--that white Americans will always rely on paranoia rather than the truth in order to protect themselves from the "threat" of anything that looks or sounds foreign. Ick, ick, ick; I can't stand it! IT'S TOO REAL!!!
This shit is fucking bleak. God, but the book is just completely engrossing and compelling because in the midst of the young protagonist "coming of age" there's a gruesome mystery of who the eff the mysterious serial killer is! SPOILER: At the end of the novel you have a choice--believe in the protagonist as innocent, against all odds (and aforementioned biases based on fear) or betray him, go with gravity and condemn him, because of course the yellow man is guilty.
DAMN! Talk about depressing. Ugh, but if a white person was ever wondering what it's like to be a person of color, an outsider in America--this book is will make you stare into the depths of HELL! Wow, just intense. I don't even know. Fukuda, this book will f**k people up! All I can do is swear, this book is just insane. I will never read this book again, but damn. Powerful.
Last note: CURSE YOU, SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, FOR LEADING ME SO ASTRAY THROUGH YOUR ASIAN AMERICAN LITERATURE READING LIST. WHAT THE HELL, DID YOU JUST LOOK FOR ANY NAME THAT SOUNDED CHINESE AND JUST SLAP YOUR SEAL OF APPROVAL ON IT? WTF AT LEAST FOUR OF THE BOOKS I'VE READ ON YOUR LIST HAVE BEEN FUCKING AWFUL.
This shit is fucking bleak. God, but the book is just completely engrossing and compelling because in the midst of the young protagonist "coming of age" there's a gruesome mystery of who the eff the mysterious serial killer is! SPOILER: At the end of the novel you have a choice--believe in the protagonist as innocent, against all odds (and aforementioned biases based on fear) or betray him, go with gravity and condemn him, because of course the yellow man is guilty.
DAMN! Talk about depressing. Ugh, but if a white person was ever wondering what it's like to be a person of color, an outsider in America--this book is will make you stare into the depths of HELL! Wow, just intense. I don't even know. Fukuda, this book will f**k people up! All I can do is swear, this book is just insane. I will never read this book again, but damn. Powerful.
Last note: CURSE YOU, SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, FOR LEADING ME SO ASTRAY THROUGH YOUR ASIAN AMERICAN LITERATURE READING LIST. WHAT THE HELL, DID YOU JUST LOOK FOR ANY NAME THAT SOUNDED CHINESE AND JUST SLAP YOUR SEAL OF APPROVAL ON IT? WTF AT LEAST FOUR OF THE BOOKS I'VE READ ON YOUR LIST HAVE BEEN FUCKING AWFUL.
July 1, 2016
REVIEW NUMBER TWO: JUNE 18TH 2016
Such a good book. Andrew Xia Fukuda writes a brilliantly unputdownable tale of racism, murder and the school play. Comes highly recommended, if a little worse than it was first time around. Still absolutely abhor the ending to this, though, but also respect it in the way we knew it had to end like this. Enthralling.
REVIEW NUMBER ONE:FEBRUARY 4TH 2014
5 stars! An auspicious debut by Andrew Xia Fukuda that is heartbreaking, eloquently written, and simply astonishing. Never has a novel that I've read so thought-provokingly asked questions about racism, classes, and Chinese immigrants. It, amazingly, also includes snippets of themes way beyond racism; themes that pick at the social classes of the world. This enthralling debut author is special. So special.
Such a good book. Andrew Xia Fukuda writes a brilliantly unputdownable tale of racism, murder and the school play. Comes highly recommended, if a little worse than it was first time around. Still absolutely abhor the ending to this, though, but also respect it in the way we knew it had to end like this. Enthralling.
REVIEW NUMBER ONE:FEBRUARY 4TH 2014
5 stars! An auspicious debut by Andrew Xia Fukuda that is heartbreaking, eloquently written, and simply astonishing. Never has a novel that I've read so thought-provokingly asked questions about racism, classes, and Chinese immigrants. It, amazingly, also includes snippets of themes way beyond racism; themes that pick at the social classes of the world. This enthralling debut author is special. So special.
October 17, 2018
OH. MY. GOSH!!! This book is so amazing!! The reason why I only gave it 4★ is because there was a one or two things that didn't make sense to me or wasn't explained. But knowing me I'll change it later. :D
May 18, 2010
My Rating: 4.5
La Femme Readers Blog
Crossing was an inspiring, powerful, and original novel. I am in awe of Andrew's detailed writing and creative plot. This is definitely a YA book that tackles important issues such as stereotypes, bullying and race. Xing a.k.a. Kris was a clever, misunderstood teenager. Being the second Asian in his school was challenging. However, he did have his best friend Naomi to depend on. Xing had an accent while Naomi was more Americanized and respected among her peers. No one really took him seriously and never cared to let go of their ignorance to get to know him. Its been a while since a main character touched me on a deeper level. I admired his integrity and detected so much promise in his abilities.
The thriller aspect of this book was suspenseful and mysterious. I had no clue who the kidnapper was and was floored when it was revealed. I was caught by surprise and couldn't believe the shocking twist that changed the whole story. I was angered at first but after I thought about it, I understood why Andrew ended it that way. All the elements were put into place and it just made sense at that point. I truly believe this unforgettable plot and ending will stay with me for a while. I recommend this book if you're looking for something unique and real. This story spoke to me and I look forward to reading Andrew's future releases. Plus, I am a fan of Asian culture so, I'd love to see more leading roles with Asian male characters which I believe is lacking in YA.
La Femme Readers Blog
Crossing was an inspiring, powerful, and original novel. I am in awe of Andrew's detailed writing and creative plot. This is definitely a YA book that tackles important issues such as stereotypes, bullying and race. Xing a.k.a. Kris was a clever, misunderstood teenager. Being the second Asian in his school was challenging. However, he did have his best friend Naomi to depend on. Xing had an accent while Naomi was more Americanized and respected among her peers. No one really took him seriously and never cared to let go of their ignorance to get to know him. Its been a while since a main character touched me on a deeper level. I admired his integrity and detected so much promise in his abilities.
The thriller aspect of this book was suspenseful and mysterious. I had no clue who the kidnapper was and was floored when it was revealed. I was caught by surprise and couldn't believe the shocking twist that changed the whole story. I was angered at first but after I thought about it, I understood why Andrew ended it that way. All the elements were put into place and it just made sense at that point. I truly believe this unforgettable plot and ending will stay with me for a while. I recommend this book if you're looking for something unique and real. This story spoke to me and I look forward to reading Andrew's future releases. Plus, I am a fan of Asian culture so, I'd love to see more leading roles with Asian male characters which I believe is lacking in YA.
January 19, 2012
Cliche enough, but "you've got to read this!" The author, Andrew Xia Fukuda has proven to be great at writing; not surprising when he grew up being raised by university professors who emphasized the importance of reading each day. Reading The crossing for me wasn't necessarily about how good the storyline was. Throughout this book, I've realized that it served more purpose to the average teenager than I would have thought. Fukuda's character choice was very interesting. He had Xing who was rarely liked nor understood in a world where everyone is prejudice. I felt like the author truly took high school bullying to the next level of how misunderstood, or mean someone could truly be. That's why I believe that everyone should at least attempt to read this book. It gives so much input as to how to handle such cruelty. However, usually when reading a book I can say that I'd either predicted the ending half way through or I hadn't figured out what was going to happen. To my disappointment It felt like i was being left with a cliff hanger. To judge someone else's fate when I can't even judge mine. It's something I don't truly like myself unless there's sequel to the novel. Overall, great book, nice storyline, and it truly get's you thinking.
March 19, 2012
This novel immediately pulled me in and kept me reading to the end. It is skillfully written with layers of meaning, theme, and story. I felt the quality of writing was good, some of the descriptions were beautifully handled and left me feeling like I'd consumed a fine wine, rich with delicate prose. The thriller elements kept me reading, eager to know what would happen next.
Americans like happy endings, and I see in a lot of the reviews that people were not happy with this one. As someone who spent a lot of my life in Africa and Asia, a happy Disney ending can seem forced and trite and unrealistic to me, and I feel that an unhappy ending should not scare us off. There is a lot we can learn from it. At the end of this novel, I felt like I'd read a Shakespearean tragedy. Teens are in a transitional phase of life, and I think many face choices and limitations that will define them.
From this novel, I've learned more about human nature and the harmful ways racism and societal expectations can affect a child. This novel will stick with me, and I will recommend it to others with the caveat that it is a serious work of art containing dark elements.
Americans like happy endings, and I see in a lot of the reviews that people were not happy with this one. As someone who spent a lot of my life in Africa and Asia, a happy Disney ending can seem forced and trite and unrealistic to me, and I feel that an unhappy ending should not scare us off. There is a lot we can learn from it. At the end of this novel, I felt like I'd read a Shakespearean tragedy. Teens are in a transitional phase of life, and I think many face choices and limitations that will define them.
From this novel, I've learned more about human nature and the harmful ways racism and societal expectations can affect a child. This novel will stick with me, and I will recommend it to others with the caveat that it is a serious work of art containing dark elements.
May 15, 2010
I will write up a review in a few days - this is one story that will stick with you. I finished it a few days ago, but still can not wrap my mind around the ending.
June 9, 2015
Some good writing, some great writing, some repetitive writing. Some really good, raw emotional stuff. Nice place-making. I didn't love it, but it was definitely worth the read.
September 20, 2013
This book is a unexpected treasure. A jewel tucked away behind the thick curtains of obscurity. In short, it's amazing.
Let me start by saying that this is not a "happy" book. This is a powerful book. As someone who has worked with Chinese immigrants (and even married into that culture), this book tells the powerful story of the dream so many immigrants hold when coming to America. A dream of acceptance, success, and prosperity. A dream of equality. A dream which, for the lucky ones, becomes a childish fairy tale, and for the unlucky, a nightmare of epic proportions. The fact that this story is told through a child's eyes makes it just that much more powerful.
A few reviewers have complained about poor English. To them, I have this message: shame on you. This book had very, very few spelling or grammatical errors. 99.9% of novels written by American authors with an American education and upbringing have far more errors than this book. Shame on you for paying closer attention and giving more weight to the few errors found here simply because the author is Asian. As a writer, former ESL teacher, and overall English nut, I absolutely hate novels which are full of spelling, grammatical, and basic writing errors. There is no excuse for books like that to be in print. But this book isn't like that. Were there a few errors? Yes. But if anything, we should be *more* understanding of errors based on the author's foreign background, not less. Those of you who give this book one star because you claim it's full of errors when in reality it is *far* cleaner than the majority of novels out there are simply proving the point of this book all over again. You see that the author is foreign, therefore you notice and condemn heavily each small error you may find. Shame. On. You.
That said, the writing wasn't perfect. I did occasionally have trouble recognizing which character was speaking, and at one point missed a very subtle cue that an entire chapter was a flashback and was confused for awhile, so there is room for improvement in the author's writing technique. However, as I said above, this book is much cleaner and better written than most novels in existence - including many best sellers! So do not let the haters convince you that the writer's occasional error will prevent you from enjoying this well told story. Truth be told, I had trouble putting it down, and very few books do that for me!
This is a story that everyone who has ever been bullied or judged unfairly can relate to on some level (that means everyone!), but more than anything else, it's a story about immigrants and the trials they face simply for being different. I will definitely recommend this to my friends. Check it out - you won't be sorry!
Let me start by saying that this is not a "happy" book. This is a powerful book. As someone who has worked with Chinese immigrants (and even married into that culture), this book tells the powerful story of the dream so many immigrants hold when coming to America. A dream of acceptance, success, and prosperity. A dream of equality. A dream which, for the lucky ones, becomes a childish fairy tale, and for the unlucky, a nightmare of epic proportions. The fact that this story is told through a child's eyes makes it just that much more powerful.
A few reviewers have complained about poor English. To them, I have this message: shame on you. This book had very, very few spelling or grammatical errors. 99.9% of novels written by American authors with an American education and upbringing have far more errors than this book. Shame on you for paying closer attention and giving more weight to the few errors found here simply because the author is Asian. As a writer, former ESL teacher, and overall English nut, I absolutely hate novels which are full of spelling, grammatical, and basic writing errors. There is no excuse for books like that to be in print. But this book isn't like that. Were there a few errors? Yes. But if anything, we should be *more* understanding of errors based on the author's foreign background, not less. Those of you who give this book one star because you claim it's full of errors when in reality it is *far* cleaner than the majority of novels out there are simply proving the point of this book all over again. You see that the author is foreign, therefore you notice and condemn heavily each small error you may find. Shame. On. You.
That said, the writing wasn't perfect. I did occasionally have trouble recognizing which character was speaking, and at one point missed a very subtle cue that an entire chapter was a flashback and was confused for awhile, so there is room for improvement in the author's writing technique. However, as I said above, this book is much cleaner and better written than most novels in existence - including many best sellers! So do not let the haters convince you that the writer's occasional error will prevent you from enjoying this well told story. Truth be told, I had trouble putting it down, and very few books do that for me!
This is a story that everyone who has ever been bullied or judged unfairly can relate to on some level (that means everyone!), but more than anything else, it's a story about immigrants and the trials they face simply for being different. I will definitely recommend this to my friends. Check it out - you won't be sorry!
April 27, 2010
Crossing is a debut novel that deals with a multitude of themes and issues, and I don't know what to start with first. It's a contemporary social commentary on high schools and their students, as well as a chilling whodunnit crime thriller that literally made me shudder. Newspaper clippings and news items are interspersed throughout the novel, which makes it that much more realistic, and I really enjoyed that extra look into the events unfolding.
Xing is a loner in school. He's quiet, reserved, and only opens up to his best friend Naomi. He's ignored and taunted for his less than perfect English language skills, and is one of those people who blends into any given background. To anyone who knows him, he's a thoughtful, caring boy with problems and regrets of his own, who just wants to be accepted for who he is and where he comes from.
Through Xing and his Chinese heritage, Crossing confronts bullying, and our perceptions of people around us. It delves into how we see things, and how we can have completely the wrong idea about someone, just by judging their appearance or mannerisms. It all goes back to the age-old lesson of treating our peers with respect, and not writing someone off before you get a chance to know them. It also shows what bullying can do to a family, and the extreme consequences of not thinking before you act.
Crossing comes to a fantastic conclusion, and one that I honestly didn't see coming. I'd be lying if I said it ended the way I wanted it to, because it didn't. It completely shocked me actually, because of the way certain characters acted, and the things they said to Xing. There are certain times in life when you find out who your friends are, and Xing unfortunately learns that at the most crucial moment of his existence. With so much going on in Crossing, it can occasionally feel too busy, as if it's trying to say too much at the same time. For example, it can suddenly shift focus from the student murders to something unrelated and, as a result, the narrative gets choppy, and loses some of its well-gained momentum.
Crossing is an important novel, and one that I think everyone should try. Fukuda has written a brilliantly grisly tale, and has provided me with one of the best debuts I've read this year. I can't wait to see what he writes next!
October 2, 2013
I don't know how I came across this book, but I am glad that I read it. It's about a Chinese teenager not fitting in with his mostly non-Asian classmates. He is perceived as a troublemaker when he is really just an introvert trying to fit into his school surroundings. I thought the author's inspiration was interesting and insightful - I've copied it from Amazon and pasted it below.
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Andrew Fukuda: I worked for a few years with immigrant teens in Manhattan's Chinatown. What really struck me was how acutely they felt isolated from society at large. Shoved out of the way, really. And they shared a real disenchantment with America. One Sunday, a group of us--we were traveling in upstate New York--decided to attend church. It turned out to be an all-white church and I still remember the cold looks of suspicion and icy stares cast our way throughout the service. Just because we were Chinese, just because we looked different. Those cold stares haunted me for a long time afterward. It got me thinking: what if an immigrant teen had to grow up all alone in this kind of community? And what if something terribly, mysteriously awful started to happen in that community?
The 2007 Virginia Tech massacre at the hands of Seung-Hui Cho added urgency to my writing. I feel that Asian American males have often been dealt an unfair hand by the media, and I was afraid of a backlash, afraid that we might get typecast as raging, hate-filled, gun-toting campus killers. For weeks after, I attacked the manuscript with renewed fervor and purpose, determined to add more dimensionality to Xing's character. Realistic complexity and nuance in characters, after all, kill stereotypes.
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Andrew Fukuda: I worked for a few years with immigrant teens in Manhattan's Chinatown. What really struck me was how acutely they felt isolated from society at large. Shoved out of the way, really. And they shared a real disenchantment with America. One Sunday, a group of us--we were traveling in upstate New York--decided to attend church. It turned out to be an all-white church and I still remember the cold looks of suspicion and icy stares cast our way throughout the service. Just because we were Chinese, just because we looked different. Those cold stares haunted me for a long time afterward. It got me thinking: what if an immigrant teen had to grow up all alone in this kind of community? And what if something terribly, mysteriously awful started to happen in that community?
The 2007 Virginia Tech massacre at the hands of Seung-Hui Cho added urgency to my writing. I feel that Asian American males have often been dealt an unfair hand by the media, and I was afraid of a backlash, afraid that we might get typecast as raging, hate-filled, gun-toting campus killers. For weeks after, I attacked the manuscript with renewed fervor and purpose, determined to add more dimensionality to Xing's character. Realistic complexity and nuance in characters, after all, kill stereotypes.
January 10, 2012
I could really relate to Xing. We all feel like we are on the outside at times, and society is completely against us. Xing rises against the stereotypes that are forced upon him because of the way he appears. He remains silent of his suspicions even though he himself is suspected of committing the crimes, but even if he did who would listen? Through the story he develops a crush on his only friend, this helps everyone relate to his character, we have all had a crush at one time or another and didn't know how to deal with it. Because the book is in first person from Xing's view we get a whole new sense of what it's like to really be alone in a situation that could otherwise destroy someones reputation if it wasn't for his intelligence and attention to detail.
The structure of the book had me guessing at every turn as to who was the real kidnapper. The suspense had me at the edge of my seat, it was hard to put it down. This story seemed to portray how the American Dream really works, not the fanatical illusion that immigrants believed when they came here. There are opportunities but the struggles and misfortunes add up when compared to the benefits. Xing's life as a high school wallflower displays what the American Dream is really like, lonely and not trusted Xing must clear his name and prove who the real criminal is before society blames him for the crimes. I greatly recommend reading this book, it put my life in a whole new perspective.
The structure of the book had me guessing at every turn as to who was the real kidnapper. The suspense had me at the edge of my seat, it was hard to put it down. This story seemed to portray how the American Dream really works, not the fanatical illusion that immigrants believed when they came here. There are opportunities but the struggles and misfortunes add up when compared to the benefits. Xing's life as a high school wallflower displays what the American Dream is really like, lonely and not trusted Xing must clear his name and prove who the real criminal is before society blames him for the crimes. I greatly recommend reading this book, it put my life in a whole new perspective.
January 19, 2012
Overall, I thought this book was fantastic. I love books about mysteries and this was one that had me pondering throughout the whole book. Fukuda did a great job on elaborating many of the different settings and gave visual images. He carefully portrayed what kind of character Xing was and demonstrated all the various perspectives on situations that were going on in the main character's head. The author himself was one who actually grew up in New York and moved to America from his home foreign country, like Xing. Despite that he had not gone through all the troubles and misfortunes that Xing went through, he was more inspired by an immigrant youth, whom also struggled with the same adversity as Xing. After reading this novel I feel like I want to pay more attention to my peers and what one might go through in their daily life that no one knows about. I also believe that respecting others and not teasing them terrible just because of their outside character, like everyone did to Xing and Jan Blair. It might sound bizarre, but people these days relate to those in the book because you never know what people are capable of doing. I would have never suspected the ending in this book and it makes me wonder what those in todays century would do. The question that lingers in my head; Will the kids getting bullied these days turn out to commit crimes like in the book? All I know is everyone should respect everyone and there will be slim to no problems in the long run!
August 4, 2010
I waited a few days after reading this because sometimes when I don't particularly like a book, I give myself some time to think about it and I end up changing my mind about the book. That didn't happen with this book.
I gave this two stars because parts of it I thought were good. The whole story line with the singing I thought was very well done. However, So many aspects made absolutely no sense.
In particular, the ending just seemed to be thrown together and tried to tie everything up. Unfortunately, it left some things unexplained. The way it was written makes it completely implausible that Xing was involved. In particular, what happened with Jan and her father makes absolutely no sense.
I've read YA books that I enjoyed, but this is one best left for the YA reader. The book would have been more interesting if the whole murder part was left out and the characters developed a little more.
I agree with several readers the the constant Virginia Tech references were ridiculous. Although I'm sure many high schoolers are aware that it happened, they're not going to remember what the shooter looked like (I don't, and I watched a lot of news stories about it).
I gave this two stars because parts of it I thought were good. The whole story line with the singing I thought was very well done. However, So many aspects made absolutely no sense.
In particular, the ending just seemed to be thrown together and tried to tie everything up. Unfortunately, it left some things unexplained. The way it was written makes it completely implausible that Xing was involved. In particular, what happened with Jan and her father makes absolutely no sense.
I've read YA books that I enjoyed, but this is one best left for the YA reader. The book would have been more interesting if the whole murder part was left out and the characters developed a little more.
I agree with several readers the the constant Virginia Tech references were ridiculous. Although I'm sure many high schoolers are aware that it happened, they're not going to remember what the shooter looked like (I don't, and I watched a lot of news stories about it).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2011
Chinese immigrant Xing Xu has a miserable high school experience as the only Asian student, besides his best friend Naomi, at an all-white school. Bullied and taunted for years, he doesn't make his situation any easier on himself. When boys start disappearing and Xing finds himself unexpectedly in the leading role in the school musical, he also become more involved with an unpopular and strange new girl.
While Crossing was a page turner and a quick read, there were too many implausible situations for me to believe. Would a school really put on a musical without the lead ever once practicing with the chorus until opening night? Some of the disappearances occurred while Xing was in class? Airtight alibi, yes? I think Fukuda tried too hard to make Xing out to be an outcast and victim of his circumstances. Many of the other characters, particularly his mother, were barely developed.
An okay read, but not great.
While Crossing was a page turner and a quick read, there were too many implausible situations for me to believe. Would a school really put on a musical without the lead ever once practicing with the chorus until opening night? Some of the disappearances occurred while Xing was in class? Airtight alibi, yes? I think Fukuda tried too hard to make Xing out to be an outcast and victim of his circumstances. Many of the other characters, particularly his mother, were barely developed.
An okay read, but not great.
June 20, 2010
Xing Xu is one of two Chinese students in an all white high school. The other is Naomi Lee who finds it easier to get along in a white world than he does, and is the only one who understands his loneliness and frustrations. When a series of abductions of students takes place he is able to see and hear things others do not because he is virtually invisible and ignored by those around him. He solves the mystery of who is responsible for the abductions, and is a hero for a minute, but things change and the ending is unexpected.
July 15, 2010
Man, what a stinker! This may be the most awkwardly written book I've ever read. ESL is written all over it. Never mind that Ha Jin, whose first language was Chinese, is one of the best writers of English in the world. This guy doesn't have that kind of talent or almost any talent except maybe for persistence. The story, a xenophobic fantasy, is as ridiculous as the language. What I don't understand though is publishers' marketing. If this had to be published at all it should have been as YA. I hope this is the first and last from Mr. Fukuda.
February 8, 2010
This is one of the best books I've read in years and the first book in four years that I've read in one sitting - barely moving a muscle. It's rich in character development and themes -- high school challenges, Chinese/American relations -- as well as a murder mystery with twists I didn't seen coming. Plenty of pre-publicity buzz about this book and I know why!
August 5, 2015
I read this thriller in one day! HIgh school freshman Xing Xu is one of two Asian students in his school and is an outcast. When students start disappearing and being found dead, Xing's invisibility makes him perfect to investigate. The ending will have you thinking about this book for a long time. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2017
Enthralling read
This book kept me enthralled and I could not put it down. I don't want to give away anything about the story but the characters were often slightly mysterious in a way that gave almost an impression of being able to read minds or to Influence future events. I will be following this author with interest.
This book kept me enthralled and I could not put it down. I don't want to give away anything about the story but the characters were often slightly mysterious in a way that gave almost an impression of being able to read minds or to Influence future events. I will be following this author with interest.
August 21, 2014
enjoyed this one; still wondering about what Fukuda will come up with after the hunt trilogy...
still not sure how i feel about amazon as a publishing imprint; the recent kerfluffle with hatchet makes me wonder if i should quit amazon completely
still not sure how i feel about amazon as a publishing imprint; the recent kerfluffle with hatchet makes me wonder if i should quit amazon completely
May 27, 2017
Ugh
I hate a book that leaves me feeling angry at the unjust ending. Life may not have nice round endings, but that doesn't mean I want to read about them. It was well written, however, just a terrible ending.
I hate a book that leaves me feeling angry at the unjust ending. Life may not have nice round endings, but that doesn't mean I want to read about them. It was well written, however, just a terrible ending.
June 1, 2010
Predictable with an unexpected ending.
February 28, 2019
This is one of those psychological horror novels, so if that is not your cup of tea, PLEASE LOOK ELSEWHERE!
The other concerning details have to do with the upsetting mentions of recent school shootings: a little bit of Columbine and at length, the MC talks about his resemblance to the Virginia Tech shooter.
However, I identified strongly with the MC Xing (or Chris as they dubbed him at Ashland High) as another wind musician (he is voice though I didn't see what kind - probably a tenor since it takes a while for male voices to drop an octave, but I don't know for sure, I'm not an expert - and I play double-reed instruments primarily, oboe), constantly concerned with getting ready for the performance. (And as I articulated at length to my buddies, I differ from the Korean fellow who shot up Virginia Tech, though I researched it extra just to make sure. Paranoia does especially funny things to you, particularly late at night.)
I was happy reading through all of what the former Julliard prof was coaching the MC of this book! (Mr. Matthewman, Xing Xu)
ETA: The part with Naomi and Jan I find complicated and difficult to explain, so I just want to mention there IS a jealousy thing going on, and I didn't understand exactly how it resolved or if it resolved.
But all of what happens may be somewhat alarming if you actually page through and see what happens by the end. It is a jolt that begs for extra-strong green tea... just like what can be found at your favourite Chinatown grocery store!
I liked it. You may too!
The other concerning details have to do with the upsetting mentions of recent school shootings: a little bit of Columbine and at length, the MC talks about his resemblance to the Virginia Tech shooter.
However, I identified strongly with the MC Xing (or Chris as they dubbed him at Ashland High) as another wind musician (he is voice though I didn't see what kind - probably a tenor since it takes a while for male voices to drop an octave, but I don't know for sure, I'm not an expert - and I play double-reed instruments primarily, oboe), constantly concerned with getting ready for the performance. (And as I articulated at length to my buddies, I differ from the Korean fellow who shot up Virginia Tech, though I researched it extra just to make sure. Paranoia does especially funny things to you, particularly late at night.)
I was happy reading through all of what the former Julliard prof was coaching the MC of this book! (Mr. Matthewman, Xing Xu)
ETA: The part with Naomi and Jan I find complicated and difficult to explain, so I just want to mention there IS a jealousy thing going on, and I didn't understand exactly how it resolved or if it resolved.
But all of what happens may be somewhat alarming if you actually page through and see what happens by the end. It is a jolt that begs for extra-strong green tea... just like what can be found at your favourite Chinatown grocery store!
I liked it. You may too!
June 4, 2021
I would give this book 5 stars except for one glaring problem - huge, gaping plot holes! The story is excellent and very riveting, (I finished in just a few days and that's a record for me as I usually take weeks or even months over books!) but I just couldn't get past all the bits that had me thinking they were a bit too contrived or most definitely wouldn't have played out like that in real life.
What I did take away from this book was a very personal and passionate view of what it feels like to be Asian in small-town, white America. The author really had a way of getting inside the mind of a teenage Chinese boy. It's at once infuriating and heart-breaking. The story barrels forward in a way that you don't want to stop and it was very easy to read as well. The only thing I kept finding annoying (and distracting) was all the ways it wasn't quite believable. Not the bits about how he felt others were treating him, but the mundane details. The way some things just worked out miraculously even though there's just no way this could happen in real life. I know it's a novel and therefore anything can be written into reality, but when that novel is based on real life, albeit fictional, experiences it's hard to not be distracted when they don't quite make sense.
All this being said, I did really enjoy this book, especially as it's not the sort I usually read. Fukunda's style of writing and description is unique and actually quite spectacularly clever.
What I did take away from this book was a very personal and passionate view of what it feels like to be Asian in small-town, white America. The author really had a way of getting inside the mind of a teenage Chinese boy. It's at once infuriating and heart-breaking. The story barrels forward in a way that you don't want to stop and it was very easy to read as well. The only thing I kept finding annoying (and distracting) was all the ways it wasn't quite believable. Not the bits about how he felt others were treating him, but the mundane details. The way some things just worked out miraculously even though there's just no way this could happen in real life. I know it's a novel and therefore anything can be written into reality, but when that novel is based on real life, albeit fictional, experiences it's hard to not be distracted when they don't quite make sense.
All this being said, I did really enjoy this book, especially as it's not the sort I usually read. Fukunda's style of writing and description is unique and actually quite spectacularly clever.
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