Girl in Translation in Bound Together

Mar 17, 2012 Bette Crosby rated it it was amazing

Excellent. Jean Kwok did a wonderful job of consistently telling this story in an age appropriate voice. And they was an unexpected twist at the end that drove me back to reread the open pages. Very clever use of words. Both story & characters were extremely believable.

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Martha☀ rated it really liked it

Shelves: cultural, audiobook

11 year-old Kimberly and her mother immigrate to Brooklyn, NY under the guise of steady work and a comfortable life. Once they arrive, the reality is that her mother has to work impossibly long hours at a clothing factory and Kim must come every day after school to help her mother complete her daily quota. They live in a condemned building with missing windows, no heat and plenty of cockroaches.
As Kimberly narrates, we are given a view of her culture shock and we see her develop a sense of her o 11 year-old Kimberly and her mother immigrate to Brooklyn, NY under the guise of steady work and a comfortable life. Once they arrive, the reality is that her mother has to work impossibly long hours at a clothing factory and Kim must come every day after school to help her mother complete her daily quota. They live in a condemned building with missing windows, no heat and plenty of cockroaches.
As Kimberly narrates, we are given a view of her culture shock and we see her develop a sense of her own poverty as she interacts with students at her school. She eventually understands that the only way to escape this dire situation is for her to do well in school and become successful. With the gift of work ethic and her ability to learn quickly, Kim makes strong impressions on the people around her, who in turn steer her towards better education opportunities.
As Kim moves through the school system, she is confronted with typical social pressures and she desperately wants to do normal things, like go over to a friend's house or have a boyfriend. She has to make choices with little, if any, adult input since her mother does not understand North American ways.
The book has a lovely twist towards the end and the reader gets a window into a few possible endings. (view spoiler)
Having taught ESL in the public school system for many years, I have taught children just like Kimberly. I have had entire school years go by without ever hearing from a parent due to their work commitments. I have seen students arrive daily in the same clothing because they only have one set. I have seen students struggle with expectations that are so different from the ones from their home country. Jean Kwok does an excellent job of bringing the daily struggles of an immigrant family to light.
Once again, I have to sing the praises of the audiobook. The narrator for Girl In Translation does a fabulous job of bringing the dialogue to life with her facility in both a New York accent, for the teachers and classmates, and a strong Chinese accen,t for dialogue between Kim, her mother and her aunt. I highly recommend listening to this book! ...more

Like · see review

Jul 16, 2011 Alena rated it really liked it

I don't know what it is about young people defying the odds, but apparently I like to read about them. Kimberly is a Chinese immigrant who spends her teenage years shuttling between her NY slum apartment, an illegal Chinatown garment factory and an upscale, highly competetive private school. She is brilliant, tough and vulnerable -- all qualities I admire in a protagonist.
Kwok's writing is not brilliant, but it contains some beautiful moments. She gets to the heart of freindship and trust in wha ...more

Like · see review