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The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food

Jennifer 8. Lee

Discussion: 2008-Jan-Feb-Mar

Why we're reading this: March 4, 2008
[close] March 4, 2008

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2008-Jan-Feb-Mar

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* March 2008
By Tiffany , WristStrong · 1 post · 5 views

last updated Dec 30, 2010 04:54PM

* February 2008
By Tiffany , WristStrong · 1 post · 6 views

last updated Dec 30, 2010 01:30AM

What Members Thought

Jan 12, 2009 Judy rated it really liked it

I was really surprised by this book. I didn't expect to like it. Why did I select it from the shelf in the library? Who knows? But, I really was intrigued by this study of Chinese immigration to the United States as reflected in Chinese cusine. I was totally unprepared for the fact that there are more Chinese restaurants in the United States than McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's combined. I knew that chop suey was invented in the U.S. to appeal to American palates, but I didn't know that for ...more

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Jul 07, 2009 Angel rated it really liked it

Shelves: foods-and-epicurious

Initially, I was not sure why some people gave poor reviews to this book. However, I did come to understand the point some have said that Lee pretty much ends the book three chapters early. After writing a very nice chapter that brings the book full circle (Chapter 15), the rest of the chapters just seem tacked on. She should have ended the book there, or at the least used that chapter as the actual last chapter of the book.

Having said that, the book is fairly well-written. You think you are ju Initially, I was not sure why some people gave poor reviews to this book. However, I did come to understand the point some have said that Lee pretty much ends the book three chapters early. After writing a very nice chapter that brings the book full circle (Chapter 15), the rest of the chapters just seem tacked on. She should have ended the book there, or at the least used that chapter as the actual last chapter of the book.

Having said that, the book is fairly well-written. You think you are just going to read about fortune cookies, but you embark on an interesting journey where you learn not only about Chinese food, but also about Chinese history, culture, and their migration experience around the world. It is a voyage of discovery for the author, but it is also a learning experience for us. I thought the chapter on restaurants was a bit on the long side, but she was ambitious in looking for that "greatest restaurant" (she comes to a decision, but you will have to read the book to find out). There are some passages in this book that are very moving, for example, the experiences of the family that moved to that rural town in the Deep South which was pretty much tragic until they finally left. And by the way, the story does make a very sad commentary on the racism and prejudices in the United States as well. I think for some readers who gave negative reviews, the fact that the book covers so much seemed to them like the author was meandering. However, rather than meandering, she is giving a very good context to Chinese food and fortune cookies. I found it fascinating how the concept of Chinese food has evolved and adapted itself around the world. Just for looking at that you get a good reason to read this book. Aside from what I mentioned about the last chapters, the book flows pretty well. I learned a lot that I did not know before, and I enjoyed the story.

Overall, this is a pretty good read. It is a very accessible way to learn a bit more about Chinese culture and history through the perspective of food. I would not really call it a book just about food, but there is enough to draw "foodie" readers. Also, readers who like memoirs will likely enjoy this book. ...more

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