Paper Names : Discussion Thread

[Trisha]

Set in New York and China over three decades, Paper Names explores what it means to be American from three different perspectives. There’s Tony, a Chinese-born engineer turned Manhattan doorman, who immigrated to the United States to give his family a better life. His daughter, Tammy, who we meet at age nine and follow through adulthood, grapples with the expectations of a first generation American and her own personal desires. Finally, there’s Oliver, a handsome white lawyer with a dark family secret and who lives in the building where Tony works. A violent attack causes their lives to intertwine in ways that will change them forever.

Taut, panoramic and powerful, debut novelist Susie Luo's Paper Names is an unforgettable story about the long shadows of our parents, the ripple effect of our decisions and the ways in which our love transcends difference.

[Trisha]

through Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[ eeek. I am so nervous for Tammy. I know we know that she's okay as an adult but I'm really uncomfy with Oliver in her life this way (and his special interest). makes me wonder about grandpa's scandal. ick

I don't like Oliver much.

Tony - he's tough to like but I can see where he's coming from. different customs and the ideas of how children should behave conflicting between them moving from one country and the next.

I'm glad we're getting these glimpses of Tammy grown up. Curious to see how it goes, her growing up (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

through 17 chapters / pg 202

(view spoiler)[ wow, I'm not sure where this is going. does this show Tammy succeeding? her priorities seem like they are changing

I'm glad her dad is okay after his heart attack. I hope he learns to slow down. I love that he sends her inspirational quotes now

I like that we got the perspective of the parent's marriage too (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Done

(view spoiler)[
I'm so glad she told about Oliver. what a piece of poop. He thought she'd save him
just gross.

so so sad she lost her father so abruptly
but was he really going to hit her? AGAIN? Ugh

so many warring feelings on this one
(hide spoiler)]