American Born Chinese is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang that explores the complexities of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance through three interconnected storylines. It’s a poignant and humorous exploration of what it means to be American and Chinese, and how those identities can intersect and conflict in unexpected ways.
…::::: Summary :::::…
American Born Chinese is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang that weaves together three seemingly unrelated storylines to explore the experiences of American-born Chinese individuals and their struggles with identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance.
The first storyline follows the life of Jin Wang, a young boy who moves from San Francisco’s Chinatown to a predominantly white suburban neighborhood. Jin struggles to fit in and faces discrimination from his classmates. He becomes infatuated with a white girl, Amelia, which causes him to distance himself from his Chinese heritage.
The second storyline follows the legendary Monkey King, who is dissatisfied with his role in heaven and longs to be recognized as an equal to the gods. He is ultimately banished to Earth and must confront his own pride and arrogance.
The third storyline follows the popular but ignorant Danny, who is embarrassed by his Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee, a caricature of every negative Chinese stereotype. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Danny and Chin-Kee are actually the same person.
As the three storylines converge, the characters confront their own prejudices and biases, and learn to embrace their cultural identities. The novel is a powerful exploration of what it means to be an American-born Chinese person, and how one can come to terms with the complexities of their identity.
…::::: My Review :::::…
American Born Chinese is an absolute masterpiece. Gene Luen Yang’s storytelling is incredibly nuanced and powerful, and his illustrations are stunning. The way he weaves together three seemingly disparate storylines to create a cohesive whole is nothing short of genius.
The novel explores themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance in a way that is both humorous and poignant. I found myself relating to the struggles of Jin Wang and the Monkey King, and I was deeply moved by the revelations in the third storyline.
What I loved most about American Born Chinese is how it confronts and subverts stereotypes of Chinese Americans. By showing the complexities of Chinese American identity, Yang challenges readers to think critically about their own biases and assumptions.
I highly recommend American Born Chinese to anyone who loves graphic novels or who is interested in exploring issues of identity and cultural diversity. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
…::::: Book information :::::…
- Book Title: American Born Chinese
- book Author(s): Gene Luen Yang
- Reading age: 12 – 18 years
- Grade level: 7 – 9
- Total Pages: 240 pages
- Language: English
- ISBN-10 : 1250891396
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250891396