I really enjoyed American Born Chinese. The entire time I
was wondering how the three stories within the book would entwine, and I got
super excited when it finally happened and thought it came together beautifully.
I love the lessons this book tries to convey. From the start of the book it
seems Jin is kind of struggling with who he is as he tries to fit in to a new
school. He is constantly trying to forget where he came from it seems, and just
mold in to what the kids at school are like. This can be seen when he first
meets Wei-Chen, and tells him to stop speaking Chinese, as they are in America
now. He has a hard time accepting his own self in this new world. This comes to
full when the herbalist’s wife visits him in his dream and asks what he would
like to become. Finally, Jin gives in totally, becoming a blonde haired white
kid, “Danny”. At this point it is realized that Danny is Jin, and Jin is Danny.
My mind was blown. Now, I was only wondering Chin-Kee’s place in the story.
This was finally given when Danny, or Jin, or whatever name he wants to go by,
knocks Chin-Kee’s head off, only to reveal the he is a monkey. Not just a
monkey, however, he is the monkey king, and he is Wei-Chen’s father! I was
dumbfounded. After taking in all this information, we see that Wei-Chen’s
mission on earth to live free from human vice is put to the test when Jin tries
kissing his girlfriend. Wei-Chen loses his hope in humanity, and does not want
to serve these foul people. And who can blame him? People are extremely flawed,
nobody is perfect, and anyone would be upset if their friend tried kissing
their girlfriend. I was glad to see Jin find Wei-Chen after so long and say
sorry and just start talking to him again. The book ends giving you hope as we
see them laughing together. I really liked this book and the way it came
together. One thing I did not mention yet, and I do not want to leave out, was
one quote from the monkey king near the end of the story. He is talking to Jin
and says, “You know, Jin, I could have saved myself from five hundred years’
imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I realized how good it is to be a
monkey.” I just thought this was extremely insightful and wise, and a good
quote for accepting you for yourself and to embrace it and be who you are.
http://www.themillions.com/2010/07/the-millions-interview-gene-luen-yang.html
http://www.npr.org/2008/01/23/18328964/growing-up-chinese-american-graphically