Finishing American Born Chinese

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