dyerra's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very good and an interesting read. It is structured like "Grapes of Wrath" in that it has narrative chapters and historical chapters, which alternate throughout the book. This structure works well for this book because it is important to know the history and experiences of the Hmong people, but interspersing the historical chapters with the more narrative style chapters about the Lee family prevent the history from being too overwhelming. I learned a lot from this book and am very glad that I read it.
thyprincess's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
chelslynn5's review against another edition
3.0
Heartbreaking & eye-opening.
I believe this is a great book to read for anyone in the medical field. It opened my eyes a lot to the struggles of working with other cultures, and the damage that can be done if not done respectfully. I struggled through some of the history chapters, but really enjoyed the story of Lia.
I believe this is a great book to read for anyone in the medical field. It opened my eyes a lot to the struggles of working with other cultures, and the damage that can be done if not done respectfully. I struggled through some of the history chapters, but really enjoyed the story of Lia.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
It's been quite a while since I read this book and I did learn quite a bit from it when we first moved to WI and I knew very little about the Hmong community. I now recommend other books rather than only this one as there are now more books out in the world by Hmong authors like Ka Vang and Kao Kalia Yang.
tnanz's review against another edition
5.0
Completely genius. Fadiman makes me a believer in nonfiction like I've never been before. Beautifully written, incredibly informative without being pedantic, and gives deep reality to people and situations that are totally foreign. Her kindness is lovely and somehow elegant.