Good book despite a few flaws

by rosabas on November 14, 2011

The book is essentially the account of a one of two daughters of an immigrant Chinese couple who've made good on their goal of becoming Americans. In this sequel to Gish Jen's first novel Typical American, the focus shifts to the daughters, specifically Mona who has developed both an interest and an obsession for all things Jewish. By focusing her interest on the social and religious mores of her Jewish friends (to the extent that she wants to convert to Judaism), Mona pushes the bounds on what it means to be an American. My only critique is that the solid premise and compelling examination of themes is slightly bogged down by a convoluted plot line.