Susan W. reviewed on 11/7/2018 + 3 more book reviews

I recommend this book. I did not find it "hilarious", as some editorial reviews described it, but found it poignant and wholly believable, with a sense of humor which is gentle and ironic. The immigrant family is made up of earnest and imperfect people, who want to achieve the American Dream while holding onto cherished Chinese values. Their efforts both bring rewards and also plunge them into difficulties. I enjoyed reading descriptions of how "typical Americans" appear to Chinese immigrants. What people (immigrants and non-immigrants) do to "get ahead" gets an examination which is not heavy-handed. The individual strengths and flaws of each character play strongly, so the "immigrant experience" is not cookie-cutter here. The plot kept me turning pages, and was not predictable. Typical American is not a great book, but definitely worth the read.

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