Asian Americans are a growing presence in media and literature of the world. Easily available and entertaining, I myself use these handy outlets as a way of becoming more aware of Asian-American issues around the world. I will share my favorite findings on this blog, as a part of my goal of encouraging the establishment of an Asian American Identity.
TODAY'S BOOK: THE NAMESAKE BY JHUMPA LAHIRI
Almost exactly this time one year ago, I did a book recommendation on another one of Jhumpa Lahiri's works, Interpreter of Maladies. Check out my post by going to the "Books" category to the right of the webpage, and scrolling down to the very first post. A Pulizter Prize-winning author, Lahiri's fictional works focus on the variety of experiences of Indian-Americans. The Namesake ended up hitting every sort of soft spot for me, set in the heart of Boston (where I go to school), with a focus on a character who struggles endlessly with his racial identity, beginning with his name.
As always, Lahiri's descriptions of Indian traditional culture (food, clothing, relationships, etc...) are breathtaking. But her true value on this blog lies in her ability to capture the flurry of mixed emotions and experiences that come with being multicultural. Whether we like it or not, our racial background effects our lives, from day-to-day life, to who we decide to spend our lives with. The Namesake is a masterpiece that encapsulates this phenomenon.
I found myself recognizing every single character in this book, regardless of cultural differences. I saw my own parents in the mother and father of the story, acknowledging the magnitude of their struggle to move from Japan. I saw myself and my siblings in their children, reliving the pains and joys of being third-culture kids. It is books like these that inspires me to recognize that Asian-Americans as a general community, verses specific groups such as Japanese-Americans or Chinese-Americans, have a collective experience. While I often focus on my Japanese-American identity on this blog, I am reminded of the importance of the Asian-American movement.
As always, Lahiri's descriptions of Indian traditional culture (food, clothing, relationships, etc...) are breathtaking. But her true value on this blog lies in her ability to capture the flurry of mixed emotions and experiences that come with being multicultural. Whether we like it or not, our racial background effects our lives, from day-to-day life, to who we decide to spend our lives with. The Namesake is a masterpiece that encapsulates this phenomenon.
I found myself recognizing every single character in this book, regardless of cultural differences. I saw my own parents in the mother and father of the story, acknowledging the magnitude of their struggle to move from Japan. I saw myself and my siblings in their children, reliving the pains and joys of being third-culture kids. It is books like these that inspires me to recognize that Asian-Americans as a general community, verses specific groups such as Japanese-Americans or Chinese-Americans, have a collective experience. While I often focus on my Japanese-American identity on this blog, I am reminded of the importance of the Asian-American movement.
Its place on the New York Times Bestseller list is well-deserved! To read it was an intimate, emotional experience. I would recommend it to anyone!
Until next time,
justajae