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Reply To: Let’s talk about Oliver

Heather Wescott — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:30:03 +0000

Oliver is an intriguing character – he had a warped sense of familial loyalty to people who were generally pretty terrible (especially Kip – who he claimed was like a father to him, but he clearly realized was a greedy liar who only really cared about himself). He thought he loved Tammy, yet really expected her to just let her father’s killer walk away with no consequences (and himself as an accomplice).

Reply To: Relationship between Tony and Tammy

Heather Wescott — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:49:53 +0000

I just finished this book on my walk with my dog this morning. It was a good read. The relationship between Tony and Tammy was so heartbreaking – especially in the final chapters when we learn more about Tony’s relationship with his own father and how much he wanted his daughter to have more opportunities and a better life. He told her that was his reason for coming to the US once or twice, but I don’t think she really understood his past because he never fully explained it to her (like many parents). The cycle of abuse is so hard to break, which was evident in their relationship. He loved his daughter fiercely, but had difficulty opening up to her and letting her in to his real emotions. His wife (Kim) tried to moderate his temper, but struggled as well. The dream of a life in America often didn’t match their reality as immigrants (especially for Tony).

Reply To: Relationship between Tony and Tammy

Cassie — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:03:21 +0000

Tammy definitely loved her fathe4and sought to please him with her accomplishments. At the same time she was confused by his volatile reaction towards her if she questioned or contradicted him. She felt the weight of her parents’ decision to leave China and was conflicted in how she felt about their decision. In spite of these complexities there was love among the family members.

Let’s talk about Oliver

Patty O’Connor — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:23:01 +0000

I found Oliver to be the most intriguing character in the story. It’s obvious he’s hiding something, which we don’t learn about until late in the book. Also, he has so many opportunities to do the right thing and he fails time and time again.

Relationship between Tony and Tammy

Patty O’Connor — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:20:16 +0000

What did you think about the relationship between Tony and Tammy? How did the wife/mother (I forget her name) fit into this relationship?

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Patty O’Connor — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:10:04 +0000

I pondered this question as I was reading. Although it takes place in NYC, it didn’t really give me the NYC vibe. It is more a story about the Chinese immigrant experience in America, which could have taken place in any city.

Should this book stay on the list?

Book Girls’ Guide — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:57:14 +0000

Was this book a good fit for the Read Around the USA Challenge?