Typical American by Gish Jen: A Review

The Story

When Ralph Chang moves to America, he is only supposed to study to become an engineer. However, chaos breaks out in China and he realizes that he cannot go back. Losing all communication with his family, and having forgotten to fix his papers, Ralph goes into hiding. When his sister Theresa finally finds him slumped and hopeless on a park bench, his life turns around. She has even brought a family friend from China named Helen who eventually becomes Ralph’s wife. But when a stranger whom everyone is hoping could become Theresa’s husband enters their lives, things begin to change. In this immigrant story, it is clear that the Chang family is out of their element and desperately trying to find a life for themselves in America. Are they able to find what they’re seeking or do they have to resign themselves to being strangers in a country they want to call home?

The Standouts

Inside the immigrant’s mind


It’s very interesting to read about how Ralph, Helen, and Theresa see the world they have chosen to live in. They also judge the locals and set themselves apart. But at the same time, they want to make it in America and they want to fit in. It is a clear struggle and one non-immigrants are not usually aware of.
Family

As the Chang family goes through different trials and challenges, you can see they are each other’s strength—from when Theresa finds Ralph on a bench and rescues him from what could have been a terrible fate to when Ralph realizes just how much he loves and needs his sister and his family. No matter how difficult life becomes, the Chang family will always be each other’s source of happiness.

Screengrab of image from Amazon.comThe Letdowns

Ralph


Ralph can get quite frustrating at times. He hardly evokes sympathy so sometimes it is difficult to care about what happens to him. However, this can go the other way when you choose to see him as entertaining and you want to know what inanity he will do next. As a whole, however, a character that is more likable always makes a better protagonist.


Bookshelf Meter: 3 stars

Bookshelf Meter:

1 star – Don’t even bother.
2 stars – Since there’s nothing else to read…
3 stars – Worth borrowing from a friend, but not buying your own
4 stars – Deserves a spot on your nightstand.
5 stars – Grab this book now and forget the one you’re reading!

Available at Fully Booked

***

Olivia Yao has been writing ever since she can remember. She has written for health, teen, parenting, and children's magazines. Her latest endeavor is being a mom to her three-year-old daughter—her toughest assignment yet.


Yahoo! Philippines SHE encourages responsible comments that add dimension to the discussion. No bashing or hate speech, please. You can express your opinion without slamming others or making derogatory remarks.

Editor’s note:Yahoo! Philippines encourages responsible comments that add dimension to the discussion. No bashing or hate speech, please. You can express your opinion without slamming others or making derogatory remarks.

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