Non-fiction: My Chinese America by Allen Gee, 5 stars

 

In My Chinese America, Allen Gee shares his experiences of growing up, and older, in an America that seems to value assimilation over cultural integrity.  The author takes us to Arkansas, to experience a bit of profiling by the police, to suburban Albany to see what it is like to be the only Asian man in his school, on a date with a self professed Asian-o-phile and many other personal experiences that illustrate the “otherness” that he feels in almost all situations. The essays are poignant and full of heart, especially those describing his experience of Chinatown and fishing.

 The book reminds us that non-ethnic people can be insensitive and silly and not even realize they are doing so. “Otherness” it seems, crosses cultures.  The book is published by the Sante Fe Writers Project and is beautifully written.  I hope to read more from this author.

It's wedding season, so a romance: Ever After by Jude Deveraux

Ever After by Jude Deveraux The third volume of the Nantucket Bride’s trilogy finds Hallie Hartley, a physical therapist whose stepsister has turned her life into one crisis after another, suddenly the recipient of a lovely home, and a private patient, on beautiful Nantucket Island.  The patient, Jamie Taggert, is a victim of PTSD after serving heroically in the war, but he doesn’t want Hallie, or anyone else, to pity him.  This becomes a challenge for the therapist/masseuse Hallie, whose life calling seems to be taking care of everyone. 

Because it is Nantucket, and because it is the Montgomery and Taggert families, there of course are ghosts.  This time they are matchmakers who serve elaborate tea to Jamie and Hallie, and who interfere in delightful ways.

Deveraux is a master at romance, great characters and fascinating settings and Ever After doesn’t disappoint in any of these.  The characters are well rounded, not perfect but perfectly enchanting. The romances are a bit predictable, but that is partly why we read romance novels and the setting is breathtaking, including beaches, mansions, charming gardens and even a royal wedding.  A great beach/escape read! For Romance readers, 5 stars.

Ever After is available for pre-order now and will be available on June 23, 2015.

I received this book from NetGalley for this review.