(B) American Born Chinese (Gene Luen Yang, 2006) Grade: A
Weaving ancient Chinese mythology with his own personal memoir, Yang tells the story of his boyhood, growing up as a Chinese American and dealing with his dual (and dueling) identities. Three interweaving stories illustrate what is said by a Chinese herbalist’s wife in the beginning: It is easy to become anything you wish so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul. Never cloying or cliche, this book is a real winner (and was a National Book Award Finalist). (233)

(B) The Painted Veil (W. Somerset Maugham, 1925) Grade: A
This simple story of infidelity is really one about human transformation and the desire to find fulfillment in one’s life. The recent film adaptation (starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton) changes the story to a more Hollywood interpretation, but Maugham’s original plot is far more realistic and touching. Also, the title is lifted from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s sonnet: Lift not the painted veil which those who live Call Life. An amazing novel, it is definitely one to dissect and sit with, analyzing the details. (246)