5/5

Review: Simu Liu is many things: actor, former accountant, social media activist, speaker, immigrant, entertainer, son. Something I was not expecting was writer and he is a damn good one. His writing style is clear and catchy, keeping you hooked and allowing his charisma and message to shine. When I first heard about this book, I thought there was no way he had lived enough to warrant a memoir this early in his life. I was wrong. This book is informative, entertaining, poignant, hilarious, and incredibly relatable. The account of his parents’ harrowing experience during China’s Cultural Revolution and incredibly journey to Canada is a truly beautiful and honorable retelling of their many sacrifices for a better life. It also opened my eyes to my own biases as well as the ignorance I have of my own parents’ immigrant journey.

The recount of his childhood and teenage years as a third culture kid with a complicated relationship with his parents is painfully relatable. Grappling with cultural identity as a teen speaks to millions of fellow immigrants and the children of immigrants. His post-college years feeling lost and finding his true self after shedding his parents expectations and accepting their massive influence on his life is the beginning of a healing journey that is only hinted at towards the end of the book. I look forward to the second memoir that will hopefully chronicle the healing journey between him and his parents.