Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang

Maya G. / 2024-4-30

Fresh Off the Boat was exactly like it sounded like: a refreshing read, one where a memoir for once wasn't synonymous with an out-of-touch celebrity's shallow look in the mirror — where their reflection miraculously reveals a selfless, deeply mature advocate of the people. A hero, or else a victim of circumstance who can do no wrong. Whereas this book cuts to the core of the author, Eddie Huang, and his upbringing without any sugar coating, posturing or even this literary genre's trademark not-so-deep-seated victim complex. There is nothing two-dimensional or overtly edited about his retelling. He realizes that it's impossible to be truly unbiased, particularly when it comes to one's own life, so he opts instead to dig deep into his own prejudices and get brutally honest about most, if not all, aspects of his existence thus far. It certainly doesn't always paint Huang in the best light, which takes some getting used to, but is overall admirable, and one of many reasons I'd encourage anyone to pick this book up. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.*

*Side note: If you watched the sit-com based on this memoir before reading the book, you'll definitely be surprised, but still not disappointed. The show has a much different tone and most often an entirely different subject matter, but both are worth getting into, in my opinion. However, I'd recommend comparing age ratings and trigger warnings before reading any book that came before an adaptation (and vice versa), especially in this case, since the two are so vastly different.