Buy this book! It is an AWESOME book for As/Am youth!, 26 Jul 1999
I LOVED this book when I first read it. I am Korean-American and very much into race politics but that's not the reason I loved this book. First of all, it is simply an entertaining, well done book. It deals with racism in a head-on more REALISTIC way that many Asian-Americans and other minorities could probably identify with. It simply portrays a Chinese-American boy in Chinatown and how he deals with being Chinese-American. Though I don't really agree with Frank Chin's philosophies I do appreciate this book. It's not perfect, but its REAL and it's good to hear a clear voice of an Asian-American speaking about being Asian-American without much pretense or political correctness. Let's face it, there are not a lot of books aimed at Asian-American youth or about Asian-American youth (especially not *written* by other Asian-Americans). The ones that are out there (and believe me, I've read most of them) are not that well done. In fact, a lot of them stink. I think a lot of crap gets printed just because the author is 'Asian-American' or deals with the 'Asian-American experience' and there aren't a lot of books filling that void. However, 'Donald Duk' is not an example of this. For a teenage Asian-American, this book is refreshing and maybe even revolutionary. I thoroughly recommend this book to any Asian-American of any age. C'mon, it's practically considered a 'modern classic' of Asian-American literature. It's an enjoyable read and you'll be glad you did. Even if you hate it.
This book is rated PG13, 10 Jul 1999
You think you are smart you have not read this book .Trust me you are going to forget what you have for breakfast today. peace and love Adeolu
One of the Worst Books I've Ever Read, 17 May 1999
This book has some interesting sub-plots, but nothing really holds your interest. I found myself looking for some of the more interesting parts of the book, because the other parts were very bad. The tense in this book is also very odd. Everything is in a present tense. For example, "'What does Gung Hay Fat Choy mean?' Arnold asks. 'It means Happy New Year.' Donald responds" It keeps the book from flowing at all.
Although there are some funny points, and good description, there is no reason to read this book. Unless you want to be put to sleep, I wouldn't reccomend this one for leisure reading.
The right balance of a wonderful story and engaging prose., 15 Jun 1998
This book is one of the rare novels that combines an interesting story with outstanding writing. Frank Chin's style -- rhythmic syntax reminiscent of Beat poets with a decisively modern edge -- is reason enough to read this tale of a young boy's acceptance and embracing of his cultural identity and heritage. I've read it twice already and there will be many more readings to come; it's a good frequent stopping place in the hermeneutic circle for anyone who has dealt with his or her own ethnic identity crisis.
Frank Chin writes with an amazingly sure hand, 17 Jan 1998
His ear for dialogue surpasses Tarantino's. You won't find any of the stilted ruminations endemic to Amy Tan's works here. His references to American pop renditions of Chinatown are hilarious.
