Rating: 
Summary: We should all know our heritage so well...
Review: This past holiday season, I went home to visit my parents in Tennessee, and made it a special point to sift through the trunks of photographs, diaries and old Marantz tape reels of my family history. We shared stories of my Swedish, Irish and German relatives, and the trials and tribulations of moving to various points of America.My inspiration for this important and emotional family gathering, was Ben Fong-Torres' book, "The Rice Room." His grasp of not only his immediate family, but of the rich and wonderful Chinese heritage his parents brought with them to California, should be echoed by all. Many of us "European-Americans" have taken our American status for granted, and fail to remember that not only is America only a shade over 200, but we have a long ignored cultural background that could be equally as rich if we researched our history as thoroughly as Mr. Fong-Torres. His autobiography is not just one of learning "the hard way." He will certainly take you on an emotional roller coaster through the 50's, 60's and 70's, but he also shares a certain boyish wonder -- a Chinese-American version of Woody Allen's 'Radio Days,' if you will. From movies, to magazines; to radio and Rolling Stone, I don't think I have curled up with a better, and more sweeping, book in quite some time. This book is apparently used by colleges and universities as a required book for Asian culture, and sociology classes. That is certainly a worthy honor for a book so deserving, but it is my feeling that we will see this book on such lists for years to come. Success comes in many colors, and Ben Fong-Torres should be held in highest regard for truly living the American Dream. Thank you Ben for opening my eyes to the importance of family, brothers, traditions both maintained and broken, music and the power of writing.
Rating: 
Summary: An Inspirational Story For All
Review: This was a wonderful story and one I would recommend to anybody, especially children of 1st generation immigrants. Being the child of 1st generation immigrant parents, I could also relate to Mr. Fong-Torres search for identity and acceptance. I was moved by his perseverance and determination at getting ahead in life. The fact that he didn't fit the typical Asian mold of becoming a stereotypical doctor or lawyer, but rather the head editor of a musical writing empire (Rolling Stone Magazine) impressed me even more, because he showed a very souful spirit, one that went after his passion of music rather than trying to pursue an obligation at attaining a status symbol job in order to prove success as an Asian-American. In addition, I also thought his stories were fun and entertaining. He grew up in a very colorful time (particularly the 60's) so it was enjoyable to read about all his experiences from that era, which helped make him who he is today.
Rating: 
Summary: Response to "A Reader in Salem"
Review: To the reader in Salem: Thank you for your kind comments. Regarding Top 40: You can find much more about my passion for radio in my latest book, The Hits Just Keep on Coming: The History of Top 40 Radio (Miller Freeman Books). For those who'd like more on my work at Rolling Stone, I've agreed to compile past articles from RS, GQ, and elsewhere for a book to be published by Miller Freeman in 1999. And, yes, I heard about the mysterious 114-page insert from another book. The publisher, Dutton Plume, is also aware of it. For now, think of it as a bonus!
| 
