AMERICAN KNEES

Rating:
Summary: Painfully insightful
Review: As an Asian American male I identified strongly with the main character. I'm not sure that non-Asian American readers will be able to appreciate the author's honesty in dealing with race and sexuality. This book is the first novel that I have read concerning the sexuality of Asian American males. Some of the dialogue between the characters in the book are painful to read because the their words cut so close to the bone. The characters in the novel are smart, and their conversations are very sharp. Also, the author very effectively evokes a tone of angst through the main character's experiences of sexual intimacy. The reader feels how the main character is emotionally paralyzed by the cultural divisions in himself. I hope this book gains a wider audience in the Asian American communities and college campuses.

Rating:
Summary: Americaneeeeeeese
Review: I had to read this book for a class in college and I was so glad that it was assigned. I couln't put it down. It's lovely to see Asian/ Asian American writers getting their stuff out on the shelves!!!

Rating:
Summary: Informative, but...
Review: Shawn Wong was praised by critics for his ability to work humor into a subject matter not usually known for its comedy, and while the fictional account of Raymond and his flip-flopping love affair with Aurora *did* provide a bit of lightheartedness, it offered little else.

With the thin, wandering plot-line, and the inconsistencies between some characters' relationships with each other, grouped with the top-heavy ratio of Raymond's ranting to actual plot developments, it seems more of a manifesto rather than a novel.

That said, I admit it was enjoyable to read and a very informative viewpoint on living as an Asian American. It better serves its purpose if it is taken as a manifesto with interesting characters and an episodic plot structure.

Rating:
Summary: Raymond makes every issue a race issue
Review: The book, American Knees, could be a simple book about the conflicts between two people in a relationship if it wasn't for the constant underlying tone of racial struggles. Raymond insists on turning every sentence and glance into a racial statement and a defense of his life. His character is well developed, though, in the sense that he can no longer see the world around him with anything but racial lenses. Aurora, on the other hand, is a very modern character trying to balance the many sides of gender, class and race. Her presence compliments Raymond because their two different worldviews makes for interesting reading. While the plot seems a little too light for the serious issues they are talking about, the text does come across as humorous because of all the emphasis on stereotypes.

Rating:
Summary: not for everyone
Review: This book was funny, and truly thought provoking. It's definitely not politically correct, asking questions about the differences between dating someone that's white or asian, or asian/american. (Sometimes I cringe at the comments but feel privy to such frank discussions.) The descriptions are sharp, witty, fast and funny! Asian "eurotrash... West Hollywood is about as far east as this guy goes"

It's good description of an asian in american trying to find his identity and balance of cultures as he stumbles for love. (Should his partner be a reflection of self?)

It deals with personal doubts. Do other people really stare and doubt the interracial couple or the 'foreigner', or are 'we' just paranoid? There are some hidden comments that lead you to realize that identity crisis isn't just over race. Guys "wear their obligation on the outside... it says they have to run and bring the paycheck home"

It's quite an erotic book too!

I was so entertained that I finished the book in two days! At times the asian banter seemed too much, and the ending seemed to lack the passion and fire that was in the 1st 3/4 of the book. But I give it 4 stars for it's wit, depiction of identity lorn asian americans, and it's fresh take on an a common theme!

Rating:
Summary: Seriously Into It
Review: This guy is good. We read it for a class and it's a well-written, funny, poignant book about Asian American masculinity and love. With all the Asian American creative garbage getting put out, it's nice to see something strong cause there's not much else (Beau Sia, Kip Fulbeck, that Filipino filmaker who did Flip Side and ???) Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: a very thought-provoking read
Review: This is an amazing book, overflowing with so many contemporary issues many Asian Americans find themselves facing. While the personalities of the characters are exaggerated (I don't think anyone can be as controversial as Brenda), the interactions they have are right on target. I have had similar conversations about interracial dating and Asian stereotypes with my own friends. Wong has the daring to write about issues that others have never dared to voice. The frequent sex scenes can be a bit overwhelming, but in between them lie scenes that Asian Americans can really relate to. Call it the Portnoy of Asian Americn literature.

Rating:
Summary: An Exploration into Modern Relationships
Review: Through the lives of Aurora and Raymond, readers find themselves involved in more than just a love story; instead they become engrossed in the questions of ethnicity and sexuality which leave the lives of no characters unmarked. Wong leads us through the lives of modern Asian Americans, allowing readers to simaltaneously see past stereotypes and the results of stereotypes in action as well. An enjoyable read, American Knees allows its readers to truly see the complexity of modern relationships through the experiences of a diverse cast of characters. This book draws you into the issues, leaving no reader untouched.

Rating:
Summary: Does he teach writing courses?
Review: Well, he should, that's for sure. The writing holds me spellbound, and the dialogue is superb. I read it over and over.

Rating:
Summary: Heavy on issues, light on plot
Review: While one would not mistake "American Knees" for a think piece, with its humor and wry wit, if you gloss over the issues of the book, you are missing the best part. The lackluster romance between Raymond Ding and Aurora Crane merely provides the sugar for a reader to swallow the in-your-face, but funny, racial commentary. Raymond, an minority affairs director, is the perfect character to start a dialogue on racial stereotypes and ethnic identity. Aurora, half Japanese and half Caucasian, introduces the complexities of race in relationships. The on again, off again relationship the two manuever through is rather bland and lacks the detail to captivate the reader. The plot is thin, and meanders with little direction throughout the novel. However, the premise does allow for the introduction of thought provoking scenarios and asks the questions that many are afraid to verbalize, like the difference between white women and Asian women. The humor of the novel lets Shawn Wong charge right into sensitive territory, and he bodly uses his position to question everything from Asian stereotypes in intimate relationships to ideas of Asian tourists. I recommend this book, but don't expect a great romance or side-splitting comic tale. Think: Seinfeld goes to a panel discussion on racism.