Name Me Nobody

Rating:
Summary: Another wonderful novel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
Review: NAME ME NOBODY by Lois-Ann Yamanaka

A young adult book that will be enjoyed by adults as well, NAME ME NOBODY is the story of thirteen-year-old Emi-Lou Kaya, a very insecure overweight Japanese American living in Hawaii. Her mother lives on the mainland and she does not know who her father is. Her maternal grandmother, a very feisty strong-willed woman who is trying to correct the errors she made while raising Emi-Lou's mother and Aunt Vicky, is raising Emi-Lou. If it weren't for her Grandma and her best friend Yvonne, Emi-Lou feels she would have no one else in the world to love her.

The story details Emi-Lou's (Louie's) trials as she attends Junior High school, tries to fit in, and maintains her friendship with Yvonne (Von). When Emi-Lou notices that Von is starting to pay more attention to another girl in school, warning bells go off inside her head, and she finds herself wondering what is going on. Jealousy rears its ugly head as she lets this new friendship come between her and Von.

Emi-Lou also deals with boys, wishing to be noticed by the coolest in school, and Von helps Emi-Lou lose weight. She finds a new sense of self-esteem when they finally notice her, but maybe for the wrong reasons. It's tough growing up, especially if you don't have parents that want you, and when you are overweight and feel like an outcast.

NAME ME NOBODY by Lois-Ann Yamanaka was yet another wonderful book immersed with the Hawaiian Japanese culture, complete with pidgin and culture that is part of the Hawaiian Japanese world. This reader felt very much at home with this book, being Japanese American, but a Haole should be able to enjoy the story as well, as it is a universal theme that Yamanaka explores, that of fitting in. This reviewer gives NAME ME NOBODY four stars.

Rating:
Summary: Unusual and heartfelt
Review: Name Me Nobody is original, and real. The characters are textured, and all of them flawed. Some are drawn with great depth and dimension: Emi-lou, Von, Kyle -- whilst some are less clear: Sterling, Babes, Grandma. Still, the story will keep you hooked until the very last page. Name Me Nobody explores the troubles of self perception, sexuality, broken homes, bullying, and finally -- adolescent relationships. The protagonist is a likeable but imperfect narrator who will charm your heart. Some parts were so emotionally fraught that they forced me to examine the pains and pleasures of my own life. You will ache for Emi-lou when those she once cherished turn against her. A brilliant story.

Rating:
Summary: Name Me Nobody
Review: Name Me Nobody, was the GREATEST book, I have ever read! I have read it 8 times and I am still reading it!!! Sterling of course, is my FAVE, and Von is almost like me...in a way...all the characters in the book reflect off me in a certain way. I'm sure lots of poeple have gone through things like Emi-Lou has! NAME ME NOBODY IS VERY GOOD! I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!

-Kat

Rating:
Summary: This book was very entertaining and well written.
Review: Yamanaka describes her characters so well that I feel like I know each and every one of them. She captured the pidgin English of Hawaii and added other bits of culture throughout the story.

Rating:
Summary: Teenagers in Hilo
Review: Yamanaka has literally writen a jewel of a novel, with captivating characters, and dialogue that deems appropriate, it is hard not to get attatched! The emotions written in the novel are so realistic so clear, that you begin to feel the same way as Emi-Lou. And the relationship of Von and Babes cleary shows the confusion of teenage life, and the discovery of one's sexuality.
For those who are not bigots/homophobics, I suggest that you read this gem, and experience the wonder of Yamanaka's work.

Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars
Review: Yamanaka has literally writen a jewel of a novel, with captivating characters, and dialogue that deems appropriate, it is hard not to get attatched! The emotions written in the novel are so realistic so clear, that you begin to feel the same way as Emi-Lou. And the relationship of Von and Babes cleary shows the confusion of teenage life, and the discovery of one's sexuality.
For those who are not bigots/homophobics, I suggest that you read this gem, and experience the wonder of Yamanaka's work.