46 pages • 1 hour read
Stay True: A Memoir
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Book Brief
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1990s
2022
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Stay True by Hua Hsu is a coming-of-age memoir that explores Hua's college friendships, particularly his unlikely and deeply impactful connection with Ken, a Japanese American friend. Their journey of self-discovery shapes Hua's identity and creative endeavors, but their bond is tragically interrupted when Ken is murdered. The book examines themes of identity, grief, and the power of friendship. The source material contains racial epithets and descriptions of racism.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
36,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hua Hsu’s Stay True has been praised for its poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and loss, articulated through deeply resonant prose. Critics commend Hsu's ability to evoke nostalgia and emotional depth, though some note the narrative pacing can be uneven. Overall, it’s a moving memoir that skillfully balances introspection with universal themes.
Who Should Read Stay True?
Readers who would enjoy Stay True by Hua Hsu are likely to appreciate poignant narratives about identity, friendship, and cultural exploration. Fans of Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong and The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui will find this memoir compelling due to its introspective and emotionally resonant storytelling.
36,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hua's Parents
Hua's Parents
Taiwanese immigrants to the United States who maintain strong cultural ties to Taiwan while adapting to American life; their backgrounds and connection with Hua are explored, highlighting familial relationships and communication challenges.
Ken
Ken
Hua’s closest friend at Berkeley, a Japanese American with deep roots in the United States, whose charm and mainstream acceptance contrast with Hua’s more introspective and alternative perspective.
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1990s
2022
YA
18+ years
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