49 pages • 1 hour read
Stealing Buddha's Dinner
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Book Brief
Stealing Buddha's Dinner
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2007272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Grand Rapids, Michigan • 1980s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Stealing Buddha’s Dinner is a memoir by Bich Minh Nguyen that recounts her childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan as a young Vietnamese refugee. The narrative follows Bich’s experiences as she navigates cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of fitting in. Through her love of books and memories centered around food, Bich explores the complexities of her heritage and the longing for belonging. Sensitive topics include war, displacement, and familial separation.
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
4,340 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen receives praise for its evocative narrative and insightful look into immigrant life, capturing the complexities of cultural identity and the American experience. Critics appreciate Nguyen's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. However, some feel the memoir lacks narrative depth in places. Overall, it's a compelling, poignant read.
Who Should Read Stealing Buddha's Dinner?
Readers who cherish immigrant narratives and coming-of-age stories will be captivated by Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen. Fans of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street will appreciate Nguyen's evocative exploration of identity, family, and cultural clash in 1980s America.
4,340 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Grand Rapids, Michigan • 1980s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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