Plot Summary

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles

Jennifer 8. Lee
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The Fortune Cookie Chronicles

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

Jennifer 8. Lee

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 2000s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-Adult years

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Super Short Summary

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food by Jennifer 8. Lee explores the history and sociological changes in Chinese food culture, its global proliferation, and how it intertwines with her own Chinese-American identity. She delves into the origins of the fortune cookie, the prevalence of Chinese restaurants in the U.S., the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants, and the evolution of Chinese-American cuisine. The book ends with Lee's search for the best Chinese restaurant, highlighting the deeper significance of Chinese food beyond its taste. The narrative touches on themes of racial discrimination and the hardship of immigration.

Informative

Mysterious

Adventurous

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jennifer 8. Lee’s The Fortune Cookie Chronicles offers a delightful investigation into the history and cultural impact of Chinese cuisine in America. Readers appreciate the engaging storytelling and insightful research. However, some found the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it’s praised for its depth and accessibility, making it a compelling read for food enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Fortune Cookie Chronicles?

Readers who relish cultural exploration and culinary history will enjoy Jennifer 8. Lee's The Fortune Cookie Chronicles. Similar to readers of Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma and Lisa See's The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, they will appreciate the blend of food lore, immigration stories, and investigative journalism.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 2000s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-Adult years

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