45 pages • 1 hour read
The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Minnesota • 1980s
2016
Adult
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang is a memoir detailing the life of Kalia's father, Bee Yang, a Hmong song poet. It explores his journey from childhood in Laos, escaping Communists, living in Thai refugee camps, and eventually, resettling in Minnesota. The story is structured like a musical album, with Bee reflecting on his memories and experiences, and Kalia narrating their life in America. Themes of survival, fatherhood, and identity are woven throughout. The book contains scenes of war and family separation.
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
2,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang is widely praised for its lyrical prose and poignant storytelling. Reviewers commend Yang's ability to convey deep, emotional narratives related to Hmong culture and the immigrant experience. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow and the structure nonlinear, which can be challenging. Overall, it's a heartfelt and evocative memoir.
Who Should Read The Song Poet?
Readers who cherish lyrical memoirs and immigrant narratives will be captivated by The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang. Fans of works like The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande will appreciate the emotional depth and cultural insights within. This book resonates with those drawn to poignant family legacies.
2,118 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bee Yang
Bee Yang
Kalia’s father, a song poet whose life reflects struggles with loneliness and a deep commitment to his family's survival in refugee camps and in America.
Shong Moua Yang
Shong Moua Yang
Bee’s cousin, raised as a brother, who represents resilience and the tragic impact of war in the Hmong experience.
Chue Moua Yang
Chue Moua Yang
Bee’s wife, known for her strength and guidance, who plays a crucial role in supporting and inspiring her family through numerous hardships.
Xue Yang
Xue Yang
Kalia’s younger brother, Bee’s first son, who faces high expectations from his father and challenges the racism and oppression he encounters.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Minnesota • 1980s
2016
Adult
13-18 years
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