Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Yip shares her private conversations with her parents—their beauty, weight, and sometimes pain—that led to rekindling her relationship with them. Through those snippets, she grants readers a view of not just her own story, but also that of her parents, who immigrated to America from China. Her objective—to open lines of communication between children and their parents in order to rebuild their stories—is clearly communicated, and she includes reflection exercises throughout to transform her insights into action.
Prose: The prose is simple and straightforward, rich with personal stories and direct quotes from Yip and her parents. That intimacy gives the narrative authenticity and deeper meaning.
Originality: The premise—to support individuals in reorganizing and repairing relationships with their parents—is a phenomenal idea. Yip also pulls out the myths she created for herself in the context of her extended relationships, sketching a model that will inspire readers. Even for those who have not immigrated to the United States, Yip offers value in understanding others' unique perspectives.
Character/Execution: Despite the strong concepts, the perspectives feel limited to Yip and her immediate family in many ways, somewhat restricting the book's relevance.
Date Submitted: November 05, 2023
Relationships
‘Unfinished Business: Breaking Down the Great Wall Between Adult Child and Immigrant Parents’ By Amy C. Yip
In her account of how she broke down the “Great Wall” between herself and her Chinese-born parents, Amy Yip writes about growing up as the daughter of immigrants, the clashes that occurred as she tried to make her way between their expectations and the American culture in which they lived, and how their many conversations finally eased these tensions. With its excellent tips and advice, this autobiography also seeks to help all adult children better understand their parents.
