Blog Archives
Limp Forward
In Limp Forward, an engrossing memoir by Silicon Valley executive Libo Meyers, readers are invited to explore a rich tapestry of cultural insights, life lessons, and remarkable triumphs. Meyers, who has trained vigorously to achieve a black belt in karate, showcases her unyielding spirit throughout her extraordinary life. Her journey, which begins with a childhood struggle with polio and a sense of otherness in her school days, transforms into an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
At the tender age of 24, Meyers emigrated from China to the United States, where she encountered a daunting wave of isolation while simultaneously striving to balance her employment, maintain her academic performance, and manage a plethora of other tasks. Her narrative further encapsulates the complexities of motherhood, the sting of professional dismissal, and the quest for love. These challenges, however, do not weaken Meyers. Instead, they fuel her growth, deepening her wisdom and anchoring her in a profound sense of self-assuredness.
Meyers’ narrative represents the quintessence of resilience, interweaving the history of her resilient ancestry with her own indomitable spirit. As she recounts the trials and tribulations her ancestors overcame – war, famine, loss, and oppressive governance – readers gain a newfound appreciation for their own comforts, often taken for granted. Meyers’ journey, however, extends beyond her familial legacy; it evolves into an awe-inspiring chronicle that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. Despite her battle with polio and limited mobility, Meyers ambitiously propels herself to achieve excellence in all facets of her life – physically, intellectually, financially, and socially, offering readers a soaring sense of inspiration.
Meyers’ open-hearted recounting of her journey encompasses her internal deliberations, meticulously strategized plans, and the harsh criticisms she withstood in pursuit of her goals. This candid revelation is intended not merely to intrigue readers but to enrich their perspectives and inspire them to face their own battles. Her narrative further sheds light on pressing societal issues such as sexism, discrimination, the intricacies of the American immigration process, restrictive cultural norms, and other societal ills.
Limp Forward is a compelling narrative that invites readers into a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and pain to exhilaration and determination, all underscored by Meyers’ strategic ingenuity. The book serves as a testament to a life lived fully and richly, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of culturally nuanced memoirs and narratives exploring robust social themes. Prepare to be captivated and motivated by Meyers’ vibrant story in this highly engaging, thought-provoking memoir.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0C5FTF7JN
Boy Wander – A Coming of Age Memoir
Second-graders should be carefree, have plenty of time to play with friends, and lack all the worries of adulthood. Jobert, however, lives quite a different life altogether. His father is politically active, and his mother’s concerns for his safety spill over into their everyday lives. Jobert, at the tender age of seven, has been forced into recognizing his own sexuality and deals on a daily basis with the memory of abuse by an adult he believed he could trust. Jobert begins a long journey of seeking approval and trying to find himself along the way.
Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, by Jobert E. Abueva, is the moving account of young Jobert’s experiences as the son of parents who have their own approaches to encouraging and molding his future. Jobert is an elementary student when his life is impacted by abuse–abuse on which he dwells and keeps to himself. Around the same time, Jobert realizes he has strong feelings for a boy in his school. Abueva’s writing brings young Jobert to life. His feelings, his struggles, and his fears are almost palpable. I found myself wanting to reach through time and space to comfort Jobert. One of the most impactful moments in the book came in the first few pages. After reading about Jobert’s horrifying experience as a six-year-old, I was moved to tears when I then scrolled to see the photo of a three-year-old Jobert, innocent and precious. I don’t know that Abueva could have made a more striking statement without ever typing a word. The enormity of Jobert’s treatment at such a young age hits home with a single photo. The history relayed in Abueva’s writing is an added bonus and only serves to enrich Jobert’s story. I was especially moved by the plight of the boat people from Vietnam. Abueva truly brings Jobert to life as the reader sees historical events through his eyes. His innocence is essentially the main character in Abueva’s work, and readers will find themselves completely wrapped up in his experiences.
There are some books that move you and some that simply take your breath with their honesty and biting reality. Abueva’s work, Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir, is of the latter. Nowhere will readers find a more open and honest look at childhood and all of its challenges. I recommend Abueva’s work to anyone interested in exploring a new author who, without a doubt, writes from the heart.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0BVJNJMQN
China Watcher
Author Eugene William Levich’s China Watcher gives a rare, personalized account of China’s culture and history while also touching on the political unrest characteristic of its relationship with Taiwan. Levich has an advanced understanding of East Asian studies, having received two master’s degrees and a doctorate in the field. China Watcher recounts his time living abroad in Taiwan in the 1970s, where he was able to experience the local lifestyle firsthand. Charming anecdotes are intermingled with brief historical explanations in an attempt to provide a comprehensive view of Taiwan, which is an essential part of mainland China and its own independent entity.
What I found most remarkable about this work was the thoughtful, clever, and compassionate way in which it was written. What could have been yet another dry historical text is brought to life by the very personal nature of the writing. Often chapters open with lines of poetry or ancient Chinese wisdom, which adds a quality of loveliness to the text and seems an accurate reflection of the culture.
Though the author does discuss the politics and recent history of the region, what stands out most are his stories—his own personal experience with the Taiwanese. For example, he tells one story of Ah Hua, a little girl who lived on his block, who once organized a heist to obtain his fresh pineapple plate. Because the story is told with such obvious affection, you cannot help but fall in love with Ah Hua yourself and with Taiwanese culture as a whole.
While a delightful read, China Watcher did tend at times to read like a college lecture—albeit funny and thoughtful. If that was the intention, then it succeeds. Perhaps, though, with a heavier lean towards memoir and away from history textbooks, the text could be appreciated by a wider audience.
China Watcher is an entertaining and educational look into the philosophy and culture of the Taiwanese. Through true story accounts and well-researched historical facts, readers will develop a comprehensive understanding of what life is like on the island of Taiwan.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B079654SJG
LITERARY TITAN 