Review Detail

Nothing But the Truth

For once, heres a book that I could just about completely identify with, even though my half comes from China instead of Taiwan. Patty Ho is a HAPA (half-asian, half-white) with a somewhat overbearing and very academically-focused all-Taiwanese mom. Pattys not at all sure which side of her heritage to embrace, but shes pretty darn sure that the embarrassing side all comes from her mother, epic-length lectures and strange trips to belly-button-probing fortunetellers included.

When said fortuneteller predicts a white guy in her future, her mom reacts by no, not forbidding dating per se but by sending Patty off to Math Camp at Stanford. Yup, math camp.

Even though Patty is a whiz at math (not that she exactly tries), Math Camp really isnt her idea of the perfect summer. But things look up after she meets Stu, a really hot Math Camp attendee and Jasmine, her new roommate (and a girl with a great attitude and a fun personality who helps Patty see her own inner Asian Mafia-Girl).

But when Pattys mom descends upon Math Camp like an avenging angel (or is that demon) and discovers Patty out with Stu, she packs her up and only agrees to let her go back (which Patty wants to, by this time) if Patty stays off campus at her Aunt Lus house.

That works out to be a good thing when Patty starts bonding with kinder, gentler Aunt Lu and gets past her Asian-block to learn some things about her mother. Throw in some more romance, some buildering (climbing buildings, similar to bouldering which is part of rock climbing), and some kick-butt Asian (and half-Asian) girls and youve got a really good read.

Whether you are Asian, half-Asian, no-Asian or anything in between (three-quarters-Asian?), this is a book you will enjoy. Its all about self-discovery, family, and being true to yourself. Recommended for girls aged 12 and up, especially if you happen to be hapa. Trust me, youll relate.