Orhan Firik Firik itibaren Antigonish, NS, Kanada
This book is great for the first day of school or to teach about diversity. It can also be used to create a sense of unity in the class. Also, it can show the students how they can treat one another and respect each other. Many students in the class will look different, but some way they are all alike. As stated in the book,"their lives may be different from yours, but their smiles are just like yours and they laugh just like you."
I read this book in high school, so I can't remember it well. I remember I liked it a lot. I was torn between giving this 3 or 4 stars. The book is overly romanticized, and while Golden does a great job presenting himself as an Asian woman, there are moments it is obvious it is from a White Man's perspective: the exotic/foreign appeal of the Asian woman is annoying, but expected. Maybe my memories of the movie are influencing my opinions also.
My favorite of the Hesse's novels.