Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen

Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen

I wouldn’t call this YA, but it’s reminiscent of it. Mona is a young Chinese American girl who decides to be Jewish. It’s about her growing up navigating the seas of culture and identity in the U.S.

I enjoyed this book. It’s a little chaotic at parts, but also hits home in many places, in particular when Mona is faced with understanding other minorities, like the cook in her parent’s pancake house.

Read this book if you’re in the mood for something spunky with a bit of a social/political undertone. Also if you want a happy ending. (I hope that didn’t spoil anything for you.)