I requested this book purely because it had the word Korean in the title so I didn’t really know what to expect but I really enjoyed it. A kind of memoir of short stories. Just fabulous.

This was a fascinating collection of stories, loosely organized as a memoir. I was engaged and interested throughout, and found myself rooting for the author and sad when things didn't go well for her. That said, I wish there were smoother transitions between the stories -- many times, it felt like things ended and started abruptly. Overall, a great read, though!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a series of short (some only a couple of pages) insights into the author’s experiences growing up Korean in America, and later raising a child who is ethnically half German, half Korean. The stories are direct and often poignant, some are quite distressing (content includes SA, racism, physical violence from parents), but all are told with the same easy to read writing style.

A poignant and inspiring biography. I love stories like this, stories that explore the complexities of being Asian American and generational trauma. I loved the mini anecdotes in this that turned into larger stories that reflected Sung’s life. She doesn’t shy away from her strained relationship with her mother and how it impacted her as a mother herself. Although these stories were disconnected in terms of a timeline, they all meshed together to form a beautiful and brave story. Sung should be proud for putting her life into such a powerful memoir.

A remarkably direct and sharp look at one Korean woman’s experience growing up in America. Similar to Crying in HMart, we see the author grappling with her Asian American identity and dealing with the racism that goes along with it. Here, we see Sung’s experience growing up in a home with a strict, demanding mother.

I will admit that I requested this book because of the cover and an assumption that it would be more food-central than what ended up actually being on the inside. Still, Kinda Korean was a very moving and powerful memoir about the immigrant experience and a fascinating exploration of family dynamics.

Thank you She Writes Press for the early copy in exchange for an honest review! Available Feb. 25 2025

A memoir about growing up as the daughter of Korean immigrants, dealing with racism, and struggling with a "tiger mom". I enjoyed it except for two things, one minor and one major. First, the cover (a cartoon-style drawing of a bowl of noodles) makes this look like a food memoir, which it isn't. It doesn't represent the content accurately in my opinion. Second, and this REALLY bothered me, the author nonchalantly mentions a time when, in order to get back at her boss, she deliberately pours cleaning fluid into the office fishbowl. At no time does she express regret for killing an innocent creature, and it stuck in my craw. This anecdote comes near the end of the book; otherwise I probably would have quit reading it. I deducted a star for this inclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC!

An eye opening look at what it’s like to be a Korean in America.She sharesher childhood from looking different from her classmates being physically abused by her Tiger mom.This si such a heart wrenching raw look at racism in America at trying to fit in.Joan Sung has written a memoir that opens your eyes and breaks your heart.I will be recommending.#netg #shewritespress.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was a really interesting and often heartbreaking read about the reality of growing up as an Asian American in the US, and learning to manage all of the terrible things that people say and do as a result of racism, whether overt, covert, or just plain ingrained in society. There is a lot to be said for Sung's portrayal of navigating life (particularly adolescence) with immigrant parent, and I related very heavily to the 'no sleepovers allowed' rule, as well as quite a few of the other points she raised regarding her family.

The later part of the book becomes even heavier, with Sung relating her experience through the COVID19 pandemic, as well as the sexualisation and perception that followed her through her adult life. Reading the part about her son, Gabriel, and doing her best to find representation, any kind of representation, in the library was so terribly sad. One thing that must be noted is that this book is a perfect example of that representation that means so much to younger people struggling with the same points of identity that Sung does in this book.

I also really enjoyed this book structurally - it is a series of small vignettes instead of being purely linear, and it just makes the book flow so much better. I do wish it were maybe a little longer, but it is well worth the read.

Book Review: Kinda Korean: Stories from an American Life by Joan Sung
Joan Sung’s Kinda Korean: Stories from an American Life is a poignant and powerful memoir that navigates the intricate terrain of identity, familial expectations, and cultural dissonance. For readers drawn to Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart or Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings, Sung’s work offers an equally moving and insightful exploration of what it means to be caught between cultures while reckoning with the legacy of a “Tiger Mom.”

A Bold Exploration of Identity and Family
Sung’s memoir is not merely a recounting of her life—it is a heartfelt examination of the dualities that define the immigrant experience. As a first-generation Korean American, Sung finds herself straddling two worlds: the traditional expectations of her immigrant parents and the freedoms and challenges of American society. This tension forms the backbone of her story, as she candidly explores the pressures of filial piety, the trauma of cultural misunderstandings, and the slow journey toward understanding and forgiveness.

What sets Kinda Korean apart is its balance of vulnerability and defiance. Sung writes with unflinching honesty about her struggles, from enduring her mother’s rigorous expectations to navigating the microaggressions and fetishization of Asian women. Yet, the memoir is equally a story of resilience, as she learns to embrace her identity and redefine what it means to be both Korean and American.

Tiger Mom and the Generational Divide
At the heart of the memoir is Sung’s relationship with her mother, a classic “Tiger Mom” whose rigid parenting style clashes with the cultural norms of American society. Sung writes about this dynamic with a nuanced blend of frustration and compassion, capturing both the pain of feeling misunderstood and the eventual reconciliation that comes with empathy and perspective.

Sung’s ability to humanize her mother—explaining how her strictness was born out of her own immigrant struggles and sacrifices—is one of the memoir’s most powerful aspects. It offers readers a window into the generational divide that often plagues immigrant families, while also showing the potential for healing through dialogue and self-reflection.

Confronting Racism and the Asian American Experience
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to contextualize Sung’s personal story within the broader struggles of the Asian American community. From the subtle wounds of microaggressions to the more overt violence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sung delves into the systemic racism faced by Asian Americans with clarity and urgency.

Her analysis of these issues is interwoven with her own experiences, creating a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative. By connecting her family’s history to the larger social and political forces at play, Sung underscores the importance of speaking out against injustice while finding solidarity within a shared cultural experience.

Themes of Forgiveness and Healing
While Kinda Korean confronts heavy themes such as trauma, racism, and identity, it is ultimately a story about forgiveness—both of oneself and of others. Sung’s journey is marked by moments of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her multifaceted identity, challenge societal expectations, and build bridges with her family. The memoir’s final chapters, which focus on reconciliation and healing, are particularly moving, leaving readers with a sense of hope and possibility.

Writing Style and Tone
Sung’s prose is both lyrical and direct, striking a balance between heartfelt confessional and sharp social commentary. Her voice is infused with authenticity, humor, and warmth, making even the most difficult moments of her story accessible and relatable. The memoir flows smoothly, alternating between personal anecdotes and broader reflections in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Comparisons to Similar Works
Fans of Crying in H-Mart will find similar themes of cultural identity, grief, and reconciliation with family, while those who appreciated Minor Feelings will recognize the incisive critique of the racial dynamics in America. Yet, Kinda Korean carves out its own unique space, offering a perspective that is both deeply personal and widely relatable.

Room for Growth
If there is a critique to be made, it is that some of the memoir’s broader societal observations could have been expanded further. While Sung does an admirable job connecting her personal story to the larger Asian American experience, there are moments where her reflections on systemic racism and intersectionality could delve deeper. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the memoir’s emotional impact or its thematic richness.

Final Thoughts
Kinda Korean: Stories from an American Life is an evocative and courageous memoir that sheds light on the complexities of being a first-generation immigrant in America. Joan Sung’s willingness to confront her past, embrace her identity, and challenge societal norms makes this a standout work in the genre. It is a story of struggle and perseverance, but more importantly, it is a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and finding one’s voice.

This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience, Asian American identity, or intergenerational family dynamics. It will resonate deeply with those who have grappled with belonging, making it both a deeply personal and universally relevant narrative.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

In this deeply personal and incredibly moving memoir, author Joan Sung tackles not only her contentious relationship with her North Korean mother but also her own relationship with America. Raised in Seattle, Washington, Sung starts by describing a childhood with an emotionally unavailable and volatile mother-- physical and emotional abuse are only made worse by the mother and daughter's inability to speak the same language fluently. Sung discusses struggling to realize her own identity; too American to be a good Korean daughter, but not American enough for her white peers.

Later in the book and her life, Sung discusses the rampant over-sexualization and fetishization of Asian women, the harmful stereotypes that are still ingrained in how society treats and what it expects of Asian Americans, as well as the more recent racism against Asians as a direct result of COVID-19 and other racially motivated acts of violence. An Air-Force veteran, Sung provides insight as a Korean American woman working in the military-- an environment well known for its rampant sexual harassment and sexism. At the end of the book, Sung, now the mother to a mixed-race son, reflects on her own relationship with her mother as well as the life her son will have because of his heritage.

As America enters into a new chapter (one many of us are rightly scared and angry to begin), stories like Sung's-- the experiences of people that our society wants to overlook-- will be more important than ever.

An honest, emotional, and important memoir about existing in the liminal space between cultures.

This was such an emotional read. Sung’s childhood and young adulthood were particularly difficult to read juxtaposed with some truly beautiful moments as she begins to understand and heal her trauma (her reflections on her Dad and the scene where she finds the letters he sent her in the Air Force was so moving!). There’s a lot of heart, and heartbreak, told in an incredibly human way.

Sung’s commentary on identity and racism were poignant. I deeply appreciated listening to her reflections and her openness and candidness about her experiences as a Korean-American.

Sung is a talented writer. I enjoyed spending time with her and her family while reading this memoir. Reading the author’s bio at the end, and filling in some gaps about where the book leaves off and today, was wonderful. Keep being awesome, Joan Sung!.

Very interesting to explore and learn more abt Korean culture. I am very excited to bring this title to readers and share my thoughts