Bitter Melon

 

Bitter Melon

Cara Chow

Meira.Elena

Ages: 14-18

Lexile: HL730L

 

Using the fictional character Frances, Cara Chow explores the world of cultural identities, the complexities of maternal love, and a young girl’s struggle to find herself at one of the most precarious moments in her life. Well-written, poignant, and relevant, Bitter Melon explores the contrasts of Chinese and American culture. This coming-of-age novel will leave you breathless!

Frances is a Chinese-American senior at a competitive high school in San Francisco. She struggles to manage her advanced courses while also study for the SATs so she can get into a pre-Med program at Berkley, her mother’s ultimate dream for her. Frances also struggles to live up to her mother’s expectations of behavior, beauty, and obedience. But then Frances discovers speech and debate. Through writing, speaking, and new friends, Frances begins to discover herself. And now, she must reconcile herself with her mother and their culture.

I read this book several years ago, and it topped my “couldn’t put it down” list, along with a novel of a similar vein, Girl in Translation. This book was culturally powerful and so well-written! I felt a strong connection to a culture not my own, and at the same time this novel renewed my own cultural connections as I reflected and reconciled myself with my home culture.

          Today, the ideas of maintaining one’s cultural heritage while also assimilating into the culture of the country one lives in is highly relevant, especially for young people finding their own identities as well. This novel teaches us the power of the individual and the power of the collective, and how strong and enduring the bonds of family can be.

I recommend this book to anyone exploring culture, family, motherhood, or identities. Frances is a relatable character who encourages reflection, independence, and respect.