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33 pages 1 hour read

Lac Su

I Love Yous are For White People

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

I Love Yous Are For White People by Lac Su, published in 2009, chronicles Su's harrowing journey from Communist Vietnam to Los Angeles, where his family faces financial struggles and personal turmoil. His emotionally distant and abusive father dismisses Su's expressions of love, leading Su to seek acceptance in street gangs and navigate a challenging coming-of-age. The memoir includes experiences of physical abuse and sexual abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Lac Su's memoir, I Love Yous are For White People, is praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of an immigrant's struggle to find identity in America. Readers commend Su's honest storytelling and evocative prose. However, some critics find the narrative pace uneven and certain episodes underexplored. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Love Yous are For White People?

Readers who appreciate poignant immigrant narratives like The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui or The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang will resonate with I Love Yous are For White People by Lac Su. This memoir appeals to those drawn to themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the Asian American experience.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

830L