Stealing Buddha's Dinner Audiobook

" Great memoir about Vietnamese refugee growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "

" I thought the book was good, but not great. I think it kept my interest because of the 80's references and brought me down memmory lane. As much as she talked about food, I would have thought she would become a culinary chef. But of course I know the food is a metaphor to her struggle to "fit in" Overall the book gives you a good sense of her feelings. Much is relatable to everyone's experience at one time or another. "

" "Book Group Choice -- Local author-- Memoir -- Lots of food speak, interesting insight into Grand Rapids -- Look forward to seeing the author in October" "

" A somewhat melancholy memoir of growing up Vietnamese-American in Michigan. The author focuses a lot on food and how things like SpaghettiOs and Hostess cupcakes were symbols to her of being American and fitting in. "

" Wow, this author beat me to own memoir. Although not exactly the same experiences as mine, her feelings mirror my own about growing up as an outsider in Grand Rapids, MI. "

" The ending scenes say it all. But don't jump ahead! It's the story of all immigrants, especially the child immigrants. "

" It's fun reminiscing with the author about growing up first generation Asian-American in the 70s and 80s. Lots of references to food (wanting Kraft Mac n Cheese instead of rice!) and music. "

" I most enjoyed Bich's personal narrative and found it to be relatable and honest. The story, at times, got bogged down with the food theme, some of which didn't seem necessary. "

" The non-linear aspect of the memoir really bugged me. What drove me to finish the book (which I usually don't do if I don't like it) was all the references to GR. "

" I enjoyed the book, as seen in my four-star rating. However, as a friend said, it is "too close to home" when almost all of the locations and store names are familiar. "

" This book was really dry. Though I associated with the author's experience trying to blend into American society through the use of food, she lacked any depth in her storytelling. "

" I couldn't read this in one sitting. I had to stop and savor all the lovely little morsels. "

" Anyone who grew up in West Michigan should read this. "

" This was an interesting book from the perspective of an immigrant on how she felt different from those around her; from her looks to her culture. "

" I was excited to read this book at first...then after starting realized it was the same story over and over again. I wouldn't recommend this book. "

" A pleasant book on food, being an outsider, and reading. Some really nice bits but none so good that I've chosen to record them here. Her writing lacks some ooomph, but it kept me engaged enough that I wanted to keep reading. "

" Early life in Grand Rapids of a young Vietnamese girl. "

" bits and bits of interesting parts, very interesting material, but overall woven weakly and doesn't have a good grip of the audience's attention. Weak emotional stream. "

" I didn't expect what I found and was surprised by the similarities I felt with the author's representation of her youth. Funny and open about most everything. "

" a good look into her life experience "

" An ode to the 80s, as well as an immigrant's tale. "

" A lovely memoir by a gifted writer. While I found myself fascinated by the Vietnamese immigrant experience, I also found myself thinking that the author's observations are equally applicable to anyone who is an "outsider." "

" The writing's subpar, but anyone who is in their 30's and grew up in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area can totally relate. Also good for people who are from displaced cultures. "

" I "read" this one via audio/CD while on a trip with a friend. I don't think audio is my thing. I believe I missed quite a bit of this book. I may consider actually reading it someday. "

" i was excited that the two of us bought candy from the same store. and then i hated everything about the book other than that. poorly thought out, jumps from one topic to another and eventually back again with no plan. also, she's a huge whiner. "

" Hot dogs and sticky rice go good together. "

" Very easy read about Bich Minh Nguyen's experience coming to the United States. She does a solid job showing the clash between cultures (Saigon, United States, Mexico) and how she and her family adapted in the Michigan. Very nice interplay about the role of food in various cultures. "