Tired of Europeans describing “exotic” Asian cultures? Here is a refreshing twist with Lee Su Kim, a Straits Chinese writer, observing Americans as she writes about her ‘expat’ experiences in Texas, the Lone Star State, USA.
Originally, quirky and sometimes hilarious. A great read, always entertaining, tinged with delicate satire, poignant and touching at times, scathing and ironic at others.
The author regales us with her brilliant and funny insights into life and society in Texas, highlighting the complexities of cross-cultural encounters, its joys and travails.
Writing in the winning style we’ve come to know her for, she reveals delightful oddities when Visiting Alien meets Resident Americans, and pokes fun at Texans, Americans and even fellow Malaysians aren’t spared!
“Combining her academic excellence, creative talent and an unfailing eye for the details, Lee Su Kim weaves together a tapestry of ordinary events and episodes that bring out the extraordinary nature of life in a foreign land. Added to interesting tidbits are the author’s highly insightful comments on the social, cultural and linguistic quirks of American life. The result is an absorbing narrative that is at once devilishly satirical and delightfully humorous. ” Professor B. Kumaravadivelu, Professor of Applied Linguistics San Jose State University California, USA.
“She juggles the serious and the funny, sometimes making our laughter catch in your throat and sometimes making us smile even when we want to sigh. Her tales gain deeper dimensions from the fact that she speaks both as a member of a diminishing minority in a small country in a globalised world, and as a carrier of ancient cultures at the same time.” Ooi Kee Beng, Ph.D, Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore.
Initially, I thought that this book would sensitize me to how immigrants feel coming to the U.S. It did but it does so much more. It builds awareness of some American habits and tendencies that certainly have room for improvement. This kind of enlightenment makes it a must read for all. ‘A Nyonya in Texas’ is clever, witty and enjoyable reading too. Professor Lloyd Shefsky, (Clinical) Professor of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Author of the acclaimed 'Entrepreneurs are Made Not Born'