[.ca] Banana Boys (ISBN 0887545165)

Most engaging book in years:
I'm the type to read 2 or 3 novels in a year. They usually take a lot of time and effort to get through. Getting throught the almost 400 pages of Banana Boys though, took almost a week and a half; and I couldn't read fast enough. Each of the 5 main characters is a foil of modern Asian Canadian angst. At the same time each character's story animates the larger narrative. This story is not just for Bananas - yellow on the outside, white in the middle. This book is for everyone searching to find out how they and their peers are melting into the modern Canadian mosaic. Highly recommended reading.

A good first novel:
Ah the plight of the Canadian Born Chinese (CBC) male who lives between two worlds. He envies the Chinese FOBs (Fresh Off the Boat) who all seem to have a lot of money and the latest fashions. He envies Asian women of any birth right who seem to only date white men. Can he get no respect? One would be tempted to call this the Asian Male Joy Luck Club but that comparison might make the author have fits. The author does seem to dwell a little over much on white men/asian women coupling and seems to think the readers cares to hear time and time again what the author's favorite beer and favorite bands are. Once you get past that, it's ultimately offering a fresh, funny perspective and worth the read.