The Beijing Family: By Gina Tang

 

'The best things in life are free. Embracing wisdom told by knowing elders doesn’t cost a penny.'

Books feel like home. And like every other home we encountered throughout the years, some are welcoming and some are not. You feel the vibes and the energy the moment you enter and meet the people in there. And that’s when you start reading the room as they say .. 

the same goes for reading an actual book, with actual words. You get the feeling of knowing it’s a good journey from the very first sentence. Some sentences are welcoming and others are not. Some sentences make you feel more at home than your physical place of acomodation. That’s when you know, or as the song says, If you know, you know ... 

Beijing family: By Gina Tang is a book that feels like an actual home. It’s like traveling to a foreign land, not knowing a soul. And that’s when the inhabitants and citizens of that country interfere and make you feel  welcomed by embracing you into their homes as if you're one of their own. 

This book is a journey to a foreign land, a land that we have heard about its culture, celebrated its holidays and binged its delicious  food on our hard days. But little do we know about the actual cultural traits of the people living within.  And that’s exactly how our journey begins, with the talented Gina Tang . Taking us to a cultural journey through the characters and the connection they all share. 

Before digging into this publication, I just want to acknowledge the fact that this book is like going into your Nan’s home. Feeling all the warmth and love as if you’re 5 all over again. I know that everyone will remember the feeling of being at their nan’s place, being fed endlessly, and showered with the love we all need. Nostalgic, I agree. Don't worry, all that love and emotions will come back to you doubled this time, once you meet Grandma Moh !

I believe the learning journey and excitement will begin once Grandma Moh comes into the scene. Filling you up with stories and traits she brought all the way from her hometown, to the modern- globalized world, here in the U.S.

 Not only will you learn new things about the Chinese culture in general, but you will have your ahaaaa, moments too. Those are the moments when you will reflect on your own reality, the moments that you have taken for granted, such as the love of family, origins and pride. Pride in your own roots and the place you have come from. Grandma Moh is the ultimate old school grandma that we all want to learn things from, which the author have provided in a very creative and funny way. 

Let us not forget our main character, Kara Chan who is the  purpose on why we got to meet grandma Moh in the first place!,  Kara is an ambitious woman who works so hard to prove herself in the market. Since she was a young girl, her dream of building an empire and something out of the box haunted her like a shadow, and now is the time when her goals meet her reality. As stated 

'Her castles and empires are finally becoming reality. The day is finally here.'

Through Kara’s ambitious encounter with clients and plans that she has to undergo, you as a reader will get to meet a variety of characters and their backgrounds. Through their eyes, you will learn and come to enjoy the new cultural traits that have been missing from our book of knowledge and information. 

Simon is another amazing and rooted character, who have spent the majority of his time through the pages, trying to decide on a home to purchase. Well, it’s not because of the design or landscape.  But a very beautiful Chinese tradition that is believed to indicate one’s fortune and good luck. I won’t spill the tea, although I’m about to !! , so I’ll leave you to find that for yourself. 

But you will also get to see how cultured Simon is, just like his mom, Grandma Moh, and no matter where he goes or where he lives, his pride in his roots and traditions will follow him.  As he said 

'My poor village roots will always remain in me, even if I bathe in diamonds'.

I’m sure you can tell how attached I am to Simon and Grandma Moh, don't  blame me because I'm sure you will feel the same once you binge the book in 2 days. I'm just impressed  on how those characters were well developed, that readers could feel their warmth as if they’re having a visual interaction over dinner at Simon’s place with them. 

Other than Simon and his family, you will get to meet Kara’s friends, her boyfriend and others who each will have something warm and beautiful to add to this publication.

* yes I did use the WARM a lot, but this book is that word and more. its  red hearts flying all over the place. its hot cocoa with marshmallows and cream. its everything nice and WARM!! *

So Thank you Gina Tang for an amazing journey of acculturation through your words and the fun easy ready dialogue ! 

Favorite quotes from the Book !

- “poverty is good for the memory. I remember all of it.”

-    “The kingly and queenly details are endless”

-    “There are now apps for your apps. It’s insane.”

-    “Fate can be cruel and kind simultaneously”