Customer Reviews

Talking to High Monks in the Snow: An Asian American Odyssey

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I was reading "Growing Up Asian American" and had it for over a year. Recently I have been wanting to hear more from other Asian Americans and so, resumed reading the excerpts authors shared. I read Ms. Minatoya's story and was disappointed that there wasn't more! So the next day I went and bought Talking to High Monks in the Snow. And I have just finished reading it. It's one of those books that I come across infrequently, the kind that I absolutely MUST get to the last page before I go to sleep. Because of school I longed for the moments when I could sit and enjoy my newfound treasure, on trains, breaks, at home. Ms. Minatoya is subtle in her writing but it sure hits you when you're through with the sentence. I felt the pangs of pain and embarassment and degradation when she did. It brought back sad memories. The great thing though is that she isn't sappy and she doesn't want my pity just because I relate to her. Ms. Minatoya is eloquently matter-of-fact. With each section of her book, I was amazed more and more. I wished I went to all the places she has been to, Boston, Japan, China, Nepal, and done the things she has. Actually, I admire her because she was and probably still is BOLD and DETERMINED. She has gone to all these countries and actually lived and worked there, not just visit as a tourist. She has taught and communicated deeply with people in these countries. Thanks to Ms. Minatoya, I have this urge to start a club at my college. A reading and discussional group for Asian Americans and non-Asians. I feel that many in my school and city do not appreciate our rich heritage as much as I wish they did. A club that will teach and show through discussions, reading, and debate, the sincere, talented, proud people such as Ms. Minatoya. Talking to High Monks in the Snow is a truly wonderful book for Asians and non-Asians alike. Before I read it for the second time...Thanks Amazon for letting me share my thoughts!

Debbie Yeung

Traveling always brings a new dimension to yourself. This is an odyssey of a Sansei(the third generation of Japanese-American) woman, who has been wondering about who she is and where she belongs.
Like Amy Tan's "The Opposite of Fate", she wrotes about her background (her immigrant grandparents, Nisei-Kibei parents, sister and herself) and her identity crisis.
After growing up, she went on a trip to Asia (Japan, China, and Nepal) and met nice local people, and found some family secrets and her new Asian identity. Eventually, she comes to feel more comfortable to be Asian-American.
I recently happened to take this book while traveling in Seattle. I'm so glad to find such an amazing book.

I would suggest that you read this only after reading The Strangeness of Beauty, which is a wonderfully written novel.