- Paperback: 1 pages
- Publisher: Cormorant Books (Aug 31 2000)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1896332153
- ISBN-13: 978-1896332154
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 13.2 x 2.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 408 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #480,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"Banana Boys is about Canadian-born hosers of Chinese descent ... These are characters I've met in real life, but until now, never in the pop media." -- Rice Paper
"In delineating the banana boys' families, Woo provides us with the complex history of the Chinese in Canada in microcosm." -- The Vancouver Sun
"Woo's characters...quickly become endearing...they are the kinds of Asians that one can only hope to start seeing in popular culture. Funny, smart and human." -- Ubyssey
"Woo's perceptions of this subculture of men are self-depreciating, edgy, and triumphant, rendering Banana Boys a must-read for all Asian Americans." -- Yolk Magazine (USA)
"In delineating the banana boys' families, Woo provides us with the complex history of the Chinese in Canada in microcosm." -- The Vancouver Sun
"Woo's characters...quickly become endearing...they are the kinds of Asians that one can only hope to start seeing in popular culture. Funny, smart and human." -- Ubyssey
"Woo's perceptions of this subculture of men are self-depreciating, edgy, and triumphant, rendering Banana Boys a must-read for all Asian Americans." -- Yolk Magazine (USA)
Book Description
Shortlisted for the 1999 Asian-Canadian Writer's Workshop Award
What is the nature of Banana? To Luke, Dave, Mike, and Sheldon, it's a curious predicament brought on by upbringing — growing up yellow on the outside, white on the inside. They're together to pay their last respects to Rick, the one Banana Boy who seemed to have it all, but was found dead in his living room, apparently of suicide.
The tragedy that has reunited the Banana Boys becomes the point from which we are introduced to the intertwined stories of a group of young friends caught in cultural and social limbo. Not really Chinese and not quite Canadian, the Banana Boys stumble through situations, incidents and interactions that ultimately explore the nature of identity and reveal the possibilities each character has within himself.
Peppered with piercing insights and laced with comic anecdotes, Banana Boys provides unforgettable texture to the ordinary — and extraordinary — tribulations of being twentysomething, male, and Asian in Canada.
What is the nature of Banana? To Luke, Dave, Mike, and Sheldon, it's a curious predicament brought on by upbringing — growing up yellow on the outside, white on the inside. They're together to pay their last respects to Rick, the one Banana Boy who seemed to have it all, but was found dead in his living room, apparently of suicide.
The tragedy that has reunited the Banana Boys becomes the point from which we are introduced to the intertwined stories of a group of young friends caught in cultural and social limbo. Not really Chinese and not quite Canadian, the Banana Boys stumble through situations, incidents and interactions that ultimately explore the nature of identity and reveal the possibilities each character has within himself.
Peppered with piercing insights and laced with comic anecdotes, Banana Boys provides unforgettable texture to the ordinary — and extraordinary — tribulations of being twentysomething, male, and Asian in Canada.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good first novel,
By Mindme "I buy cereal when on sale" (Kirkland, WA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Banana Boys (Paperback)
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.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Most engaging book in years,
By Timothy Washington (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Banana Boys (Paperback)
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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.3 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews) 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Most engaging book in years,
By Timothy Washington - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Banana Boys (Paperback)
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. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good first novel,
By Mindme "I buy cereal when on sale" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Banana Boys (Paperback)
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Understanding the Chinese American Male,
By fay y moy - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Banana Boys (Paperback)
I wanted to understand how Chinese American Males feel and think about their asian culture. Do they embrace or tried to break away. And this book offered interesting experiences with each of the character. I can easily identify why the characters in the book make the choice to define their role living as a ABC. We all want to make a mark in this World and this is what the stories is all about.
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