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Rice Room [Mass Market Paperback]

Torres Fong (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

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From Publishers Weekly

As a writer and editor for Rolling Stone , Fong-Torres was both witness to and active participant in the late-'60s counterculture, whose penchant for casual sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll was epitomized by the hippie scene in his native San Francisco. As a first-generation Chinese American, Fong-Torres was torn between this alluring American lifestyle and the traditional cultural heritage his immigrant parents struggled fiercely to instill in their five children. His autobiography is peppered with colorful anecdotes about the early days at Rolling Stone and its flamboyant editor, Jann Wenner, but the memoir's chief interest is in its moving account of the author's attempt to negotiate a peaceable compromise between a son's enthusiasm for trendy culture and his parents' desire that he embrace antithetical Chinese traditions instead. Although he borders on the patronizing when discussing his romantic attachments, Fong-Torres redeems himself by demonstrating a broad knowledge of and sympathy for both Chinese and American traditions.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Fong-Torres, a founding editor of Rolling Stone , rose to fame as one of America's top rock and entertainment journalists through interviews with the likes of Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. With a professional sensitivity to conflicting issues, he describes the frustrations he felt growing up with a double identity--Chinese and American. The constant struggle between the urge to assimilate into the American mainstream and a strong sense of obligation to his parents and Chinese tradition gives ironic twists to his life, affecting his career in radio and journalism, his relationships with both Caucasian and Chinese women, and even his way of communicating with his parents. Unlike his journey through life, Fong-Torres's writing is smooth and right to the point. Under the bitter and regretful overtones lurk a good sense of humor and wit. Recommended for most collections.
- Mark Meng, St. John's Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews
5 star:
 (5)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:
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2 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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4.0 out of 5 stars An Inspirational Story For All, Feb 10 2004
By 
M. Katayama-Lee (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Rice Room (Mass Market Paperback)
This was a wonderful story and one I would recommend to anybody, especially children of 1st generation immigrants. Being the child of 1st generation immigrant parents, I could also relate to Mr. Fong-Torres search for identity and acceptance. I was moved by his perseverance and determination at getting ahead in life. The fact that he didn't fit the typical Asian mold of becoming a stereotypical doctor or lawyer, but rather the head editor of a musical writing empire (Rolling Stone Magazine) impressed me even more, because he showed a very souful spirit, one that went after his passion of music rather than trying to pursue an obligation at attaining a status symbol job in order to prove success as an Asian-American. In addition, I also thought his stories were fun and entertaining. He grew up in a very colorful time (particularly the 60's) so it was enjoyable to read about all his experiences from that era, which helped make him who he is today.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Another point of view..., Jun 23 2003
By 
momwith2kids (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Rice Room (Mass Market Paperback)
I really enjoyed reading about Ben Fong Torres' life growing up in Oakland's Chinatown. He has a very different perspective than writers of many of the books I've read lately, in that he grew up as an American, appreciating American culture and thought. I've read some reviews that said he sold out his own culture, but I disagree. I'd say that he was very typical. I can completely understand why much of his parents' ways were lost on him and his siblings while they were young.

As someone who is half-Iranian, exposed to many traditions, proverbs, food, and extremely different perceptions of women and men, what was proper behavior, and family life, I can totally relate to this book. As a child, I, too, didn't "get it." I didn't appreciate these differences, and I viewed the Iranian way as nonsense, backwards, idiosyncratic, and generally a pain in the butt.

Oftentimes when one grows up in a family whose parent(s) are immigrants, the children will naturally want to assimilate into the society in which they live. In this case they'll want to be American. However, it isn't until they become adults that they start to appreciate or understand their heritage, which was the case with Torres' memoir, and that discovery on his part makes the whole story that much more touching.

His sense of humor comes shining through in his work as well, which is a nice change from other writers. I enjoyed his detailed descriptions of the hippy movement in San Francisco, and it was fascinating to see the difference between the movement on the streets--mainly for fashion and partying, versus the movement in the universities, which was political, the heart of all the changes.

The only thing that kind put me off was the way Ben Fong-Torres juggled multiple relationships. Although he was the first to admit that his maturity level wasn't exactly up to par when it came to women, I was surprised at how much he (and his brother Barry) were able to do this unscathed.

I'm glad that he wrote in detail about his siblings, how they struggled as well, especially his brother Barry, who was the impetus behind this book (I almost wish he wrote as much about his sisters!). Ben Fong-Torres obviously had (and probably still has) a very interesting life with a great many stories to tell. There were many facets to his life; the Chinese-American experience, his appreciation for rock n' roll music, his work with the Rolling Stone, and his ever-evolving relationship with his family. His story is worth reading.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Good but wanted more, Dec 22 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Rice Room (Mass Market Paperback)
I really enjoyed Fong-Torres' autobiography -- he may not be famous but his story has all the elements of great drama and storytelling.

The only thing the book needed was more of this "Tom Gericke" fellow who appears at various points throughout the story. One can tell there must be more good stories about this friend of Ben's. Sequel, Mr. Fong-Torres?

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