The Tiger Mom's Tale (July 6, 2021)5 stars Genre: Contemporary women's fiction/family/Asian American This book was soooo good. I loved the complexity with which Lyn Liao Butler draws the world where Lexa lives. All the characters are very intriguing. I admire how artfully the backstory and present timelines are woven together. I also really appreciate the difficult questions that Lexa reflects on and how they haunt her. This novel is very accurate in how it depicts reality, along … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Bubble Milk Tea Cakes
January 31, 2020 Leave a Comment
Bubble milk tea cake: a cross between pineapple cake and boba One of the treats I got from my recent Taiwan trip was a box of bubble milk tea cakes. Essentially, they’re pineapple cakes—baked delicacies reminiscent of Fig Newtons, down to their square shape. Instead of a fig filling, though, they use pineapple paste in them. This bubble milk tea version swaps out the traditional flavor and uses boba inside the treats. When I first saw the combo, I was hesitant to try them, but the … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Taiwanese Hot Dog
March 22, 2019 4 Comments
Taiwanese Hot Dog: sausage in sticky rice bun This is a popular dish at food stands in Taiwan. It’s also known as small sausage in large sausage. I’ve had this before at night market, and it’s a fun treat. I love the way it’s char-grilled and so juicy. I recently had this in a more polite, use-your-forks way (see picture above). For some reason, I didn’t enjoy it as much the second time around. Perhaps it’s because you can’t really pick up the sticky rice portion. Or maybe the ratio of … [Read more...]
TaiwanYes Houston
May 8, 2017 2 Comments
"You are admired for your adventurous ways." If you've been following my blog, you know I traveled to Texas over spring break. When I heard there was a Taiwanese festival happening when I would be around, I went and checked it out. Hosted by the Taiwanese Association of America, Houston Chapter, the cultural event is called TaiwanYes Houston. It's inspired by the vibrant Taiwanese night market. Except it's held during the day. Yeah, that confused me for a bit, too. However, like a traditional … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Superbeetle
April 10, 2017 Leave a Comment
"Your respect for others will be your ticket to success." Superbeetle by S. Michele Chen 4 stars Pros: Taiwan setting Chinese words Cons: Some flat characters Modern family dynamics* (see note below) I was super excited to get ahold of this. Because of its vibrant cover, I actually thought this would be a picture book. (Warning: If your kids don’t like bugs, the cover might put them off.) However, it’s actually a lovely chapter book with images scattered … [Read more...]
2-2-8 70 years
February 27, 2017 Leave a Comment
On this 70th anniversary, we remember the atrocities that happened in Taiwan. How peaceful demonstrations turned into unrest and eradication across the land. We remember the dark period in Taiwan, the years called White Terror. In LA, we took time to recall, to mourn, and to promise to resist against the horrific ever occurring again. The 228 Memorial Event in El Monte featured music when words could not express the bountiful grief. Political leaders stood together in support … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Sesame Sticks
February 12, 2016 Leave a Comment
Sesame sticks: rectangular sesame treats If you haven't already heard, Monday marked the beginning of Chinese New Year. It's the Year of the Monkey in 2016 (the fire monkey, to be exact). Overseas, people get seven days off to celebrate the holidays. When we were visiting Taiwan, people looked at us funny because kids don't get winter break there--their time off is consolidated around the lunar new year. Besides meeting up with family, New Year is a great time to eat tried-and-true treats. … [Read more...]
Family Stories
January 25, 2016 2 Comments
"You are always welcome in a gathering." What I love about returning to Taiwan is seeing older relatives and hearing all their stories. Every time I go back, I feel like more family members come out of the woodwork. One day, we even had 23 people crammed in a house talking together. In honor of my first published book, THE 228 LEGACY, a lot of folks shared memories about The 228 Massacre (1947) and its aftermath. Here are a few interesting tidbits: An auntie remembered savoring the … [Read more...]
Back from Taiwan!
January 18, 2016 5 Comments
"You will travel far and wide, both [for] pleasure and business." Hi, guys! I'm back from my trip to Taiwan. Although I didn't get to see the election process this time around, I had a great vacation visiting relatives and seeing sights. Here are a few highlights: 1. Climbing the mountains and seeing ancestral burial grounds 2. Talking to relatives, hearing family stories, and eating yummy food together 3. Exploring one of the most popular bookstores in Taiwan, … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Stinky Tofu
July 17, 2015 5 Comments
Stinky tofu: smelly but tasty fermented tofu Stinky tofu is definitely a good that grows on you because you need to get over the atrocious smell to eat it. There's a nicer euphemistic name people call it: fragrant tofu. The odor comes from a fermentation process that can last from several days to a week. The recipe used for making a proper brine is sometimes fiercely guarded by the cooks. If you're interested in learning more about how stinky tofu is made, check out this video from the Hungry … [Read more...]
