The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

I finally received my package yesterday (05/04/2020). There was no damage just over a month late. I suppose I should understand with everything going on that there was a possibility it would be delayed.

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is a touching and poignant story about mental illness, family and love, and the power of dreams. Many moments brought me to tears. Whether it was the sheer unapologetic joy, the escape of shadowy nights, or even the immense feelings of heartbreak and fear. Her family is one of patched quilts, empty breakfasts, and obligations of silence.

Chim never shies away from the nuanced, complicated, and painful conversations. The moments that rip your heart from your chest as her family struggles with the mental illness of her mother. Or the occasions of racism that makes your cheeks burn and your heart rage. At the same time, Chim celebrates the moments of happiness, first love, and siblings. The bustling breakfasts or the first time you sneak out. The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is a story about the bonds of family as they comfort our fall or hold us back.

The characters will captive you and hold on tightly. Their pains, fears, and loves written so plainly in their silences, hopeful smiles, and tears. How they tackle the rippling effects of their mother’s health, the stigma of mental health in their culture, and the necessity to rely on each other.

From Lalas Book Reviews

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book because this has been a book Ive wanted to read for a while!

From the very beginning of the book, I was hooked by everyone and the events that Anna faces.

My heart goes out for Anna because she a junior in high school and has to take care of so much of the home life with her father working at the family restaurant and her mother staying in bed more days than not. She has to not only worry about making it through her classes with people being mean to her about Anna being Asian, but she also has to grow up a lot faster than one would want and assume so many responsibilities that starts to take a toll on her.

I know personally that its hard being in school as an Asian. I was fortunate enough that no one ever picked on me or made me feel embarrassed about my ethnicity even when I didnt grow up in an Asian household, so seeing some of the things that Anna faced made me realize how lucky I was considering I grew up in the Deep South.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is an emotional book that shows not only the struggles of being an Asian teenager in high school but the reality of having a parent with mental illness and how debilitating it can be.

After being in class where Im learning how to take care of those who have mental disabilities, its was eye opening to see the effects that it has on the whole family and how everyones role has to adapt to keep the household running.

After reading this book, itll make you appreciate your family no matter how perfect or imperfect it is because The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling shows the value of family even during the most difficult of times when the world seems against you.

This book is a heart tugging book that will truly make you appreciate the small moments of happiness and that these shinning moments can come even during the roughest of times and will definitely a book that Ill reread in the future!

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is an excellent choice for older (ages 14 and up) fans of Kelly Yangs Front Desk. Similar themes of family responsibility, work ethic and what immigrant families not only sacrifice but are willing to work for as they reach for the American Dream.

Taking things a step beyond, The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling looks at these themes through the lens of a teen whose mother has a mental illness.

Author Wai Chim does an excellent job of addressing hard subjects with respect and care. She doesnt shy away from the pain but tempers it with light. This nuanced balance leaves readers with hope where despair could have reigned.

Anna is a character you immediately know and love. You want her to succeed and you keenly feel her losses. Her mother is a force that rolls across the pages like tidal waves. Rory is a bright spot with his own problems. Their storylines converge into the perfect storm of emotion and heart.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling came out in the United States in November. With everything that was going on at the time, it might have fallen under your radar. Now is the time to pick it up and see what you were missing.

*Review based on advanced copy provided by publisher in exchange for my own opinions

This YA book provides the reader with a very powerful look at mental illness and how it can impact a whole family. I enjoyed the glimpse into a Chinese family and their culture.

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