Good Enough (by Paula Yoo)
common sense media says
Overachiever learns a new definition of success.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is little to be concerned about in this book. Patty and her family face some racism, but in the end, she is able to confront a character. Even Patty's rebellious behavior is pretty mild: She sneaks out of a church lock-in to go to a concert with her crush, and later in the book, she yells at her parents (and tells readers that this was the first time she had ever "raised my voice" to them. We should all be so lucky!).
Educational value:
Could lead to some good discussions about the pressure to succeed. See our "What to Talk About" section for some ideas.
Positive role models:
Patty is a really believable and relatable character: she loves both the violin and academics, she loves her parents, and even the kids in her church group -- and when she finally tells her crush, Ben, her true feelings, he tells her he only likes her as "a friend." Patty faces some racism, but eventually she is able to confront a character.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on Good Enough
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
h8rPatrol
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
I really think I learned about another culture through reading this.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
agentcheesecake
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Gives You an Inside View on the "Ivy-League Asian Genius" Stereotype
Good Enough is one of my favorite books of all time. It is the story of an overachiever whose life is pretty much being controlled and planned out by her parents, who happen to be very strict. All they want for their daughter is to study, and then move on to an Ivy League college. Their daughter Patti, goes along with it until she meets someone who makes her realize that what she really wants is to live her life making music.Patti talks to her parents baout applying to music school, and naturally, they fight about it. In the end though, they make ends meet with Patti going to Yale and participating in a special music program. One thing I loved about the book was it give you an inside look at the sterotypical "Ivy-League Asian genius." (Yes, Patti's family is Asian). One thing I didn't like though was that she went off to Yale. Yale is a great school, but Patti should have followed her dream all the way!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Sjcherie
educator
educator
Perfect for Asian teenagers; a really, really good read for everybody else :]
This book almost left me in complete shock after I finished reading it. It was almost like it was taken straight from my thoughts, from my complaints, my aches, and my experiences.
I highly reccomend this book, even if you aren't an Asian with strict parents. The humor is a little too plainly stated, but nevertheless hilarious. Paula Yoo is an amazing writer and she seamlessly fits in sensitivity in her comedic narrative.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already read it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
