Waiting for Appa

Eunhae, a 9 year old South Korean girl, clings to her Appa (father) who is leaving for America to make a better life for her and her mother. It will take 2 years for them to join him, and not a day goes by without her deeply missing him. When they finally arrive in San Francisco he isn't at the airport to greet them. Instead of a loving joyful reunion, they are met by his unfriendly family who inform them that her Appa is... Read Full Review

I began reading this book on my flight home to see my family for the holidays. The first few days I was home, I constantly had that book in my hand. Everyone kept asking me, "What is this book that you're reading?!" I just couldn't put it down. I was so fascinated by it. I thought the author did a beautiful job getting into the thoughts of the main charater, Eunhae, at each age in her progression through life. When Eunhae... Read Full Review

I love that this story shows a girl's point of view and eventually growing up and learning that there is more than meets the eye of her beloved appa (daddy), and family. She never lets go of her father who has sacrificed so much to bring his family to America. Eventually she grows up emotionally and finds herself while visiting her homeland. This is a fascinating story, revealing many real-life challenges immigrants face,... Read Full Review

The book is very readable in a mellifluous style. It should be a must-read for young immigrants who can relate to the multiple themes in the book. It has specific Korean nuances but that in itself is what makes it relatable to other cultures' uniqueness and universality. I especially enjoyed the passages on social status, church, color of skin, shape of eyes, other traditions and even ways of eating. But when it comes down... Read Full Review