READER’S REVIEWS
WSAME (Washington State Association for Multicultural Education), Fall, 2009
By Bettie Luke
Boston author, Amy Kwei’s mystery novel integrates the conflicting ideas and values of traditional Chinese culture, facing expectations in a Western World. The book is one of adventure — a story of a family-owned Chinese restaurant, which moves from Chinatown New York to the posh Upper East Side.
Ideal for Middle School and above, young readers will relate to the lively conversations via electronic messaging between the lead character Wendy Wong, 14 and her best friend, who still lives in New York’s Chinatown. Both feel caught between traditional Chinese family values and the ethos of a modern teen culture.
Wendy uses her musical talent and natural charms to befriend the neighbors, helping to integrate her family into the community. Unexpected complications result from their new friendship with the Israeli Ambassador to the UN. Wendy and her boyfriend are kidnapped and the entire Wong family becomes involved in a frantic effort filled with twists and turns, to save the life of their new friend.
According to Kwei, the story “is definitely a fusion of many experiences (she had) heard, read or experienced.” Non Asian American readers will learn some cultural aspects that present challenges between Asian and Western thinking. Readers who are Asian or Asian American will identify with the three generations of the Wong family and recognize the experiences of Chinese American children who straddles two cultures.
Great Read, June 25, 2009
By books on a plane
I highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of their gender and ethnicity. Intrigue in the House of Wong poignantly explores the difficulties of a Chinese family trying to fit into the exclusive Upper East Side. However it is not just a book simply about the difficulties of achieving the American dream for an immigrant family. This book has such universal appeal because it explores the ups and downs of a teenager's life. There is a hint of romance between Ben and Wendy. Wendy also has to deal with moving away from her best friend Debbie. It shows that all teenagers share the same problems and joys. But it's a heartwarming story as the neighbors slowly accept the Wongs into their tight knit community. It shows the understanding and empathy that would make the world a better place. I would especially recommend this novel to middle school students. There is lots of action and drama, so it's easy to follow. The reading level is perfect for a student in 4-7th grade. This book definitely pushes the reader to be more accepting and understanding of all cultures, which is increasingly important as our world becomes more global.
Intriguing mystery for teens, March 29, 2009
By Avid Reader "ajtf" (Boston, MA)
"Intrigue in the House of Wong" blends suspense with humor as 14 year-old Wendy moves from insular yet familiar Chinatown to New York's Upper East Side where her family plans to open a restaurant.
There are obstacles to overcome. The local community board objects to the restaurant's storefront and halts construction. Bricks thrown by hoodlums shatter a restaurant window. And just when it seems the restaurant problems are over, Wendy overhears a possible plot to harm a family friend. Wendy must stop the plot and persuade her parents to go beyond their life-long practice of trusting only fellow Chinese immigrants and learn to reach out to their neighbors.
As the first in her family to win a scholarship to an exclusive private school, Wendy feels the pressure of familial responsibility. On one hand, she wants to make her family proud; on the other Wendy would like not to worry about how every one of her actions reflects on her family, as her parents and grandparents keep reminding her.
Wendy's instant messages with her friend Debbie and her growing friendship with David DiVario give her a chance as a 'normal' teenager. Her family doesn't even want her to date until college. How can she and David become more than just friends?
Ms. Kwei gives the teenagers a modern voice while also explaining the older Wongs' reluctance to interact with non-Chinese. They describe the exclusion laws that curtailed immigration and kept families apart. This is done at a banquet that includes the Wongs, the DiVarios, Mrs. Horton, and Ben Zvis, reflecting New York's multi-ethnic makeup. During the sumptuous courses which Ms. Kwei so flavorfully describes, each guest makes his or her point how each has experienced being an immigrant or newcomer, and how each makes connections, not only through ethnic groups, but work, church, and social groups.
Can Wendy foil the plot to harm the family friend? Will the Wongs' restaurant succeed? Only if Wendy can keep a step ahead of kidnappers and only if her family can learn to trust the 'outsiders' they've traditionally avoided.
The book includes a Reading Group Guide, making it an excellent choice for a book group or class.
A fun read for Everyone!, January 12, 2009
By Sandra Blake
I was having deja vu Nancy Drew when I first picked up Amy Kwei's teen thriller, Intrigue in the House of Wong. But then, it had more tender romance than Nancy Drew. And it celebrated more the texture and treasure of American immigrants; in this case Chinese, Italian and Israeli. I think American kids and their parents will like it. And I think if it makes its way overseas, it will reveal a lot about America. Amy Kwei is an insider that understands both the Chinese and American cultures very well. Ms. Kwei also did her transgenerational homework with teen nuanced text messaging and rap and the challenges of teen life in America. She helps us savor all the flavors of New York City neighborhoods. She served us a generous helping of authentic Chinese food conceived of and prepared as an art form. But most of all, she graced us with an insider's appreciation of the blessed richness of the Chinese American family. The family motto according grandpa: "Listen well! Rise up to virtue. Reaching ancient vitality: The Harmony of character and home." The Rev. Sandy Blake
A fast easy read, November 11, 2008
By Sheera Smith
You are sure to find House of Wong to be a House of Intrigue. This delightful tale is woven so beautifully by Amy Kwei that she draws you into the world of her teenage characters, who straddle two cultures--one American and one firmly rooted in their immigrant families. Once Wendy Wong and her extended clan move from New York's Chinatown to the elegant Upper East Side, she and her newfound Italian-American boyfriend encounter conspiracy, hair-raising adventures, and become unwitting international heroes--both within their families and the larger community. This whimsical mystery story is a romp, an authentic peek inside a Chinese-American family, and a window into the thoughts of a girl coming of age. It promises an entertaining read for young people of many ages and reading levels. Shera Sage Smith, freelance writer
Intriguing mystery for teens, July 7, 2008
By Anna Fang
A new home, a new school, and mysteries to solve. How does 14-year-old Wendy Wong solve all kinds of puzzles in a family proud of their Chinese culture, even if sometimes at odds with their new American life?
"Intrigue in the House of Wong," a young adult novel by Amy Kwei, blends suspense with humor as Wendy moves from insular yet familiar Chinatown to New York's Upper East Side where her family plans to open a restaurant.
There are obstacles to overcome. The local community board objects to the restaurant's storefront and halts construction. Bricks thrown by hoodlums shatter a restaurant window. And just when it seems the restaurant problems are over, Wendy overhears a possible plot to harm a family friend. Wendy must stop the plot and persuade her parents to go beyond their life-long practice of trusting only fellow Chinese immigrants and learn to reach out to their neighbors.
As the first in her family to win a scholarship to an exclusive private school, Wendy feels the pressure of familial responsibility. On one hand, she wants to make her family proud; on the other Wendy would like not to worry about how every one of her actions reflects on her family, as her parents and grandparents keep reminding her.
Wendy's instant messages with her friend Debbie and her growing friendship with David DiVario give her a chance as a 'normal' teenager. Her family doesn't even want her to date until college. How can she and David become more than just friends?
Ms. Kwei gives the teenagers a modern voice while also explaining the older Wongs' reluctance to interact with non-Chinese. They describe the exclusion laws that curtailed immigration and kept families apart. This is done at a banquet that includes the Wongs, the DiVarios, Mrs. Horton, and Ben Zvis, reflecting New York's multi-ethnic makeup. During the sumptuous courses which Ms. Kwei so flavorfully describes, each guest makes his or her point how each has experienced being an immigrant or newcomer, and how each makes connections, not only through ethnic groups, but work, church, and social groups.
Can Wendy foil the plot to harm the family friend? Will the Wongs' restaurant succeed? Only if Wendy can keep a step ahead of kidnappers and only if her family can learn to trust the 'outsiders' they've traditionally avoided.
Readers can order the book from Tatspublishing.com, B&N, Borders, Wal-Mart, and Costco. The book includes a Reading Group Guide, making it an excellent choice for a book group or class.
Anna Fang is a member of the Women's National Book Association/Boston Chapter, the Asian Women's Book Group of Boston, Mass., and the Mother-Daughter Book Group in Lexington/Belmont, Mass.