45 pages 1 hour read

Kao Kalia Yang

The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang is a memoir detailing the life of Kalia's father, Bee Yang, a Hmong song poet. It explores his journey from childhood in Laos, escaping Communists, living in Thai refugee camps, and eventually, resettling in Minnesota. The story is structured like a musical album, with Bee reflecting on his memories and experiences, and Kalia narrating their life in America. Themes of survival, fatherhood, and identity are woven throughout. The book contains scenes of war and family separation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang is widely praised for its lyrical prose and poignant storytelling. Reviewers commend Yang's ability to convey deep, emotional narratives related to Hmong culture and the immigrant experience. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow and the structure nonlinear, which can be challenging. Overall, it's a heartfelt and evocative memoir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Song Poet?

Readers who cherish lyrical memoirs and immigrant narratives will be captivated by The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang. Fans of works like The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande will appreciate the emotional depth and cultural insights within. This book resonates with those drawn to poignant family legacies.

Recommended

Reading Age

13-18years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Fathers

Relationships: Family

Topics

Arts / Culture

History: World

Genre

Biography