To be honest I was drawn to this book because of the title. I'm often a "judge a book by its cover" reader.
Anna Chiu is juggling family, school, and whatever else shows up in her life. As the oldest and well-behaved daughter in a Chinese family, she follows the rules and finds very little time to have her own life. When she isn't in school, she is home taking care of her younger siblings. Her father's life is dedicated to the restaurant that provides for the family. Unfortunately, her mother is a problem.
Most days Anna feels like the mother. She loves her mother, but the fact that she spends most of the time hidden away in bed is beginning to take its toll. Weeks go by, sometimes even months, with her mother doing nothing. When she does step out of the bedroom, she is often maniac. She'll be fanatically cleaning and ordering everyone around.
Anna understands that her father spends most days and nights at the restaurant. He has enough on his plate without having to worry about his wife. During a school break, Anna offers to come help at the restaurant. This gives her a chance to get away and feel useful. When her father hires a delivery boy, Anna soon finds herself with a friend. Maybe even a little more than just a friend.
Author Wai Chim takes readers into a family dealing with mental health issues. Her realistic portrayal of Chinese culture and the tendency to keep secrets, will help readers from all backgrounds better understand family structures.
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