People
Who is the author/ main character?
Hua Hsu
A theme that highlights the profound, non-romantic, and often selfless connections between people that offer emotional stability and mutual support.
Bonds of Friendship
Where do Hua's parents originate from?
Tiwan
What is a popular drink?
Bubble Tea
How long is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
15 days
Who was Hua’s close friend that was killed?
Ken
The significant emotional, social, and psychological effects of gift-giving, emphasizing that the genuine worth of a gesture is found in its thoughtfulness, connection, and love rather than its financial cost.
Beauty of Gift-Giving
Where does Hua attend college?
Berkeley University
What is the name of the traditional soup?
Beef Noodle Soup
What is the Taiwanese culture mainly mixed with?
Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences
Who was Hua’s first serious girlfriend?
Mira
This theme explores the universal human need to understand who we are and where we fit, focusing on how relationships, culture, and environment shape our sense of self and our connection to others.
identity and belonging
Califorina
What common food is found at the Dragon Boat Festival?
Zongzi are the bamboo leaf wrapped sticky rice stuffed with savory fillings like pork, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, and peanuts, or sweet fillings like red bean
What character traits are Taiwanese people known for?
Hospitality & Etiquette
When did Hua's father leave Taiwan for the United States?
1965
The universal human experiences centered on adjusting to the absence of a loved one, object, or familiar situation, often reshaping one's identity and life.
Grief and Loss
Where do Hua's parents go?
Tiwan
What does the cake eaten on Lunar New Year's symbolize?
The luck that is soon to come
What kind of markets are most important?
Night life markets
When did Hua's mother arrive in the United States?
1971
The theme of exploring how one maintains a relationship with someone who has passed away, and the "faultiness" of memory over time.
The Act of Remembering
Where did Hua's father go to school?
He first attended a school in Massachusetts, then transferred to Columbia University in New York, before arriving at the University of Illinois.
What food is eaten at the Qingming Festival to hounor there ansesters?
Spring rolls
Who in the family/community gets the most respect and loyalty?
The elders