The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh

Location: California Type: Physical book

Timeline: N/A

Narration: N/A

Review:

Stars: 2

I had a difficult time relating to the book; therefore I did not find it quite enjoyable. It was so far from my life and my culture. The language barrier was also an issue for me. I found there to be too many 'main' characters to keep up with. It could not relate to many situations in this book.

Even though it was not my favorite book, I can see that the book offers many discussion points. It would be a good book for a book club.

Sex:

One non-detailed encounter

Language:

Fuck: 35

Bitch: 1

GD: 7

L in V: the name "Jesus" was used in vein throughout; however, it is clear that these characters are Buddhists and not Christians.

Triggers:

N/A

Questions:

In the beginning, Mrs. Pham suspected something was wrong with her health. She stated she "didn't want to know the truth."

Do you Think It is common to do this? Why or why not?

Does ignoring the issue make it better?

Thuy says how she has the middle child problem of being the reliable one.

Do you thing, from experience, that this family placement stereotype exists?

Is the middle child represented accurately based off American Stereotypes?

Thao and Alexandria have a conversation about Asian-daughter guilt and breaking generational cycles.

Have you experienced having daughter guilt (whether Asian or not)?

What kind of generational cycles are you needing to break or have already broken?

Does breaking the generational cycles in itself cause some guilt?

The book brings up the idea that there is "magic in the third chance."

Chance 1: Make mistakes Chance 2: Fix mistakes from chance 1

Chance 3: Get everything right

Have you ever found this to be true in your life?

The book talks a lot about the family curse.

"All they do is blame some family curse, but the only curse I see here is self-inflicted. Because everyone keeps making the same damn mistakes, over and over again."

Do you think the curse is true or do you think the women of the family keep causing their issues?

Mai seemed to fall in love with Anh the minute they met.

Do you think it was love at first sight?

Do you think she was just making the best of an arrangement?

In chapter 18 we find out that Joyce Pham buries herself in Korean dramas because it distracted her from the things that made her sad.

What are some things you use to distract you from the sadness, pain or stress of life?

Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Is there a character ( or characters) you would classify as insane by this definition? Why?

Is the family, as a whole, insane?

The ladies (workers) in the nail salon discuss the difference between America and Vietnam.

What does it mean to be free?

Does "free" mean "safe"?

What is more important: Freedom/opportunities or safety? Why?

Thuy described her affair with Daniel as "the type of wholesome affair that belonged on Sesame Street."

Why do you think she classified the affair this way?

What should she have done about Andy and Daniel?

Daniel told Thuy that she was afraid of commitment.

Do you find this to be true? Why or why not?

Daniel made the statement "even I am starting to feel bad for the guy" talking about Andy.

Do you think Daniel could really be feeling bad for him when Daniel is continuing the relationship with Thuy?

Before reading the book, what did you think it meant by "jaded women"?

After reading the book, has your opinion changed?

Jaded: hurt and on guard Jaded: wears jade

Thao Nguyen found Sai Gon and Jeff as a release of escape and a chance to reinvent herself. But when Jeff leaves her she starts having regret: missing her grandmother's funeral; not being with her grieving mother; cutting out family members.

Have you ever experienced something that once brought you happiness or an escape becomes something you regret?

When discussing going to California for the wedding, it is discovered that Lily traveled alone to Hong Kong.

Would you or have you ever traveled alone? Why or why not?

If you have, was there regret?

Where would you go?

Where would you not go?

Thuy describes Priscilla as "the crown jewel in her mother's possession. The perfect Vietnamese daughter."

Have you ever been effected by or seen favoritism being played out in a family?

Do you know which of your parent's children is "the favorite"?

If you are a parent, do you have a favorite child?

When Mrs. Pham goes to the hospital the whole family joins her there. But Joyce is the one that takes her mother to the room. The book says "Mrs. Pham had fussed and fretted over Joyce her entire life, but little did she realize that Joyce had fussed and fretted over her too - just in different ways."

How have you and your mother fussed and fretted over each other?

Do you find you two are similar or different?

If you are a mother, answer the same questions about you and your daughter.