Book review: Tan's Donuts by Maya Cheav

 I read Maya Cheav's book, "Tan's Donuts," weeks ago. The review wasn't one to publish immediately  because I wanted to give thinking about how to write my review more time. Cheav's book of historical fiction about a Cambodian donut shop owner was thought provoking. The setup of the book was creative. Different donuts sold by his store are used to describe his customers and he delves into memories of his life in Cambodia, and how he was affected by the regime of the Khmer Rouge. 

I would like for the book to be read by many because the stories are an intriguing read. What I read made me want to seek out more information on Cambodian history. 

"Tan's Donuts," is a powerful collection of short stories. The thoughts, memories, and feelings described hit hard. I was captivated. 

My purchase of the book was through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Tans-Donuts-Chestnut-Review-Chapbooks/dp/1965158102 

- This is not an affiliate link - my review is not part of a promotion and I do not receive any profits from purchases.

I also did some research and found the following website: https://mayacheav.com/tans-donuts 

- Again, this is not an affiliate link, and I do not receive any profits from purchases. My review is to give my opinion on a compelling book I feel is important. I sincerely hope people read it.

Yelp Life: Details on reviewing for Yelp.com

A question I've been asked a couple times is if I get paid to write reviews for Yelp (www.yelp.com).

My response is, "No, it's a hobby, and they have events and giveaways from time to time for both Yelp and Yelp Elite members." The Community Managers, who set everything up for their respective communities, have been superlative. There's no guarantee Yelp members or Yelp Elites will get into what they desire after RSVP-ing, but the website has details on what increases the probability. I'm pictured below with my husband in 2017 & 2025 and with Chef Robert Irvine in a 2012 Yelp Elite Event.

In 2007, my first year Yelping, me and my husband met a Yelp Elite named Ryan M. He put together an informal event for our area and we decided to go. Ryan nominated me for Elite. I became Elite in 2008 and me and my husband were able to go to events, have new experiences, and meet people.

                                              

                                                                      

I have been enjoying reading people's reviews and seeing the pictures and videos of food they photographed from 2007 to the present.

                                            2025: Current Profile Pic                                                      

Writing reviews, taking photos of food, reading and voting for Yelpers' reviews, photos, and videos has kept me engaged.  Some of the reviewers are exceptional writers, photographers, and videographers.

I wrote in my previous post about planning to cover Maya Cheav's "Tan's Donuts." Books I've had on my shelf are taking my time. If they are completed quickly, and I really hope they are, Ms. Cheav's novel is going to be discussed soon. What has been read of her book was really good. I may be getting close to finishing Paco Underhill's "Why We Buy," which a neighbor talked about reading. His non-fiction book isn't what I expected. Even though it's the updated version, it doesn't feel current. For example, there's details about Borders bookstore, Blockbuster Video, and Radio Shack. The other books are not dated.

A Second Time Reading A First-Rate Madness by Dr. Nassir Ghaemi

My initial reading was inspired by a friend, an avid reader. She heard about the book from her psychiatrist. Before retiring, he doctor raved about it. My friend strongly recommended reading the book. Placing trust in her; Dr. Ghaemi's book, which has the heading of "New York Times Bestseller" on the cover, was purchased and devoured.

The author didn't include a picture of himself in the book, but what he did was stated. Dr. Ghaemi's career includes being a professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and director of the Mood Disorders Program at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. More details of his work are included, but for the sake of brevity, I will simply state that what he does and has done is impressive to me. 

My opinion of A First-Rate Madness? 5 out of 5 stars, A+, and two thumbs ups.

My take away on my second reading? So much rich detail about the history of notable leaders and their psychological lives is described. My decision to peruse Dr. Ghaemi's book resulted in catching details which were overlooked in my quick first reading. Winston Churchill, Gandhi, and Lincoln are among the leaders profiled, and I was fascinated by the author's recounting of their psychiatric history and records, and his psychological opinion of several of the leaders' behaviors. He lays out the following facts for readers of these historically significant leaders: they had mental illnesses and they were great leaders during times of crisis.  A First-Rate Madness is well worth reading, in my opinion.

The next book I plan to read is Tan's Donuts by Maya Cheav. We'll see if everything goes according to my plan.

Review of Troublemaker by John Cho and Sarah Suk

Troublemaker by John Cho and Sarah Suk is an impressive novel on many levels. I have mad respect for John Cho. To me, he is a trailblazer in American theater*, television, and film. To read the superlative story he and Sarah Suk wrote is a phenomenal experience. The feelings about the LA Koreatown Riots are all there. The story of two young friends of Korean descent who are in middle school is relatable. 

Some Koreans and Americans of Korean descent of many ages remember seeing the news about the riots. The details written by the two authors ring true to the fears of many people of Korean descent at that time. Also, I feel like the book isn't just about us; people from different backgrounds are a part of the story. 

If by any chance Troublemaker becomes an animated film, I'm going to be interested in seeing it on the big screen. The cover art by Chris Danger and cover design by Karina Granda is appealing. If the movie's animation takes its inspiration from the cover art and design, I think it's going to look really good.

*In terms of theater, me and my friend Peter remember seeing John Cho as what we feel is the main character of the Euijoon Kim play, My Tired Broke Ass Pontificating Slapstick Funk. He may not have been, but his acting is memorable. Good times! I don't think either of us are going to forget the hilariousness of the performance. We have been delighted to see him acting all these years and now out with a fantastic book.

Julie

 Julie,

I miss you. I am not the only one who misses you. When I think of you visually, I am going to remember your bright, sunny smile, and beautiful eyes. When I think of you emotionally, I am going to remember your kindness, optimism, and sunny disposition. I am praying for your family. I think you are smiling in heaven and thinking positive, hopeful thoughts for the ones you knew in your time here.

Sara Bareilles - Brave

 Here is where social media helped me. One day I was unsure of whether to buy a song by Sara Bareilles called, “Brave,” or a song from another singer whose name I'm going to omit. I didn't want to buy both of them so I asked people on my favorite social media site, "Which song do I buy?" 

Overwhelmingly, the answer was Sara Bareilles’s “Brave”. Some even said the other singer copied, “Brave.” One person even made an impassioned vote for the single because she loved her music. So I bought Sara’s single. Later on I saw the video and it was so cute. I loved what she was wearing and I thought the people she chose to dance in the video were unique yet relatable. She and her dancers danced well, too! Great song, great video.

I bought the video. The other artist? I haven’t purchased anything from her. I haven’t needed to, in my opinion.

Sometimes, I read People Magazine and Architectural Digest.

 Sometimes when I'm in a waiting room, I read articles from magazines. To explain, what I'm doing is putting my phone in my purse and reading one of the usually few magazines available. People Magazine, at least the ones I've read, are light hearted and interesting. Interior Design magazines are fascinating to me. These show up less often than People, but to get more of a taste of what they are about, I can look at their YouTube channel or Instagram. They're even still in print.

 When I am looking at my phone, when I'm at home or wherever, sometimes an Instagram post from a friend I've known since middle school shows up. The interior design of his home inspires me. I like how the pictures sometimes include extras, such as his dog, or one of his fashionable carryalls. He has good taste. For as long as I've known him, his positive attitude, his thoughtfulness, his deserved pride in where he is from, and his good taste have been a constant. 

 What impresses me about him is how he has defined and described himself on his own terms in a positive way. While his statement may be taken in context because it was so long ago; he once said with utter conviction, "I'm a War Baby!" He described hearing bombs in his native country, Vietnam.

 If he ever decided to publish the story of his life, I'd read it. If he ever published his own Interior Design magazine, I'd get it. His magazine would certainly be on my coffee table. You'd think I'd put details about his socials here, but I have to ask first. Asking for permission from a War Baby seems to make sense.