Review of Troublemaker by John Cho and Sarah Suk

Troublemaker by John Cho and Sarah Suk is an impressive historical fiction novel. Many people have mad respect for John Cho, as he is a trailblazer in American theater*, television, and film. To read the story he and Sarah Suk wrote is really something. The feelings about the 1992 LA Riots in Korea Town are all there. The story of two young friends of Korean descent who are in middle school is relatable. 

Some people remember watching the news about the Riots. There are people who have memories not only of the news, but of their time in LA Korea Town during the uprising. The details written by the two authors ring true to the fears and experiences of many people of Korean descent at that time. People from different backgrounds are also a significant part of the story. Bringing people from other cultures (Black/African-American, and Mexican/Latinx/Latine) into the narrative gives Cho's first novel a strong and thoughtful feeling. While I think his novel is gripping and intriguing, my rating is 4.5 out of 5. One of the Goodreads reviewers, who gives a 4 out of 5 rating, has the same experience of perceiving a slight lag in a section of Troublemaker. That does not stop me from buying a copy for a friend who loves historical fiction; I'm glad I read it. The book's a winner.

*In terms of theater, me and my friend Peter have seen John Cho many years ago in the Euijoon Kim play, My Tired Broke Ass Pontificating Slapstick Funk. His acting can be described as memorable. I don't think either of us are going to forget the hilariousness of his performance.