The Silence That Binds Us

I'm not sure where I got this recommendation, but I loved it. It's definitely geared more towards the younger YA set, but I still think it's something adults could benefit from. There are a lot of hard topics that this book addresses, and does it so beautifully.I think a lot of people will see themselves somewhere in this book. For better or for worse. I hope that some people when reading it will hear the message. I hope for those who have lived this story will feel affirmed.I found the characters to be unique and somehow still relatable. The way it addresses grief was probably the closest I've read to my own experience outside of Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I think it also did a pretty good job of addressing the mental health component to the story. I loved the characters, their histories and the similarities and differences, not just between cultures but within cultures as well. I wish this was book that was available to me in high school, but I'm glad it's available now.

This book was another great choice by my book club member. It is a heavy hitting yet lite hearted drama. The fact that it shades light on issues like depression, racism seen and unseen makes it a very thought provoking read. I think especially in today’s climate race and social injustice is becoming both a unifying and separating issue. This book highlights how little we often know about the struggles of our fellow human because we fail to ask the hard questions and really listen to the answers. The reality is sometimes we don’t get involved until an issue effects us personally, but it is how we press forward and push through like May, Tiya and Marc did is what really helps to change the narrative. As May and her family begin to heal, her parents understand and even embrace her desire to use her written words as a way to tell their story. Excellent read and very thought provoking.

When Danny kills himself, it surprises everyone, and May’s family falls apart without him. Summer eventually ends and May starts junior year; it seems like everyone else has moved on. Then a father at a school function calls out Danny, their family, and their race as a problem. Is it better for May to say what she feels or to let silence bind her, her family, and other minorities?Ho writes about depression, grief, racism, and all the complicated thoughts and feelings that go into living with and speaking about them. As May learns to tell her story through poems and through public speaking, she also learns about where she came from and how racism has impacted more than just her family. Speaking up starts as a defense of family, and May has to decide if she just wants to defend or if she wants to try to implement change. It becomes a question that readers also have to answer. Is reading this book going to change you and what you do, or is it just a well-written story?May and Danny are Chinese on their dad’s side and Taiwanese on their mom’s side. Tiya and Marc are Haitian. While the school and town they are in are predominately White, most of the named characters are not. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, mentions of drugs, and innuendo. The violence rating is for persistent discussion of suicide.

Finally! A book that represents teens realistically, as thinking souls who can actually change their world. The author deals with family life, tragic death, solid love, and hidden stereotypes that maybe aren't so hidden. The writing flows with imagery, letting me lose myself in the story.***SpoilersI wrote a poem after I finished reading, and it does contain a few spoilers!A New Narrative Inspired by The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna HoI am drowning in sadness.Why did Danny do it andWhy does everyone thinkI can just move on?We met the police at the door:Danny Railroad tracks Only one shoe left.I can’t breathe, yetMarc helps me feel hope -Then the haters come.Mr. MacIntyre and his minions.“Asian families put pressureOn their kids, too much pressure.That’s what killed Danny -The family is at fault.”No. No. No.My family wanted the bestFor him Wanted life For him.I will tell his storySo you cannot spread your lies.Stereotyping will crush my family,But my voice will rise to drownYour attempts to twist my narrative.I can tread water now Learn to swim again Without Danny.And you will listen to his story,You will listen to my story, Until you acknowledge it is our story.

Joanna Ho’s voice is lyrical and true. Hers is a poignant story, beautifully told, and one that will keep you thinking long after you turn the last page.Thank you, Ms. Ho, for writing it.