I wouldn't have met Piti if it hadn't been for a chichigua. To translate chichigua as a kite does not do justice to these beautiful creations of...
Continue »
Polo has sent my head spinning with this book. The narrative oozes with a deep sincerity coming from a man who has learned to be grateful for the simple things in life- i.e. "our old folks say Allah's creation may not nourish us tomorrow if we throw any blessing away today." This wisdom comes from the author while he was watching his fellow diners stuff themselves silly at a popular "all you can eat" buffet, a grand old American tradition (Polo and his son decided to share the steak instead)
The author's hasty retreat from a machete wielding mob as a young boy living in the Spice Islands has perhaps given him a very special insight into the hardscrabble lives of other brown skinned fishermen, farmers, and government clerks from nearby island lands that have made it to America's shores of plump and plenty. To preserve the cultural capital of a Manadoese bat catcher, a Thai classical dancer, or an elderly Hmong shaman are the essential duties of Polo's new America. The fear of a violent past in the days of youth thousands of miles away, the hard work to make a buck here, and the pain and humiliation suffered from the occasional racist cop will not dampen the enthusiasm of so many Americans that Polo describes in this humble black tome. Oom Polo, Selamat! My girls will live your words!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.
Don't Miss
Customer Comments
Mikehillis has commented on (1) product.
Counter Culture Immigrant Stories From P by Ronalt L S Catalani
Mikehillis, March 30, 2009
Polo has sent my head spinning with this book. The narrative oozes with a deep sincerity coming from a man who has learned to be grateful for the simple things in life- i.e. "our old folks say Allah's creation may not nourish us tomorrow if we throw any blessing away today." This wisdom comes from the author while he was watching his fellow diners stuff themselves silly at a popular "all you can eat" buffet, a grand old American tradition (Polo and his son decided to share the steak instead)The author's hasty retreat from a machete wielding mob as a young boy living in the Spice Islands has perhaps given him a very special insight into the hardscrabble lives of other brown skinned fishermen, farmers, and government clerks from nearby island lands that have made it to America's shores of plump and plenty. To preserve the cultural capital of a Manadoese bat catcher, a Thai classical dancer, or an elderly Hmong shaman are the essential duties of Polo's new America. The fear of a violent past in the days of youth thousands of miles away, the hard work to make a buck here, and the pain and humiliation suffered from the occasional racist cop will not dampen the enthusiasm of so many Americans that Polo describes in this humble black tome. Oom Polo, Selamat! My girls will live your words!
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)