Tangled Threads

Tangled Threads


By: Pegi Deitz Shea
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: Really liked it


When I read this book, I was totally captivated by the the factual background and history behind the story. This book was really well-written in the form of the character's personality and voice.

It's basically about a 13 year old girl named Mai and the deep relationship she has with her grandmother. In the beginning, it starts out with the escape of both her and her grandmother from Laos since communism has taken it's toll and the lives of both Mai's parents. for ten years they had lived in the Thai refuge, where they suffered much in hunger deprivation and beatings/abuse from several disgusting soldiers. The story turns a tide when both of them were finally able to rejoin Mai's lost-long uncle in America with all of her cousins, aunts, and relatives.

While her grandma found the American culture and society painfully ruthless and terrible in every way possible, Mai found it exciting, new, and full of hope. This difference in thought threatens to break apart their strong bond, as Mai develops an urge to go with the American culture and her grandmother wants to stick to their Hmong roots.

The story had a lot of meaning to it, and was able to surface the Hmong culture and traditions very well. If you're in for a good, meaningful book then go for it!


Recommended to: Girls: 14 +