Buy used: $16.89
Listen
Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans Hardcover – May 3, 2022
by Jenny Wang (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 55 ratings
Kindle
from $9.07Read with Our Free App
Hardcover
“Dr. Jenny T. Wang has been an incredible resource for Asian mental health. I believe that her knowledge, presence, and activism for mental health in the Asian American/Immigrant community have been invaluable and groundbreaking. I am so very grateful that she exists.”—Steven Yeun, actor, The Walking Dead and Minari
===
Asian Americans are experiencing a racial reckoning regarding their identity, inspiring them to radically reconsider the cultural frameworks that enabled their assimilation into American culture.
As Asian Americans investigate the personal and societal effects of longstanding cultural narratives suggesting they take up as little space as possible, their mental health becomes critically important. Yet despite the fact that over 18 million people of Asian descent live in the United States today — they are the racial group least likely to seek out mental health services.
Permission to Come Home takes Asian Americans on an empowering journey toward reclaiming their mental health. Weaving her personal narrative as a Taiwanese American together with her insights as a clinician and evidence-based tools, Dr. Jenny T. Wang explores a range of life areas that call for attention, offering readers the permission to question, feel, rage, say no, take up space, choose, play, fail, and grieve. Above all, she offers permission to return closer to home, a place of acceptance, belonging, healing, and freedom. For Asian Americans and Diaspora, this book is a necessary road map for the journey to wholeness. Pre-order now
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in Asian American, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the @asiansformentalhealth Instagram community, in which she discusses the unique experiences of Asian diaspora and immigrant communities. She spearheaded the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American Therapist Directory and its companion Canadian directory to help Asians seek culturally-reverent mental health providers.
Product details
Publisher : Balance (May 3, 2022)
Language : English
Hardcover : 288 pages
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
55 global ratings
5 star 88%
4 star 5%
3 star 5%
2 star 0% (0%)
0%
1 star 3%
Lisa Yan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, must read book for anyone!Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
As a young Asian American adult who has been struggling with identity and finding my place in the world with my two cultures, this book has helped me feel so seen and heard and really emphasized that I am not alone in this journey to figuring out who I am and what I value. The rest stops along the sections are immensely helpful and thoughtful. Dr. Wang really wrote a book that spoke to my soul, and I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who may be lost, wanting to explore more about culture and mental health, and ready to be introspective.
HelpfulReport abuse
MamaWu
5.0 out of 5 stars Gives Asian Americans the language to name so many things.Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
I so wish I could gift all my AAPI friends this book. Weaving personal stories with her explanation of the complexities of being children of immigrants, this book helps u pack so so much. One of the most helpful features in this book are the questions after each little section- giving space and permission for the reader to pause and process and reflect. It’s not enough to just know things, the hard work of processing and applying must also happen. This book is a gift. Thank you.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
jaimie roxas
5.0 out of 5 stars Not that you ever need permission but since our upbringing has taught us to...Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
As a first generation Filipina immigrant, this book hits home for me. Every chapter is a permission my 8 year old self would have wanted to hear but I'm glad I'm hearing these words now. It is not too late for you as well.
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Rahadyan Timoteo Sastrowardoyo
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish this book had been published 40 years agoReviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dr. Jenny T. Wang's book is overdue and was much needed. It helped me in my understanding of myself and my parents (Indonesian father, Filipino mother). Each of them died years ago.
HelpfulReport abuse
Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars Audiobook- Enjoyable Audio format Read in Author’s Own VoiceReviewed in the United States on May 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
I echo how important and helpful the content of this book for everyone other reviewers have mentioned and would like to speak on the Audiobook version that can accompany or be acquired as a stand-alone to listen to.
The audiobook is very enjoyable and read by Dr. Jenny Wang, the author of Permission to Come Home. She has a calming and soothing tone of voice and pacing sounds conversational, while also being expressive and with amplifying emphasis for her words.
I highly recommend listening to the Audiobook because in addition to all the perks that come with listening to audio and being able to multi-task or rest the eyes, I also really felt like it was like listening to Dr. Wang tell me her ideas and thoughts on a very comforting way in her own voice.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Xiaomin Xue
5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed book!Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book spoke to me like none others have as an Asian American. It's help me process a lot of things that I went through with Asian Immigrant parents and how I've had to unlearn a lot for my own benefit. The importance of mental health for the Asian community is often nonexistent so this book is super important and I can't recommend it enough.
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
houtexan
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary for children of immigrantsReviewed in the United States on May 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dr. Wang validates our feelings as children of immigrants. We all have similar experiences and she gives great advice on how to navigate these experiences with our family and friends so that we can be a better version of ourselves.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Lynn T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy readReviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
Good book for discussion about Asian American issues
=====
Permission to Come Home takes Asian Americans on an empowering journey toward reclaiming their mental health. Weaving her personal narrative as a Taiwanese American together with her insights as a clinician and evidence-based tools, Dr. Jenny T. Wang explores a range of life areas that call for attention, offering readers the permission to question, feel, rage, say no, take up space, choose, play, fail, and grieve. Above all, she offers permission to return closer to home, a place of acceptance, belonging, healing, and freedom. For Asian Americans and Diaspora, this book is a necessary road map for the journey to wholeness. Pre-order now
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in Asian American, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the @asiansformentalhealth Instagram community, in which she discusses the unique experiences of Asian diaspora and immigrant communities. She spearheaded the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American Therapist Directory and its companion Canadian directory to help Asians seek culturally-reverent mental health providers.
Product details
Publisher : Balance (May 3, 2022)
Language : English
Hardcover : 288 pages
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
55 global ratings
5 star 88%
4 star 5%
3 star 5%
2 star 0% (0%)
0%
1 star 3%
Lisa Yan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, must read book for anyone!Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
As a young Asian American adult who has been struggling with identity and finding my place in the world with my two cultures, this book has helped me feel so seen and heard and really emphasized that I am not alone in this journey to figuring out who I am and what I value. The rest stops along the sections are immensely helpful and thoughtful. Dr. Wang really wrote a book that spoke to my soul, and I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who may be lost, wanting to explore more about culture and mental health, and ready to be introspective.
HelpfulReport abuse
MamaWu
5.0 out of 5 stars Gives Asian Americans the language to name so many things.Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
I so wish I could gift all my AAPI friends this book. Weaving personal stories with her explanation of the complexities of being children of immigrants, this book helps u pack so so much. One of the most helpful features in this book are the questions after each little section- giving space and permission for the reader to pause and process and reflect. It’s not enough to just know things, the hard work of processing and applying must also happen. This book is a gift. Thank you.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
jaimie roxas
5.0 out of 5 stars Not that you ever need permission but since our upbringing has taught us to...Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
As a first generation Filipina immigrant, this book hits home for me. Every chapter is a permission my 8 year old self would have wanted to hear but I'm glad I'm hearing these words now. It is not too late for you as well.
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Rahadyan Timoteo Sastrowardoyo
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish this book had been published 40 years agoReviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dr. Jenny T. Wang's book is overdue and was much needed. It helped me in my understanding of myself and my parents (Indonesian father, Filipino mother). Each of them died years ago.
HelpfulReport abuse
Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars Audiobook- Enjoyable Audio format Read in Author’s Own VoiceReviewed in the United States on May 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
I echo how important and helpful the content of this book for everyone other reviewers have mentioned and would like to speak on the Audiobook version that can accompany or be acquired as a stand-alone to listen to.
The audiobook is very enjoyable and read by Dr. Jenny Wang, the author of Permission to Come Home. She has a calming and soothing tone of voice and pacing sounds conversational, while also being expressive and with amplifying emphasis for her words.
I highly recommend listening to the Audiobook because in addition to all the perks that come with listening to audio and being able to multi-task or rest the eyes, I also really felt like it was like listening to Dr. Wang tell me her ideas and thoughts on a very comforting way in her own voice.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Xiaomin Xue
5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed book!Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book spoke to me like none others have as an Asian American. It's help me process a lot of things that I went through with Asian Immigrant parents and how I've had to unlearn a lot for my own benefit. The importance of mental health for the Asian community is often nonexistent so this book is super important and I can't recommend it enough.
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
houtexan
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary for children of immigrantsReviewed in the United States on May 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Dr. Wang validates our feelings as children of immigrants. We all have similar experiences and she gives great advice on how to navigate these experiences with our family and friends so that we can be a better version of ourselves.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport abuse
Lynn T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy readReviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
Good book for discussion about Asian American issues
=====
Showing 1-30
Average rating4.50 · Rating details · 199 ratings · 37 reviews
Write a review
Danielle Espinosa
Apr 07, 2022Danielle Espinosa rated it it was amazing
Permission to Come Home is unlike any “self-help” book that I’ve read, not only because it is one of the firsts that I’ve read specifically targeted toward Asian Americans wanting to explore their mental health, but because of the compassionate, tender relationship between the author and the reader. This book reads like a long walk with a wise but comforting companion, as Wang not only guides you through various exercises of introspection and self-exploration but also includes her own personal experiences through thoughtful self-disclosure.
Although she challenges the reader to reflect on the more harmful aspects of AAPI culture, it is done with nuance and respect for how these values may have helped our ancestors survive, but perhaps no longer serve those of us in later generations. Though this book challenged some harmful yet deeply-rooted beliefs, I nevertheless felt supported and encouraged throughout the entire reading process.
The book is divided into ten sections, each one offering you permission to explore the various aspects of Asian American culture in all its nuances and complexities.
Examples include
- Permission to Take Up Space,
- Permission to Fail, and
- Permission to Say No.
In each section, Wang invites you to reflect on how society, culture, and family influenced your upbringing, values, and relationships with others and yourself. Each section includes little “rest stops” that invite the reader to take a moment of introspection to reflect on how various cultural values and lessons serve you (or not.)
I am so happy and thankful this book exists as an Asian American therapist; this book has been long-needed and I am beyond eager to share it with all of my clients, colleagues, friends, and family. Permission to Come Home is a triumph and I am so thankful and in awe of Dr. Jenny Wang for sharing her knowledge, heart, and vulnerability with the world.
**Note that while I did receive an advanced copy, I was not paid to review or promote this book. All opinions are genuinely my own and I genuinely adore this book! (less)
flag10 likes · Like · comment · see review
Sharlene
Apr 25, 2022Sharlene rated it it was amazing
what a read and self-discovery. i’ll be going back to this book as reference to remind myself of the personal journey that is messy, triggering and hard. through constant self-reflection and the questions that jenny has laid out, she provides compassion and grace to unpack the engrained feelings and behaviors embedded from being a child of asian immigrant parents.
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
Thanhnguyen926gmail.Com
Mar 26, 2022Thanhnguyen926gmail.Com rated it really liked it
As an Asian American therapist myself, I couldn’t be happier to see this book. There’s been a dearth of research and writing in this area in my experience and this book does a concise introduction for individuals exploring issues prevalent within the community. I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I said it’s comprehensive because Asian isn’t a monolith by any means, but this book has breadth for a general introduction. I recommend for the casual reader and practitioners alike, there’s bound to be something in there for you:)
Please note, I was sent an ARC to review. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Kathryn Lee
Apr 20, 2022Kathryn Lee rated it it was amazing
Permission to Come Home is an invitation to question, feel, take up space, grieve, PLAY, and to come home. This book gently challenges and encourages readers via “rest stops” to reflect on how their own cultural and background has influenced their ways of thinking and feeling.
This book beautifully captures so many topics that I have explored and processed with myself and my own clients. This is such a great resource for the AAPI community, and I am so thrilled that I can add another AAPI mental health book to my shelf. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Emma Ito
Jul 30, 2022Emma Ito rated it it was amazing
I feel like this may have fundamentally changed the way that I approach things; this book has helped me to see the importance of values-based living; "With goals-based living, you ignore all the parts of yourself that do not directly help you reach that specific goal. You work long hours. You ignore important relationships. You keep making excuses instead of taking care of your mind and body. You just keep telling yourself to keep hustling because you can rest when you get your goal, except you never do." - Anyone else feeling called out 🥲 heh, but in contrast, values-based living means you focus solely on your set of core values and "is much less concerned about the outcomes that are produced or achieved, but instead focuses on whether we are living true to the values that define who we are." I know this may sound a little woo-woo, but it's really helped give me perspective. & for me, this interweaves with how we live in a capitalist, ableist, society that pushes us towards the goal setting & hustling, rather than values-based living.
Filled with chapters that include "Permission to Rage," "Permission to Say No," "Permission to Take Up Space," and more, I feel myself truly connecting & resonating with the words within these pages. I'm grateful this book exists & that it has allowed me the space to unpack. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Tiffany Low
May 29, 2022Tiffany Low rated it liked it
Shelves: recs, self-help
As someone who has been interested in mental health for many years, I acknowledge that this book is very comprehensive in covering many different topics of self exploration. In particular, I think it is incredibly helpful in opening up conversation for Asian-American families, who historically have had a lot of stigma towards talking about subjects of boundaries, grief, and guilt.
Dr. Wang answers a lot of questions as they came up, often in the immediately next paragraph. I appreciate her thorough account, her life experiences, and the various steps in her life that she pulls anecdotes from. They are very powerful. I think chapter five and six are her strongest chapters (talking specifically about immigration guilt and fear of setting boundaries). The others are drawn from TED talks and other popular social psychologists.
I wish that this book centered more on the Asian-American experience and it’s effects of guilt on decision making, which was the subject that really drew me in. The other chapters felt more generic and unfocused in comparison, especially the chapter on guilt (which is a very heavy topic that felt squeezed in). Also, I would’ve liked it more if it wasn’t in a self help format with exercises and rest stops, but that is my personal preference. Overall, still a great book on mental health and conversations starter for those wanting to learn more emotional literacy. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Mikaela
Apr 01, 2022Mikaela rated it it was amazing
Note: I received an ARC to review. While none of the information has been really new to me, it provided language to the different layers that impact my experiences as the child of Asian immigrants - some of which I have struggled to name in my own healing journey. I felt really seen and understood as I read through these chapters. I'm excited to explore some of the themes discussed in this book (such as grief, boundaries, etc.) with my own Asian clients, and to recommend it to my colleagues who are seeking to better understand this specific population and our varying cultural experiences. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Michelle
May 21, 2022Michelle rated it really liked it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. thank God someone wrote this!! now someone write a better one
- focus on parallelism/thematic elements sometimes took away from more poignant or impactful points
- tendency to go abstract, whereas concrete examples (albeit personal) were much more powerful
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
===
Toni Rose Deanon
Jun 25, 2022Toni Rose Deanon rated it it was amazing
Another amazing book. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
===
Pooja Mathur
Sep 05, 2022Pooja Mathur rated it it was amazing
I feel like this book captured so many feelings I also have/had throughout my life. It resonated with me a lot. I feel like I'll want to come back to this book again and again. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
===
Ellie Coggins
May 22, 2022Ellie Coggins rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2022
I highly recommend this book for any reader who considers themselves part of the Asian diasporas. While it is geared mainly toward first, second, third, etc. generation immigrants, there were some really valuable takeaways that I read even as an Asian transracial adoptee. I love how this book is helping to destigmatize mental health in the Asian community.
Thank you GCP Balance for the gifted copy.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
===
Tiffany Dang
Apr 08, 2022Tiffany Dang rated it it was amazing
As an Asian American psychotherapist, this book is a much needed resource and invaluable to our community as we break down stigmas of mental health and learn to take up the space we are worth of. Jenny has written a beautiful invitation that gently and compassionately and guides the reader through areas that are crucial to re-evaluate and challenge if we are to live a whole and healed and free life. What she has done is a crucial blend of sharing her own journey and laying forth tools to help the reader navigate what healing looks like for them. This is going to remain a book I reference in sessions and let clients know about. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Kevina Wang
Jun 19, 2022Kevina Wang rated it really liked it
So much respect for Dr. Wang; She is a trailblazer in mental health activism and destigmatization for Asians, as we are so underrepresented in the field and our culture works against it.
Takeaways:
-welcome and expect discomfort in every aspect of life if you want to find home
-continual exploration and effort is a necessary part of life; welcome the failure and grief that it inevitably brings, as these are both growth opportunities.
-you can balance empathizing with others (boundaries, cultural values, etc.), while also honoring yourself
-give yourself permission to question, feel, rage, say no, take up space, choose, fail, play, grieve, and come home.
-live values-based living, and frequently reflect (i.e. once a quarter) on how you've lived your values and if your values have shifted (what matters to you? what type of person do you want to become? what do I stand for? what do I do when no one is watching? what brings me passion, joy, and excitement?)
-Dealing with rage: 1. Name your anger 2. Calm the Body 3. Dig and Explore 4. Accept or Act
-Setting boundaries: 1. Pay attention to you emotions "not necessarily as absolute facts, but as signals for deeper investigation." 2. Define the borders of the boundary 3. Find a healthy or workable boundary 4. Expect counterreactions; hold that boundary
-Allowing and rebounding from failure: 1. Get comfortable with discomfort and negative emotion 2. Name the shame that has been wrapped around the failure 3. Consider what the failure is bringing to you instead of what it is taking away 3. Consider what next step you can take with the information failure offers you 5. Try again through action (pg. 180)
This book was touching and heartwarming as I felt understood and seen. Her naming of sources of grief and personal anecdotes were relatable and it touched me deeply.
My only critiques are that while heartwarming, I feel as though I didn't learn very much from this book, insights were self-evident and surface-level, and sentences didn't communicate thoughts clearly. Sometimes, even after re-reading I couldn't understand what exactly Dr. Wang was trying to say. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Justin
Aug 21, 2022Justin rated it really liked it
Shelves: psychology
I picked up Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans after discovering Jenny Wang on social media. Given the stigma and unfamiliarity with mental health in marginalized groups, her book is a long-awaited resource for the Asian American community.
The book integrates Wang's personal experience, clinical practice, and evidence-based research. Wang writes in a conversational way, making this an accessible read for both professionals and the general public. The ten chapters (all titled with Permission to…) cover different topics ranging from emotions like anger and grief. Others delve into giving oneself permission to say no or take up space while other sections focus on embracing failure and play. Wang concludes with a chapter defining home as a psychological state unique to each person.
I enjoyed the ACT-based focus of the book and Wang beginning with core values. Due to the subjective nature and nuances of working with Asian Americans (or any marginalized group), there's rarely a clear-cut answer. Each person has to navigate their unique path. In particular, I loved her idea of home given there often isn't a physical space for people caught between cultures or identities to exist. Home is something we have to cultivate from within ourselves.
If you're familiar with therapy or the field in any way, there's nothing mind-blowing about this book. As a whole, it's a well-organized guide identifying many key clinical concerns of Asian Americans as well as a general resource for those seeking to better understand themselves and better relate to others. My only critique was that some of the chapters read more generally rather than specific to Asian Americans. I don't think this is a problem considering Wang can't possibly encompass such a diverse population. And it'd be misleading and possibly offensive to attempt to generalize given Asian Americans aren't a monolith. Nonetheless, the benefit is the wider application to people from (perhaps more collectivist) backgrounds may find helpful. Overall, Permission to Come Home is a much-needed book in the mental health field. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Shana
Jun 26, 2022Shana rated it really liked it
Permission to Come Home is a great starting place for Asian Americans to begin considering the intersections of their cultural/ethnic heritage and their mental health. Dr. Wang narrows in on areas of similarity between diverse Asian communities, such as values, beliefs, immigration experience, and more. She draws references from her own life as a Taiwanese American, and uses her experiences to exemplify lessons she seeks to impart. Because of her own background, I do see the book as speaking most closely to the East Asian experience, but that does not mean it wouldn't be or isn't helpful to those of other backgrounds as well. This is also a book that is for a person who wants to do some self-reflection with a useful aid, as opposed to one that teaches mental health practitioners how to work with Asian Americans. That said, it certainly wouldn't hurt for them to read it! The ideas in this book aren't new; Dr. Wang takes the existing knowledge around these topics and applies them within a specific context. She curated them for this population in a way that reflects a respect and understanding for the kinds of challenges faced by Asian Americans. In my own work with Asian American clients, I can definitely see the value and necessity in this. Many of my clients seemed to seek me out after having negative experiences with other therapists who othered them and pathologized aspects of their identity and experience out of ignorance and lack of care. I also recognize the importance for me to do this deeper reflection for myself so that I can support my clients through their own journeys. I've already utilized the book in my practice of bibliotherapy and I think it is perfectly set up to be a guide for a structured group. I wonder if Dr. Wang saw it that way at all, and I'd be curious to see if that is something she would cosign as I could see it as a powerful tool for healing and growth. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Alice Ferris
Jul 17, 2022Alice Ferris rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I first heard about this book during an interview with Jenny Wang on NPR's Life Kit. I immediately thought Dr. Wang was inside my brain. Then I read this book and felt like we were related. I am so grateful for Dr. Wang's willingness to be vulnerable and write a story that reflects so much of my Asian American experience. I listened to the Audible version and am already reading it again in the Kindle version to take more notes.
Several chapters particularly resonated with me: Permission to Feel, Permission to Say No, Permission to Take Up Space, Permission to Fail, and Permission to Grieve. Oh, geez, I guess that's most of the book. Permission to Grieve was a challenging chapter to get through--I had to take several breaks to gather my thoughts--because I had never realized that I have been grieving the loss of a connection to a culture that I have never been truly part of.
Dr. Wang captures the challenges of always being an other--not only are Asian Americans not Asian but we're not "American" either. I have already sent this book to my sister, an Asian American colleague, and my son. This book is a powerful narrative I hope more people will hear and embrace. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Aj
Aug 23, 2022Aj rated it it was amazing
definitely recommend, especially for children of immigrants.
Some of the chapters have already helped me to think differently about my own mental health journey. She has a chapter on giving ourselves permission to feel emotions like anger, which can help to signal where things need to change in our lives. How do we work to be okay with uncomfortable emotions? In part, thru recognizing their value to helping us figure out what's going on.
The sections on boundaries and guilt also resonated. I feel guilty a lot, and also feel guilty when setting boundaries because of a lot of resentment and push back I get. She writes about how to consider guilt... is it because of an internal/external expectation? Is it from actually hurting someone? I mean, this was a huge game changer and has already helped me to stop feeling guilty so much.
She offers a lot of insights also through her own life and am grateful that Dr. Wang was willing to be vulnerable to put this book out in the world. This is one of the few books I've ever dogearred, and will be returning to different pages again and again! (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Chris Dunn
Aug 01, 2022Chris Dunn rated it really liked it
Shelves: aapi
Organized by chapters on boundaries, taking up space, grieving, and more, this book touches on universal mental health obstacles and strategies, but from an AAPI/immigrant lens.
Reading Dr. Wang's personal reflections and professional observations, I was reminded even more strongly how unique each of our experiences is — even though Dr. Wang and I share some cultural touchstones (family in Taiwan, intense code-switching and assimilation as children, choosing a career path counter to our parents' wishes), there were many examples of challenges and strategies I simply couldn't relate to.
Without faulting Dr. Wang, I wish this book could have dived more deeply into each of the topics. I'm not sure how effective that might have been — a book can't replace therapy, and this isn't at all a case study — but I felt that each chapter started to scratch at the surface of fathomless potential before ending on a compassionate but abrupt note. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
☆ Katie
Aug 23, 2022☆ Katie rated it it was amazing
Shelves: asian-lit, self-help
When I first heard about this book, I was initially unsure how relevant it would be for me. I don't suffer from depression or any other diagnosed mental disorders, but I came to realize that I still deal with mental health, just like everyone else. The topics and anecdotes in this story will resonate particularly well with Asian Americans whose parents were immigrants from their home country. As a model minority in this country, I have often struggled with things like voicing a strong opinion or feeling a sense of belonging and ownership. The chapter called Permission to Take Up Space spoke at length about this phenomenon and how to overcome these limitations society and culture have imposed upon us.
This book provides a reference for an extremely important issue that often gets overlooked in the Asian American community. I am grateful that this topic is gaining more of a platform and hope it will continue to make strides in this direction. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Paul Han
Aug 18, 2022Paul Han rated it it was amazing
Grateful for this book. Lays out so many of the struggles that Asian Americans face; so much of being Asian American is dealing with dissonant value systems, and the marginalization that occurs when straddling different cultural norms.
One question, though, is whether this book leans a little too heavily into "Western" ideals, while problematizing some traditionally Asian values: such as the idea of choice. Not that forging your own path is wrong, but is that really so important for mental health? Can we just tow the line? Is doing what you love more important than loving what you do?
But then, this question arises from exactly what Dr Wang is addressing. And she writes about these issues in a delicate and sympathetic way. So overall, it’s hard not to love this book. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Pris K
Jun 13, 2022Pris K rated it really liked it
Dr. Jenny Wang's writings and reflections on Asian Americans mental health was validating and reassuring. The work she's done in her personal life felt like it applied in my own life- it's as if I can take all the work she has done, and the realizations she's had, and just use. I feel like the scenarios she brings up are ones that I struggle to maneuver through at times in daily situations. I'm thankful for her book and her courage to share some personal and vulnerable things that have happened in her life. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Jamie Yu
Jun 25, 2022Jamie Yu rated it liked it
idk exactly what I was expecting, but this was more of a generic self-help book than I expected. the beginning I found quite generic, and if you've been to therapy regularly, it's all the same stuff. however, I did really like the chapter on grief, as well as the final chapter, permission to come home. i guess i wanted this book to really help me on my own asian american journey with mental health but it didn't really do that. it didn't help me that much, but i support reading this if you think it'll help you (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Eliza
Aug 01, 2022Eliza rated it it was amazing
The title of this book is profound and moving, and I was ready to brace myself through the content. To my surprise, and great relief, the content felt like a soft place to land instead. It is amazing that the author is able to write both powerfully and gently. As a therapist and an Asian-American, this book resonated deeply. I highly recommended it, especially for first and second-generation individuals and communities.
flagLike · see review
Kimber
Aug 11, 2022Kimber rated it it was amazing
This was an absolutely amazing read. There were so many deep questions to reflect about and unpack. The structure was well-organized, thought-provoking, and I look forward to re-reading this to work on improving my own metal health.
flagLike · comment · see review
AJ Jimenez
Sep 10, 2022AJ Jimenez rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A must read for any AAPI individual!!!
Very inspiring and sympathetic book about AAPI culture and mental health. The content is treated with great care and showed me a way to heal myself as well as address what I have been experiencing.
flagLike · comment · see review
Varsha Ravi
May 31, 2022Varsha Ravi rated it it was amazing
She read me like a book. Hard to face but good for me to face. Love her and this book
flagLike · comment · see review
Rahadyan
Jun 13, 2022Rahadyan rated it it was amazing
Dr. Jenny T. Wang's book is overdue and was much needed. It helped me in my understanding of myself and my parents (Indonesian father, Filipino mother). Each of them died years ago. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Esther
Jul 05, 2022Esther rated it it was amazing
Reading this book is a healing journey. I wish it existed 20 years ago. So good.
flagLike · comment · see review
Patty
Jul 14, 2022Patty rated it really liked it
I identified with so much of this book. I wish there had been examples in addition to the ones from the author's life, as some of this stuff gets abstract. But still, a very worthwhile read. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Louise
Sep 01, 2022Louise rated it it was amazing
Chapter on workable guilt and boundaries were especially helpful.
flagLike · comment · see review
No comments:
Post a Comment