I confess that it took me quite a while to actually read Fresh Off the Boat. I first grew to love the Huang family from the tv series Fresh Off the Boat, drawn to the humor and camaraderie and the references to Chinese/Asian culture.

When I finally did read Eddie Huang's work, I was chuckling out loud. While the characters in the book are a little different from their tv portrayal, the book gives you a full sense of Eddie's attitude and where he's coming from. There's a bit more swearing, nudity, crazy behavior in the book but it only helps to reveal more of Eddie's character and background. Overall, Fresh Off the Boat will appeal to the tv audience, Chinese Americans, Asian Americans, and other folks who are interested in what it means to grow up in America today. If you have an open mind, a sense of humor and a love of food and family, this book will engage you and draw you in.