We Were Dreamers is an autobiography by Simu Liu. I am a fan of his career and I greatly enjoyed learning more about his life.

I enjoyed reading Liu's story...from his childhood to how his career started. My daughter and I love how he connects with his heritage and the passion he has for acting.

Simu’s story is so well told and beautiful. I love him as an actor and it was so fascinating to hear more about his life and journey. A sweet, real and lovely read.

This was so inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I adore Simu, so I was super excited to read his memoir! And his story is simultaneously really sad and really inspiring.

Thank you to William Morrow and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I really didn't know who Simu Liu was when I requested this book, but it sounded like something that would interest me.

Simu Liu certainly has a facinating story to tell. From growing up with his grandparents to moving to Canada with his parents, his life has certainly turned out to be on a different path then he originally thought it would.

This book really kept my interest and he really as an amazing story to tell. I will definitely be recommending this one.

A great read. The author has a unique voice and a sense of humor about himself. I felt for the parents from time to time but the books seems to leave their relationship in positive place which I appreciated.

I like memoirs. When I saw the title We Were Dreamers, I immediately put in a request to read it. Understand that I had no idea who Simu Liu was at the time I started reading his book. It didn’t take long for me to be fascinated by his life story. After watching him as Shang-Chi in the successful Marvel superhero movie, I was rooting for his success. Consider me a fan!

For starters Simu Liu's voice is warm golden honey, this audiobook is beyond amazing.
Simu's story is equal parts emotional and empowering. He tells the story of his life as an immigrant, dealing with stereotypes, parental pressure, and cultural differences coming to light.
I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone who looks its way. I am so confident that this man is going to continue to do great things!

Where do I even start with this book? I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! It's so honest and inspiring. I loved that Liu shared his stories about his complicated relationship with his immigrant parents growing up. It was relatable.

A heart-wrenchingly beautiful book! The authentic and stunning writing evoked a deep emotional response, whether laughing out loud at the author's unique sense of humor and childhood antics, or holding back tears so I could keep reading about his struggles with his family. I could not put this book down and itched to return to the clever, witty prose. I certainly didn't want the book to end but I hope Simu Liu will write more soon!

After having loved Simu Liu on Kim's Convenience, I was so excited for this book. He's someone I really enjoyed learning more about, however it's a hard book as a parent because of the abuse he suffered as a child. For those who like current "superstars" this is one you should check out. For those who want to read about POC this is a great new voice.

As a fan of Simu Liu, I was excited to read his autobiography. I can honestly say it took me through every single emotion while reading it. I laughed (a lot), I teared up, I wanted to hug him, and I really want to be his friend. This is a great book, with great insights into someone who is taking Hollywood by storm!

We’ve all heard the words, “don’t give up” and “keep at it, because soon, things will go your way.” By the time you finish reading this book, you will ask yourself, “how in the world did Simu get the Shang-Chi part?” He was skipped over for a part in “Crazy Rich Asians” because he didn’t have the “it” factor. Imagine what he felt like when he was told that. But before that happened, he had been a struggling actor for many years…really struggling…really. Heartbreaking struggle, really. From being brought up by grandparents in China to citizenship in Canada, how in the world did Simu get the Shang-Chi part? Both hilarious and eye-opening at the same time, you won’t be able to put this book down after reading about Simu’s roots, his beloved family, and the incredible work he put into his craft before Shang-Chi came his way. A great read.

Daggumit, Simu. You made me cry... repeatedly.

What a freaking beautiful, funny, emotional, and inspiring memoir. Just, daggum, it's so good.

EXCERPT: "We all know actor Simu Liu as the titular Shang-Chi, but in his new memoir We Were Dreamers, he offers that necessary backstory — a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Shang-Chi, sure, but mostly an honest, critical look at how Liu got the role of Shang-Chi and the events in his life that have shaped his thoughts about superheroes."

Full review published online at Asia Pacific Arts Magazine.

We Were Dreamers
by Simu Liu
Pub Date: May 17, 2022
William Morrow
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book! The star of Marvel’s first Asian superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, tells his own origin story of being a Chinese immigrant, his battles with cultural stereotypes and his own identity, becoming a TV star, and landing the role of a lifetime.
I really enjoyed reading this memoir! Great Book! I highly recommend it.
5 stars

Simu Liu's memoir is a great read with accessible writing about his experience growing up in an immigrant family. Growing up in a POC household myself, it was jarring to see that though our cultures are different, there are so many parallels. The majority of the time spent in his memoir is spent pre-Kim's Convenience, from childhood to young adulthood, and how he tried to balance the expectations of his parents with his own hopes and desires. Sometimes it balances out, and other times, everything crashes. Liu is open and honest about his choices and his relationship with his parents, checking in with them through multiple parts of the story. While this is his 'origin story,' it's also a reflection on the relationship with his parents. I laughed, I cried, and I called my mom.

Simu Liu's autobiography will be available everywhere on May 17, 2022. The publisher William Morrow has made the galley available in exchange for this honest review.

My first exposure to Simu Liu was when he appeared in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; I felt he did an amazing job as the lead in that Marvel movie. He then hosted Saturday Night Live, further showcasing his wit and charm. When I saw that his autobiography was coming out, I knew I needed to put it on my reading list.

I really enjoyed his story and that of his parents as well. Their immigration experience is very enlightening and, thanks to Simu Liu's honest and humorous delivery, very entertaining. There were times I found myself laughing out loud and smiling.

Thank you to Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is hands down one of my favorite memoirs. It’s funny, honest, inspirational, and fun to read. Completely recommend.

This memoir tells the story of every minority kid trying to forge their own path under the weight of their parents’ expectations. Simu Liu tells the story of his rise to fame in an honest and comedic manner that every immigrants’ kid can feel they relate to. I can only hope the video mentioned in this book surfaces one day because little Simu in a band is something I definitely want to see.