MA IN ALL CAPS

by Jay Kuo

MA IN ALL CAPS is a laugh-out-loud hilarious “ma-moir” about an irrepressible woman, known to world as MA. Epic and sweeping in its storytelling, but as intimate as a son’s love for his ailing mother, it’s David Sedaris meets Amy Tan in a family saga with an unforgettable tiger mom holding center stage.Ma is the opinionated matriarch of the Kuo clan, the scion of a once wealthy and powerful Chinese family that lost everything during two devastating wars and has been struggling since to regain its former glory. Through her unfiltered storytelling spanning five generations, three centuries, and two continents, Ma brings you into the Kuo family, leaving you amazed by her wit and bluntness and charmed by her inimitable way of looking at and judging the world.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, China, Biography Memoir, LGBT, Humor

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2023

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Jay Kuo's social media for a while now, because I like the measured way that he delves into current events and politics (plus, if National Treasure George Takei likes him, that's pretty much a no-brainer), and throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I've followed his posts about his mother and her unique personality and perspective. I was very sad when she passed, and so when I learned that Jay was writing a book about her, of course that was an auto-read.

And it was great. She lived an eventful life, that's for sure! I didn't love how this was structured - it felt a little too formulaic to me. Modern Ma anecdote -> story about the past. Repeat, repeat, repeat. But, that small complaint aside (and really, how else SHOULD it have been structured? I don't know.), I did really enjoy getting to know her and her life story and her family's and country's and culture's history.

Jay is a wonderful writer, and he really brings her to life in a way that makes sure her memory will not soon be forgotten.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Kuo's memoir is utterly charming. We meet his parents, who grew up in China during the cultural revolution (his mother was born during the invasion of Nanking), as well as his siblings ... and see the challenges of immigrant life.

Kuo's Ma is the focus of the memoir, with her stories about growing up in China and how she came to the United States ... but we also see Kuo dealing with coming out to a very traditional family (spoiler: they come around).

I learned about this book because I subscribe to Kuo's brilliant Substack (Kuo is a lawyer by training, and his analyses of various issues are accessible and accurate). He carries his authorial voice from the newsletter to this book, and it was simply a delightful read.

[Sharon E Hiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read from start to finish

I had previously read excerpts in Patreon but this book pulled it together so nicely and even has a bit of a wonderful surprise that makes me look forward to Jay's own story going forward! MA IN ALL CAPS will stick in my mind and be a re-read for certain.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I have loved Jay’s excerpts with his mother since I started following him on Facebook before Trump’s election. Having this book that delved further into their relationship, Ma’s history, and Jay’s own future is something special.

And that ending! I was grinning from ear to ear!

[Lina Fang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobooked. Kaiser was such a great narrator. Family is messy and complicated and beautiful!

[Michelle Scott Roark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining. And also very educational regarding Chinese history. Absolutely lovely ending!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began reading Jay Kuo's FB essays around the time of the 2020 election and have been a fan ever since. I really enjoyed this moving and funny collection of stories about his special relationship with his Ma. His family's history, going back to pre-WWII China was fascinating to learn about. The only thing that keeps this from getting a full 5 stars from me is that I wish more of the story was told in chronologic order. It was sometimes hard to remember what had happened between chapters because it bounces around so much (it might have been helpful to include a timeline at the beginning/end of the book). Some of the stories told were also a bit repetitive. Overall though, I would highly recommend.

[Jill Fleischmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book. Jay Kuo’s brother narrated it. He did such a good job voicing their mother’s words.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Jay Kuo (@readthestatuskuo) on social media for several years now, and recently this year on Substack, because I love his insightful commentary on politics and global events. In 2020 as a new follower, I grew to appreciate and enjoy his stories of MA-- her fascinating life and their funny conversations (with her quotes in all caps, of course). I was sad when he wrote about MA's passing, and when I saw that he was writing this MA-moir, I knew I had to read it.

I truly enjoyed it. It was one of my slow reads, chipping away at it throughout this year (which isn't abnormal for me when it comes to non-fiction) to really take it in. It wasn't just about MA; he included his whole family when writing about his past, delving into the complexities of Chinese and American culture, generational expectations, and three centuries of family history.

If I had to pick words for it: Witty, honest, entertaining, educational, and heart-warming. I SO wish I had snagged a signed copy when they were available, because it would certainly be a favorite on my shelf.

Anyway, it's fitting that this the last book I finished in 2024. I know that I'm not alone when I say that Jay provides more than just political information and relatable commentary. As we approach 2025 and the new administration, I believe a lot of us will looking to him for guidance and, dare I say, hope.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Jay Kuo’s political essays for a couple of years now, and have been impressed with his ability to distill the events of the day and provide context and predictions. Based on the previews that he has provided for this book, I expected it to be a light-hearted and humorous treatment of the family matriarch, MA, but it was far more than that. Reaching back to the family’s origins in China, we learn of their triumphs and challenges going back to the Cultural Revolution, and their assimilation into the U.S. - or rather the siblings’ assimilation - MA apparently never did fully assimilate, based on her clumsy English. Historical perspective is interwoven with more recent conversations with MA, in particular Jay’s almost daily chats with her during the pandemic. The book, though quite long, feels a bit rushed at the end, following the death of his father, but ends on a high note with a delightful surprise.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

MA as CAPtured by Jay

Jay Kuo laid out the chessboard of his family’s life, shining spotlights on individuals, some in bright tones of love and others in subtle tones of conflict. As each piece was moved, studied, enjoined and set aside, the board opened up but the win seemed uncertain. Each chess set is composed of many pieces, some seem strong, others seem less so. Yet each plays a vital role that cannot be subsumed or omitted.
The “end” of each round of chess is actually the beginning of the next. Thank you Jay Kuo for sharing your love of your family with us.

[Sarah Pascarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay and his extended family have lived such fascinating lives, worthy of an epic cinematic or stage treatment: There's fortunes gained and lost, cross-global migration, war battles, addiction battles, love triangles, illness, estrangements, and stranger-than-fiction lucky circumstances. Just like on his Substack The Status Kuo, Jay's storytelling is full of wit, humor, and empathy. Overall this is a story of endurance, persistence, and hope, achieved through a family's unflagging love and support for each other. Highly recommend!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following the author’s political and social blogs for the past few years and was so excited for the release of this book. He shares generations of family dynamics, culture, social/gender roles, commitment to family, education, and deep connections. The book also provides insight into Chinese politics and history, alongside Jay’s personal stories of coming out, moving away, and adult relationships through grief, loss, and hope for the future. He is brilliant and grateful he offered his family’s journey and love for MA and Ba.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

love MA!

I was sorry when I finished this because I wanted to keep spending time with this delightful family. I know so little about China and its history, but by sharing the stories of his parents’ remarkable families, so tied up in China’s history themselves, Jay has edified me significantly. I even found myself streaming Chinese metal music (from Jay’s brother’s band, Tang Dynasty) as I read. I knew Jay as a political blogger on Substack and the mind behind George Takei’s social media empire, but now I feel like I know his family too, and I like them all very much.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and informative

As a longtime follower of the author’s insightful global and political commentary, I was eager to read this book. It did not disappoint - the story was cohesive and easy to read, blending his immediate family’s story with a longer, more historical look at his extended family in China and the US. I learned several things, but mostly enjoyed reading about the idiosyncrasies of an interesting, loving group of people. Highly recommend!

[Sally Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every person has a story. Jay Kuo's Ma-moir looks at generational expectations through the eyes of his grandparents, parents, and siblings in this engaging read. It's also a tale of China during the creation of the PRC, Chinese exodus to Taiwan and America, and the evolving definition of what it is to be Chinese and Chinese-American. Throw in interracial marriage, homosexuality, illness, and death for a detailed look at what could be the story of any American family.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very fond of Jay Kuo and have followed his blog regarding political issues. He is super smart and also funny.
I enjoyed reading parts of this book. It does provide a bit of insight into the Chinese culture that he came from. Especially regarding family relationships. He and his mother have some interesting conversations. Where I lost interest was her stories about her family members.
Overall it is an entertaining read.

[Kimfu]

I laughed and cried throughout this entire book! I was so moved by the relationship the author had with his mother. In many ways, it reminded me of the relationship I had with my own mother.

I felt this book wasn't only a memoir about the mother, but also a memoir of the author. His thoughts, feelings, and experiences played an important role in this book and helped bring it to life!

二零二四年： 第九本书

[Kerri Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this memoir by Jay Kuo. I expected it to be full of funny misunderstandings and language faux pas, but it was actually a heartwarming and educational story of a family from war torn China to America and back again. If you don’t know about Jay Kuo, he’s a political columnist and former lawyer.

[Marcia Bakkom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful feel good book!

I only.knew.of Jay Kuo through his political posts. I really didn't know.he was Chinese. This book about his ma and his family is heart warming. It's also about Chinese cultures and history. I love his ma and his family. I am so glad I read this.book!

[Carrie Thoreson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Ma-moir! Jay Kuo opened up about his family and their interesting history going back a couple generations. I listened to the audiobook so I was able to hear Ma’s voice “spoken” by her son Kaiser Kuo. That aspect made Ma’s stories come to life for me.
Funny and heartwarming at the same time. This is worth a read, or listen.

[Carolyn Valcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MA-moir, as Jay Kuo calls it, about his Chinese mother and the way she speaks, telling the history of her family, which is fascinating.
Kuo is a natural storyteller, and the history of his family is amazing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

a memoir about a remarkable mother

A loving and equally exasperated son tells his family history from a variety of angles including transcripts of his text messages to and from his mother during Covid.

[Sandra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich history and wonderful story

Jay Kuo weaves the rich history of his family into the reasons for his talents and motivations. His story telling is funny, educational, and heart warming. I couldn't help but love Ma and Ba as he does.

[Beth Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

Such a vibrant history! Told by a Master Storyteller. I couldn't put it down. MA'S quirky comments were sometimes funny and most times spot on .

[Ann Korte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick to read, although the dialogue parts take a little getting used to with Ma's being in all caps (natch).

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Humor, political history, politics, family history.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. What a tangled web families weave. Loved it!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting weave of family dynamics and Chinese history.

[Keely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Kuo’s MA lived a big life—what an honor to her that he wrote this about her and you get to laugh and learn the whole way.