YELL-Oh Girls!: Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity, and Growing Up Asian American

by Vickie Nam (Editor)

In this groundbreaking collection of personal writings, young Asian American girls come together for the first time and engage in a dynamic converstions about the unique challenges they face in their lives. Promoted by a variety of pressing questions from editor Vickie Nam and culled from hundreds of submission from all over the country, these revelatory essays, poems, and stories tackle such complex issues as dual identities, culture clashes, family matters, body image, and the need to find one's voice.

With a foreword by Phoebe Eng, as well as contributions from accomplished Asian American women mentors Janice Mirikitani, Helen Zia, Nora Okja Keller, Lois-Ann Yamanaka, Elaine Kim, Patsy Mink, and Wendy Mink, Yell-Oh Girls! is an inspiring and much-needed resource for young Asian American girls.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Asian American, Race, Asian Literature, Sociology, Anthologies

297 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2001

Reviews

[talyahbasit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cultural clashes, sexism, identity crisis, the ramifications of racism, this is what all the Meggys and Lizs and Diyas have examined in this anthology of Asian American girlhoods. Their individual voices differ in tone and pitch, sometimes cynical and passive while other times a crescendo of words, demanding change and action. In their experiences they are not always harmonious but the voices always chime in unison when asked about their identity. The hyphen, the need to be a bridge between two (or more) vastly distinct cultures, the feverish desire to be accepted on both sides of the equation. East meets West, East=West. Harness the voices and fill that brimming potential by reaching out. It���s Vicki Nam who has made this project possible, who has produced this collection of essays, stories, poems among other artistic works. For whom it���s for: laugh and cry along with the girls, feel some general embarrassment and yes, sigh ���oh so I wasn���t the only one-���! And scream like hell.
Offing a Tangent: By compiling a book for Asian Americans written by Asian Americans, is the editor unwittingly following the same separatist attitude the book is trying so very hard to overcome? To truly make her point, (that Asian Americans are not different from their American peers, simply another ingredient on its way into that bubbling, coalescing melting pot) the editor should have included some ���other��� voices as well. Tap, tap.

A few of my faves:
"We grow up being taught that all men are created equal. We are told not to worry because that statement implicitly includes us. We begin to wonder if Asians or women deserve more than they have received in the form of a few meager pages and minor footnotes in American history. We fail to take pride in our predecessors��� contributions. We feel neglected in this melting pot nation. We almost melt away. We then try to be ���Asian��� instead. We fail. We remember that some great white man once said that all men are created equal. We want to be men and cannot. We feel condemned as the non-Asian, on-American race and the non-important gender. We are confused until we learn that there is a term that describes who are-Asian American women. We like it. We find comfort in each other. We find pride. We find the term Asian American women more in the American history we���re making."
-Elizabeth

'Asia America' is a frame of mind, a spiritual place that is located neither in Asia nor America, but hovering somewhere above, between, and around the hearts and souls of the people who belong to it. Especially for those of us who were born here- we feel alienated in America and estranged in the countries our parents came from-Asian America is the closest thing to a place to call home."

[Jacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

so perhaps I'm just not in essay-mode lately, but this book just didn't buzz for me at all. It's a collection of essays by young asian american women about growing up as such in the american landscape. There's only so far and deep a 15-19 year old can go in 1-3 pages so, for me, each essay, no matter how good, seemed a bit shallow and a bit repetitive (of the other essays in the book). I would have enjoyed it more if there were a greater range of ages, and lengths. There were s few standouts, but even those get lost in a book all about the same thing.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a review, per se, but a suggestion. If you choose to read this excellent collection, don't skip the INTRO!! I confess, I have a bad habit of wanting to get to the good stuff myself and blazing past it! The intro reveals author Nam's own story very eloquently, and drives home the reason the book is needed in the first place.

[Tran Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book as a teenager when I first moved to USA. Very relatable.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

"YELL-Oh Girls! signals a movement among girls who are tired of being spoken for. And for those who are seeking guidance and support from peers, family members, and mentors, it's a way of reaching out. It outlines reasons why we should initiate and support more collaborative creative projects that showcase young emerging artists. It presents a wide-lens snapshot of our outspoken, diverse, and dynamic community, and it's an endeavor that will set millions of wheels in motion, starting an ongoing dialogue that will hopefully bridge cultural and generational divides"
-from Vickie Nam's Epilogue, Editor of YELL-Oh Girls!

This book has sat unread on my bookshelf for over a decade. I got it in high school. It was my friend's older sister's copy and he said that I could take it. It has her name written on the inside cover. I wonder if she ever realized it was missing and knows that I'm the one who took it.

Reading this in high school might have helped me express my feelings, might have helped me feel more understood, might have changed my perspective, might have, might have, might have...I can't focus on the woulda-coulda-shoulda if I read this book growing up. Even at my (almost) age of 30, it was still a powerful and insightful read as it would've been for me years ago. I was moved and extremely impressed with many of the stories especially at how well articulated these essays were written at such young ages.

Below is a list of my favorite essays & a highlighted quote:

"But I was insistent on this hyphenated identity, mainly because I felt that I was a type of American (i.e., Korean as an adjective, American as noun) - a cultural hybrid." -Kim Chee and Yellow Peril by Jenny S. Kim

Insomnia by Tina Shim
Chicken Tinola by Rebecca Villanueva
I Love You, Dad (An Unsent Letter) by Grace Song
My Mother's Food by Nora Okja Keller
Funny Girl by Diya Gullapalli
Going Undercover by Wendy M. Thompson

2020 Asian American Heritage Month Read - Book #1

[Angeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book told me many stories about Asian American Girls and their different experiences no matter if they were good or bad. I learnt more about how these girls were stereotyped and how they felt about others and could really link to my current life. I learnt about how these girls felt about their own culture, country and how they look. I would recommend this book to Asians who want to if any other girls have the same experience as them, and also girls from other ethicity as you would certainly be able to understand how Asian girls feel about being stereotyped and how Asian girls would like to be treated.
I felt sad for some girls who returned to their country and are being outcasted just because they cannot speak their own language.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe Eng's intro to the book still makes this anthology stick out in my mind.

"[B]ig things can never been accomplished by sheer will and talent alone. Instead, it requires the collusion of hundreds of people who also believe in you, who want you to thrive, and will do what is necessary to lift you up to that place where, finally, you will have what you need to fly on your own."

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

YELL-Oh Girls! Emerging Voices Explore Culture, Identity, and Growing Up Asian American" is an exceptional collection that weaves together the diverse experiences and perspectives of young Asian American women. This anthology delves deep into the complexities of cultural identity, challenges, and growth in a multicultural society, leaving readers inspired and enlightened. The strength of "YELL-Oh Girls!" lies in its ability to capture the nuances of the Asian American experience. Through poignant storytelling and vivid imagery, the authors navigate the complex tapestry of their lives, tackling themes of family, tradition, discrimination, and personal triumph. The anthology also addresses topics that are often underrepresented in mainstream media, shedding light on the challenges faced by Asian American women and offering a platform for their voices to be heard. It confronts stereotypes head-on, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. What sets "YELL-Oh Girls!" apart is its ability to resonate with readers from all backgrounds. While it offers a window into the Asian American experience, its themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the search for belonging are universal. It encourages empathy and fosters a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of identity. I highly recommend "YELL-Oh Girls!" to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a remarkable and essential contribution to contemporary literature, deserving a place on every bookshelf. Prepare to be captivated by these emerging voices that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

[Sarah Jang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the amount of work that was put into this collection of short stories. Sections divided the stories according to what it was about: family history, the struggles of being an Asian-American, identity, and the power of Asian-American girls uniting. I've never really seen a collection of short stories organized like this before, but I loved it. There were stories that I couldn't personally connect to but I sympathized with the writers as some of the submissions made me tear up. Vickie Nam originally had a dream of creating this book and made it a reality with the help of all the story/poem submissions from Asian-American girls around the U.S.

I know how it feels to be embarrassed about the exotic smells of kimchi coming from my mother’s kitchen when bringing friends home as a little kid. Being told North Korea jokes or being asked if I know what "ching chong" means. This book reminded me that so many others have experienced the same things I have. In addition, I liked how Vickie Nam included her little stories between each section so that she was included too.

[Holly Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of personal writings by Asian American Girls and their experiences growing up. It's non-fiction and memoir-ish. Vickie Nam is not so much an author but an editor.
It's crazy how I went through the same thing a few decades after they did. I'm currently a freshman in highschool and I still hear "Ew what is that? That looks nasty" about ethnic food I bring from home and I know damn well my mom's food is hella good so I tell them to try it and they reject it saying "that shit looks raw(etc etc)". I feel relieved hearing other girls are also tired of the same things. I like how this book has small chapters with a new person each time because I noticed I get bored after a while.
I recommend this book for other Asian-American girls. I'm happy the book doesn't ignore south asian girls. They include Indians too.

[Kelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounding up. Love the intent and goal to amplify young Asian American women's voices – especially since these voices are historically and culturally muted. The book didn't resonate very well with me, but there are universal elements that make the stories and poems relatable for all. Would definitely recommend for a young Asian American reader, but for those 20 years old + it may feel less relevant.

[Kat O · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as I'd hoped I would. I'm not sure if it's because time has passed since publication but it just seemed a bit dry and the book really dragged. select essays were great but then others felt really repetitive. Could have used more editing. love the rochester connection though

[Aya Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUCH an important book for young Asian girls to read. I wish there had been more essays/poems about being mixed, but that's only because I'm mixed.

[Eunhae Han · Rating 3 out of 5]

overdue

[Richard Wisp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the fresh perspective and insight affored by these new unencumbered voices of one mind/10,000 minds.

[behsforensics]

Cutting is from I Love You, Dad (An Unsent Letter)
By Grace Song

[DoomFist7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This article is so entertaining!.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"People can't see me for me / That's the reality/... This is why I get offended when you ask me where I'm really from / This is why I fight for justice while obstacles continue to come / This is why I call myself Asian American / I am who I am, I be who I be / See me for me / Then you'll get the reality" writes 19 year old Olivia Chung, one of many powerful voices in YELL-Oh Girls! In this anthology, editor Vickie Nam pulls together the short stories and poems of Asian American girls and young women from across the United States. Through sections on identity, family relationships, stereotypes, finding one's voice, and advocating for change, compelling writers emphasize that Asian girls and women are not invisible and never alone in their struggles. I was fascinated by writers' experiences of the impact of racism, feeling like they didn't fit in in the US or their ancestor's country, and efforts to blend in with white society. I was frustrated by the power of negative depictions of Asians in the media and white standards of beauty. And I loved the reminder of the importance of building community in the fight against inequality. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommended it to everyone.

[Rachel Chomsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

For quarter 3 the first book I decided to read is Yell-Oh Girls! by Vickie Nam. I picked this book because it really looked interesting and cool to me and it looked pretty inspirational. Some things that I liked about this book were the different and powerful stories that all these Asian-American teenagers had to tell. Almost all of them talked about not fitting in the a normal environment because they weren't completely asian or completely american. Some things that I disliked about this book were that a lot of the stories didn't make sense some times and the author would randomly come in with little things that she wanted to say which made it confusing to know who was talking all the time and when the story stopped. Somethings that surprised me in this book were the way the these people treat their stereo-types. I always joke about how asians are perfect and amazing in school and I don't usually realize how much this hurts them and it really makes me think. Some things that could have been better is the way the book itself was put together and how the stories and summaries were laid out. Moving forward, some new kinds of books that I would start to read would be maybe books like these but in my opinion even though the book was not so well put together I still thought these stories were inspirational.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Asian-American girls are finally speaking up and letting their voices be heard - this anthology of poems, essays and stories by young Asian-American girls cover a full range of topics from culture (and clash of cultures) to identity, from family relationships to the changes they want to see and are realising right now.

The contributors' ages range from 15 to 21; their locations criss-cross America from Hawaii to New York City; their experiences are as multifaceted and unique as they all are. Although owing to the age of the contributors, some opinions and submissions are a little rough or repetitive, their grievances and their feelings are real and worth reading/listening to. Alongside the submissions that Nam received from all manner of young Asian women, she has also provided contributions from noted Asian-American women mentors, including Patsy and Wendy Mink and Helen Zia.

For a young Asian-American female reader, this anthology shows that they're not alone; for this reviewer, this was an eye-opening look at young people staking a claim for their future, celebrating their past, present and future.

[Yuan Zhou · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book because i didn't have a book to read in class, but i didn't really liked this book because it's a book that is a collection of very short stories, so i didn't really like it. It could be better to have a bit more detailed stories about each of the girls so that i could know more about them. What surprised me was how there was even e-mails in this book because i didn't expect e-mails from girls through out the country, and this tells me that the author really put her time into this project, but i still don't like the VERY short stories i think that if it have more longer and detail tales then i would've enjoyed the book more. This book made me want to read a fantasy book because i realized that i didn't like books that are collective and i don't like short general stories.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent anthology of essays/writings by young Asian-Americans. I felt I could relate to most of the stories written in the book, especially about identity. However, I felt like some of the essays were a bit whiny and confusing.

I did not like reading the last section, "Girlwind", because it was way too progressive for my tastes. Plus, some of the writings in that section didn't even seem to make sense/really have a point in the book. I applaud the girls who submitted their work to this book earlier this decade, but man...I'd sure like to see a new addition to this anthology and see how times have changed for the individuals involved in the initial round.

If there's a second book to add to the anthology, I would love to be part of it.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of poems and writings by Asian American girls from age 16 to 21. The book is divided into several themes such as Family Ties and Finding Way Home.

They are all very sincere and genuine experiences of teenage girls whose families were immigrants to the US. Some of them moved to America with their parents while others were born there. There are writings by girls of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino descent.

Most of the girls felt that they didn't fit into American or Asian culture and that has caused them difficulty in developing their identity.

One interesting story was about the girl who wanted a Princess Barbie doll but got the Kira doll(Barbie's Asian friend) instead.

If you are a teacher, girl, or woman, you will like this book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought Yell-Oh! Girls on a whim (I'd received my weekly Borders coupon and saw it on a bookend.) The thing about it you need to know is that it's a collection of essays by Asian-American women, so there is no continuity in terms of narration. I was especially excited to read U.S. Representative, Patsy Mink's essay. (She's from Hawaii, where I'm from and I had admired and respected her for some time.)

Although many of the stories were repetitive, each story was relatable on some level. Because we're a minority (Asians) and women, I feel like this was an important book to read at least once, if for no other reason than to know that you are not alone in your struggle.

[Bryan Worra · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a lot to like within this book, but it's hard for me to classify it as an absolute masterpiece- these are still some very young voices included here, and the writing reflects that frequently. It is notable for including Hmong voices, such as Sandi Ci Moua's piece, and I applaud any effort to get young people, particularly Asian American women writing. It was a big effort to get this project together, and I hope one day we'll see even more interesting follow-ups from both the editor and the authors included within.

[Madame Soybean · Rating 2 out of 5]

A compilation of short ditties written by Asian American teen girls. It was a good idea for a project in my opinion. Getting people to express themselves is never a bad thing. I found it sad, though, that many of the issues the girls speak of in their pieces are the same issues I had 30 years ago as a half Asian in America...that bummed me out. Not the greatest writing...but very interesting thoughts.

[Chalida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish this book was around when I was in high school. It's such a powerful piece to have growing up as an Asian American girl and I related to many issues in this book having grown up in the suburbs. This was my second reading of it and my only criticism is that the issues seemed to all be White vs. Asian in terms of racism. When thinking about my students at a school where no student is White, I feel like issues between people of color were missing.

[Jesse Field · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think post-2008 American undergrads might find this useful -- the voices will sound incredibly familiar to them -- but it's also a good stage for talking about privilege. Vickie Nam and some of the writers in the volume are full of themselves -- can we afford to continue on like that as Americans? Issues of economic inequality and environmental consciousness might trump this entire discussion in the years to come.

[Anna Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In its own way, this is a powerful book featuring the voices of those who aren't normally heard. Each story, essay, and poem explores what it means to grow up as an Asian American girl. For those who have felt invisible or misunderstood, this is a good book to read because someone, somewhere felt the same way.

[debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

halfway done with book...an interesting read...i am of mexican american heritage but was raised by caucasian relatives...it is interesting to read the struggles, as well as joys, of those who share my experiences of trying to come to terms with their heritage...