Homebase: A Novel

by Shawn Wong

Homebase is the coming of age story of Rainsford Chan in 1950s and '60s California. Rainsford is a fourth-generation Chinese American named after the town where his great-grandfather worked during the gold rush. Orphaned at fifteen, he attempts to claim America as his homebase, and his personal history is interwoven with dreams, stories, and letters of his family's life in America. Moving through time and place, the story allows the reader to discover the past as Rainsford does, to see the world through his eyes, and to learn the truth about the Chinese American experience.

Genres: Asian American, Novels, Fiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Isabelle Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick read for my American Multicultural Literature class, but it didn't have a clear plot line. Instead, it followed more of a stream of consciousness format of a young orphan boy trying to identify with his Chinese-American heritage. There were moments that I was confused on who the readers are supposed to be imagining, so I would've preferred some clarity in these sections.

[Susan Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. He has a new one (American Knees) that I can't wait to read.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for class. Really tried to like it, but in the end it was just mediocre.

[senna · Rating 4 out of 5]

such insanely beautiful writing, i’d love to reread this and tab it someday not for class

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language and description in the book are excellent. I read it for a conference focusing on Social Responsibility and taking the perspectives of others seriously, and this was perfect for that. It reminded me of the simply atrocious treatment of Asian Americans by US...as in we, us, Americans. I can't imagine living with that subtext, and acknowledging it, dwelling on it, makes the reading of this book very interesting.

[Daniel Tam-Claiborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as highly anticipated as I expected. Narrative is stilted and was hard for me to get through, despite only being 100 pages. A few good musings on coming of age as an AsAm specifically at the turn of the 20th century and in the Pacific Northwest, but I think there are better books out there on the AsAm experience more generally.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. This book gives off wonderful literary descriptions of the model minority and the perpetual foreigner and how it relates to Asian-Americans. It gives many examples of the experiences encountered.

[Darrian Anders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great explanations of some trials Chinese Americans had to go through when first arriving in America, as well as following generations. It was really difficult to follow as he jumped between time periods and perspectives.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit self-serving to add this book here since I'm working on a new edition that's to come out next year, but I'm a huge fan of Shawn's work and he's been great to work with.

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passages in this work did contain beautiful language.

[Diem N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this book.