Red Eggs and Good Luck

by Angela Lam

In China, girls are bad luck and are often drowned. But Angela and her sisters are lucky. They are born in America and allowed to live two lives in one world: eating dim sum and praying the rosary; studying hard at school and playing make believe with their dolls. With a Chinese father who loves consumerism and an American mother determined to give her daughters the opportunities she was denied, Angela and her sisters grow up celebrating both their Chinese heritage and their American culture. But when their father suddenly becomes ill, Angela begins to question the limits of luck and the power of prayer―and to wonder whether she will ever find the courage to be herself.

Genres: Memoir

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

Angela Lam, formerly Angela Lam Turpin, writes across genres, from sweet contemporary romances to candid memoirs to sexy thrillers and everything in between.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My debut memoir about growing up Chinese-German-American in the Bay Area in the 1970's.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely, if somewhat bittersweet book. This memoir recounts roughly a year in the author's life. Young Angela discovered her inner artist, and experienced challenges when what made her happy did not make her father happy. Filled with emotion, this is a beautifully written memoir of young girl who is just becoming her own person. Definitely looking forward to more!

[Lucy Larsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t end up finishing this story and I was really hesitant to write this review, but I wanted to share my feelings on it honestly.

I didn’t enjoy this book. I got just over 50% of the way through and was still struggling to read it. It wasn’t because it was a memoir because I enjoy memoirs usually, but I think it was just the tone that the writer took with her story. I could relate to a lot of her points about being an eldest daughter as I am one as well but the whole story felt like a long complaint.

Maybe it’s just because I am used to memoirs that somehow end with inspiration or were written to inspire but this story felt like the author simply complaining about her childhood and her sisters and how much she disliked it and was upset and uncomfortable growing up. I still kept a star though because I feel like it was a story that others might relate to even if I do not.

Overall, I would give it a 1.5 out of 5 star rating. The writing wasn’t bad, but I just personally did not enjoy the story at all.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Angela's family in this riveting story about a family of mixed-origin growing up in the United States. All of the issues in which Angela felt were realistic, painting a picture of sadness yet, allowing for one to see how families coming together can get you through the toughest of times. I loved the relationship between Lammie Pie and Chee, which Angela described beautifully, outlining the cultural differences in all aspects. I hope to read a sequel as to how Angela's life continued where this story ended!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine read into a bicultural California kid's experience as a 11 turning 12 year (turning 25) year old - told with grace and style and compassion for how awkward it all can be.

[sonnet :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

THis book is kinda strange. i am not a huge fan

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coming of age story. I can't wait to read more from this author.