Jessica

“This country try to take everything from you. Your language, your food, your children.
Learn how to use chopsticks.
This country can't have everything.”
― Nicola Yoon, The Sun Is Also a Star

“The most infuriating thing is the idea that ethnic food isn't already good enough because it goddamn is. We were fine before you came to visit and we'll be fine after. If you like our food, great, but don't come tell me you're gonna clean it up, refine it, or elevate it because it's not necessary or possible. We don't need fucking food missionaries to cleanse our palates.”
― Eddie Huang, Fresh Off the Boat

“Lucky. I am learning how to say it
over and over again in English.
I am learning how it tastes—
sweet with promise
and bitter with responsibility.”
― Jasmine Warga, Other Words for Home

“You always tell me it's too late for you to read, with your poor liver, your exhausted bones, that after everything you've been through, you'd just like to rest now. That reading is a privilege you made possible for me with what you lost. I know you believe in reincarnation. I don't know if I do but I hope it's real. Because then maybe you'll come back here next time around. Maybe you'll be a girl and maybe your name will be Rose again, and you'll have a room full of books with parents who will read you bedtime stories in a country not touched by war.”
― Ocean Vuong, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous