Almost American Girl: Book Review


Book Review

Title: Almost American Girl
Author: Robin Ha
Genre: Memoir


Almost American Girl is a graphic novel memoir about a girl who grows up in Korea and how her life changes after a sudden move to America. 

Robin is the only child of her single mother and has spent her growing up years in Seoul in the 1990s. When a chance vacation to Alabama changes into a permanent relocation, Robin's life changes. She struggles to fit in with an alien culture, a new language and her hostile step family. An unexpected enrollment in a comic drawing class sparks a ray of hope. Will Robin survive her ordeal in a foreign country?

Almost American Girl addresses the hardships of immigrant life, inability to fit in with the peer group and society. It also highlights the issues of racism, bullying and language barriers. There isn't a moment when you do not feel empathetic towards the protagonist. The book gives a glimpse into the South Korean society and the stereotypes associated towards single mothers. The theme of change is also dealt with here. The author has done a great job with the art work. 

This coming of age memoir is bound to strike a chord for all age groups especially the young adult segment. 


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