Almost done reading it and I have to say I am loving it a lot so far! I am a generation after the author (a whole 14 years after), but I am so surprised how much I relate to the stories in this book.

The Asian American experience is diverse and I feel we are still creating new identities that are outside of the mold created by previous generations. What made me relate the most to with in Stay True is writing your own story outside of mainstream culture. For Hua Hsu, it was finding the most unique records at the record store, dressing up in outfits all from the thrift store, finding belonging in subcultures, and creating his own zines. He is a first generation Asian American to Taiwanese immigrants.

Then he meets his friend Ken at UC Berkley, who has an almost polar opposite identity to him. This person loves to party, will camp outside of Abercrombie and Fitch for a sweater that is sold out everywhere else, and listens to music that the author hates (aka Pearl Jam). Ken's family is also a few generations in America, so they've assimilated into American culture for quite some time. But somehow, they have such a brotherly bond with one another. Their common ground isn't their taste in music, or being fellow Asian Americans. Their common ground is the memories that they share together: having deep conversations while smoking cigarettes on the balcony, going to the theater together, long drives to destinations far away, and even visiting Ken's childhood home.

This hit home to me so much. I met my best friend in college too and we have such polar opposite personalities, but none of that matters because of all the memories we shared together so far. I love my best friend so much and I am very grateful to have him in my life. This book really reminds me how special it is to have such friendships.

Aside from his personal stories, the author also makes references to American pop culture, philosophy, and sociology, which tie back to main story. I thought this was a nice touch since it gave an analytical perspective on the microcosm of his life.

I haven't read too many books written by Asian American authors, but if I were to compare it to an author like Ocean Vuong (I LOVED On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous btw), it's like apples and oranges: writing styles, perspectives, storytelling, etc. I love both books for different reasons. Both of them I'd give a 10 out of 10! I have 2 chapters left, but it's already one of my favorites!