What makes this such a compelling read is that while prejudice and racist cliches are the catalysts, the real story is about self-image and self esteem. I'm a white kid from Atlantic Canada rather than an "American Born Chinese,"but I can easily identify with Jin's sense of isolation and Danny's embarrassment. We've all felt those ways, rightly or wrongly; what's different for everyone are the causes of those feelings. Even the monkey god's journey of empowerment and later rediscovery of his cultural identity are elements that one can easily find in one's own life. The meticulous quality of this graphic novel's construction is eclipsed only by the honesty and universal nature of the subject matter. Read Full Review