You Are Here: Connecting Flights

By: Ellen Oh - editor

Narrated by: David Lee Huynh, Dana Wing Lau, Ramon de Ocampo, Jeanne Syquia

A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport, written by award-winning and bestselling East and Southeast Asian American authors including Linda Sue Park, Grace Lin, Erin Entrada Kelly, Traci Chee, and Ellen Oh. Flying Lessons meets Black Boy Joy.

“The individual narratives are consistently engaging and rewarding, and together they form a unique collection of interconnected stories about young, contemporary Asian American characters.”—Booklist, Starred Review

An incident at a TSA security check point sows chaos and rumors, creating a chain of events that impacts twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded and restless airport. As their disrupted journeys crisscross and collide, they encounter fellow travelers—some helpful, some hostile—as they discover the challenges of friendship, the power of courage, the importance of the right word at the right time, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar.

Twelve powerhouse Asian American authors explore themes of identity and belonging in the entwined experiences of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Southeast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American.

Written by Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Le, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, and edited by Ellen Oh.

Collection copyright 2023 by Ellen Oh.

“Paul: Something to Declare” © 2023 by Christina Soontornvat

“Jae: Ground Rules” © 2023 by Linda Sue Park

“Mindy: Standing Up” © 2023 by Meredith Ireland

“Lee: Jam Session” © 2023 by Mike Chen

“Ari: Guidelines” © 2023 by Susan Tan

“AJ: A Kind of Noble” © 2023 by Randy Ribay

“Natalie: Costumes” © 2023 by Traci Chee

“Henry: Grounded” © 2023 by Mike Jung

“Camilla: Big Day Suitcase” © 2023 by Erin Entrada Kelly

“Jane: Questions and Answers” © 2023 by Grace Lin

“Khoi: Lost in Translation” © 2023 by Minh Lê

“Soojin: You Are Here” © 2023 by Ellen Oh

“A Note from the Editor” © 2023 by Ellen Oh

©2023 Ellen Oh (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Must read.

I loved all the perspective covered. The hope and beauty shown through strangers and intertwined stories. So many conversation starters for parents.

Outstanding

Excellent book, with interlocking stories taking place at a big airport beset with delays. Among those whose flights are delayed are several teens of various Asian ethnicities, each of whom narrates part of the book. Many experience or overhear derogatory remarks and behavior, resulting in their responding in such a way that the strengths of their backgrounds are helpful — such as their ability to speak several languages— and developing a sense of pride for their places of origin. For instance, one rude woman is enjoying a cup of tea while complaining about some Asian families, and one of our narrators makes it a point to remind the woman where tea was discovered, is grown and produced, and the culture the woman has to thank for her favorite relaxing drink. In most cases, the narrators discover a sense of solidarity and appreciation for their diverse backgrounds. Meanwhile, I found myself shocked that such prejudices are so pervasive in American society. What a loss for all concerned.

depth in humanity

nothing it was great - I wish that the book was longer and went deeper with characters, maybe they will write a 2nd book on the return trip