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| The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food | 
 enlarge | Author: Jennifer 8 Lee
Publisher: Twelve
Category: Book
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $12.99
You Save: $12.00 (48%)
New (50) Used (15) from $9.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  47 reviews
Sales Rank: 11063
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6 x 1.2
ISBN: 0446580074
Dewey Decimal Number: 641.5951
EAN: 9780446580076
ASIN: 0446580074
Publication Date: March 3, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand New Hardcover -- Last copy in stock!
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Product Description
If you think McDonald's is the most ubiquitous restaurant experience in America, consider that there are more Chinese restaurants in America than McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Wendys combined. New York Times reporter and Chinese-American (or American-born Chinese). In her search, Jennifer 8 Lee traces the history of Chinese-American experience through the lens of the food. In a compelling blend of sociology and history, Jenny Lee exposes the indentured servitude Chinese restaurants expect from illegal immigrant chefs, investigates the relationship between Jews and Chinese food, and weaves a personal narrative about her own relationship with Chinese food. The Fortune Cookie Chronicles speaks to the immigrant experience as a whole, and the way it has shaped our country.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 42 more reviews...
 Delighfful and interesting sociological study September 30, 2008
I found this book an interesting glimpse into the world of the USA Chinese restaurants industry, it's workers, and a bit of it's history, as Jennifer went on the hunt for the origin of the fortune cookie. It was an easy, informative, read.
 Gave it three stars because it is educating September 24, 2008
I really looked forward to reading this for so many reasons. First, I am of Chinese descent and always wondered about the differences between the food my family ate and what many local restaurants served. Second, Chinese history including immigration stories fascinate me. Third, the sample I downloaded engaged me immediately (I have a kindle). Last, the overwhelming good reviews.
While it started out great, I'm sitting here trying to reconcile myself to the fact that I can't bring myself to finish the book right now (I'm about 1/2 way through). I guess based on the title, I was looking for a fun but informational read. This is not recreational reading and maybe that's just my mistake for thinking it would be.
It reads too much like a collection of long academic essays...all types of details that don't add to the story. Each chapter has an interesting premise but then meanders all over the place interspersing what seems to be every detail of the authors research with large stretches of facts to suit her premise...like a college student supporting her thesis.
I haven't given up, but will put it down for awhile. For me, this is a book that needs to be read a chapter or two at a time. As others have stated, there is a lot of interesting background and facts contained but I agree with others that at a minimum, the book could use a good editor. I personally think the book could've been condensed a lot (readers digest version?).
Of course, for all of those who "think" they know Chinese food, I'd recommend this just for the education :)
 Great book about chinese restaurants! September 15, 2008
As the title implies, this book is about the world of chinese world. Everything connected with chinese food is touched upon in this book, and some of it goes into a lot of detail. If you ever eat in chinese restaurants and find yourself interested in some aspect of them, this book is for you!
good book September 15, 2008
I have found the book to be entertaining and informative. I have enjoyed so far.
More than meets the eye September 10, 2008
I first heard about this book on NPR's Food podcast (you can find it on iTunes), and instantly knew I was going to love it. Jennifer Lee has written what can best be described as a thought-provoking book about the impact that something as seemingly simple as food can have upon politics, class structures, and nearly everything in between. A book that's more about just chinese food, but rather the creation of a cuisine by one minority's way of catering to a stereotype in order to make ends meet. I'd recommend this book to anyone!
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