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Inconvenient Daughter

By Lauren J. Sharkey
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Inconvenient Daughter by Lauren J. Sharkey explores the journey of Talia, a young woman navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and family. Adopted from Korea and raised in a predominantly white environment, Talia struggles with her sense of self and the cultural dissonance that marks her upbringing. The narrative delves into her quest for understanding and acceptance, weaving together issues of adoption, race, and personal growth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by tales that delve into themes of identity and belonging. It's an evocative exploration of a woman's journey through adoption, cultural clashes, and the quest for self-discovery, offering a poignant look at the complexities of family and personal history.

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A vibrant and provocative debut novel that dispels myths surrounding transracial adoption.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Inconvenient Daughter received the IPPY Awards GOLD Medal in Multicultural Fiction.

"This debut novel vividly details the awkwardness of high school and heartbreak of rejection. Rowan's first-person narrative voice provides sharp, devastating emotional insight." -Kirkus Reviews

Rowan Kelly knows she's lucky. After all, if she hadn't been adopted, she could have spent her days in a rice paddy, or a windowless warehouse assembling iPhones—they make iPhones in Korea, right? Either way, slowly dying of boredom on Long Island is surely better than the alternative. But as she matures, she realizes that she'll never know if she has her mother's eyes, or if she'd be in America at all had her adoptive parents been able to conceive.

Rowan sets out to prove that she can be someone's first choice. After running away from home—and her parents' rules—and ending up beaten, barefoot, and topless on a Pennsylvania street courtesy of Bad Boy Number One, Rowan attaches herself to Never-Going-to-Commit. When that doesn't work out, she fully abandons self-respect and begins browsing Craigslist personals. But as Rowan dives deeper into the world of casual encounters with strangers, she discovers what she's really looking for.

With a fresh voice and a quick wit, Lauren J. Sharkey dispels the myths surrounding transracial adoption, the ties that bind, and what it means to belong.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Inconvenient Daughter is praised for its raw and honest portrayal of Rowan, a strong-willed young woman navigating her tumultuous path towards self-acceptance. The book's passionate narrative and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and personal rebellion receive particular commendation, encouraging readers to empathise with Rowan's journey and the unwavering support of her adoptive mother.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781617757099

Publisher: Akashic Books,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 June 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Akashic Books,U.S.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 232

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Lauren J. Sharkey Literary Fiction

About the Author

LAUREN J. SHARKEY is a writer, teacher, and transracial adoptee. After her birth in South Korea, she was adopted by Irish Catholic parents and raised on Long Island. Sharkey's creative nonfiction has appeared in the Asian American Feminist Collective's digital storytelling project, First Times, as well as several anthologies including I Am Strength! and Women under Scrutiny. Inconvenient Daughter is her debut novel, and is loosely based on her experience as a Korean adoptee. You can follow her at ljsharks.com.

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