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Magic Fish

By Trung Le Nguyen
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4.49 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 29,659 ratings, 5,586 reviews)
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
Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is a beautifully illustrated story that follows a young boy navigating the complexities of his cultural identity and family life through fairy tales and stories. As he reads these tales with his mother, the blend of reality and fantasy aids in bridging the gap between his Vietnamese heritage and his American upbringing. The book explores themes of communication, immigration, and the transformative power of storytelling.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3700
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy heartwarming stories that beautifully weave together elements of fairy tales and personal family narratives. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of stories, making it perfect for those who appreciate stories that resonate on both a personal and cultural level. Its exquisite artwork and emotional depth offer a touching experience that stays with you long after the final page.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiâãen, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through? Is there a way to tell them he's gay?"--

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

In this gorgeous graphic novel that Entertainment Weekly called "one of the most astounding... of the year," fairy tales are the only way one teen boy can express himself to his parents, who are Vietnamese immigrants. But how will he find the words to tell them that he's gay?

Named one of the best books of the year by New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Publishers Weekly.

In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he's gay? A powerful read about family, identity, and the enduring magic of stories.

"One of the most astounding graphic novels of the year" - Entertainment Weekly

Tien and his mother may come from different cultures—she's an immigrant from Vietnam still struggling with English; he's been raised in America—but through the fairy tales he checks out from the local library, those differences are erased.

But as much as Tien's mother's English continues to improve as he reads her tales of love, loss, and travel across distant shores, there's one conversation that still eludes him—how to come out to her and his father. Is there even a way to explain what he's going through in Vietnamese? And without a way to reveal his hidden self, how will his parents ever accept him?

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel speaks to the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together even when we don't know the words.

"A lyrical masterpiece." - BuzzFeed

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?

Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen has been praised for its stunning artwork and emotional depth. It explores the challenges of a Vietnamese American teenager coming out to his parents, intertwining fairy tales with personal and family history. Critics highlight the warm portrayal of family and friends, emphasizing the power of storytelling to bridge cultural and generational gaps. The book is celebrated for its beautiful depiction of love and communication beyond language barriers, with several reviews awarding it starred honours for the debut author's compelling narrative style.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781984851598

Publisher: Random House USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 October 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Random House Graphic

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 146.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 256

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Penguin Books Trung Le Nguyen

About the Author

Trung Le Nguyen, also known as Trungles, is a comic book artist and illustrator working out of Minnesota. He received his BA from Hamline University in 2012, majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in oil painting and minoring in Art History. He has contributed work for Oni Press, BOOM! Studios, Limerence Press, and Image Comics. He is particularly fond of fairy tales, kids' cartoons, and rom-coms of all stripes. The Magic Fish is his debut graphic novel.

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