Written by M.N.
Picture below: Author with her book
Information
Author: Kelly Yang / Genre: Fiction / Published: 2020
Summary
Parachutes is written from two perspectives- a rich Chinese girl who is forced by her parents to move to the United States to start a new life, and a poor Filipina girl who has lived in America her entire life and has hopes of changing her future through her passions of debate.
In the book, each character battles with their own problems while struggling to find themselves. Claire has a dysfunctional family with a controlling father. This leads her to move to the United States where she meets many people with similar, yet very distinct situations. As seen from Claire’s eyes, she fights against racism, rape, and her parents that have restrained her entire life while finding her identity and fitting into a new world.
Dani, the other main character is also involved with a sexual assault made by her teacher, a person that she has not only looked up to during times of trouble but has also thought of him as her father. Dani fights against pressure and carries the obligation of getting herself and her mother out of poverty and into a new place.
How the Book Relates to the Modern World
Both girls’ issues are related to how many teenagers feel about their parents' and schools’ expectations. Claire is pressured by her Asian family from China where they have high anticipations of her. When she finally moves to the U.S., she is instantly segregated from the rest of the American students and is placed with the other Chinese immigrants. Claire reflects on many POC students by being exposed to racial slurs, imperialization, and xenophobia. She also embodies the issue of a conflicted family with a disloyal and governing father who not only abuses her self-value and identity but her mother’s as well.
Dani is an American-born Asian who is living without a father. Her mother is a maid and brings in little money, leading Dani to pursue her dreams of going to Stanford through a scholarship in debate. According to Dani, debating is the reflection of a person’s ethics and good. However, she finds out that principals can be disregarded as being rich can buy you into anything- including earning a top spot in the debate championships and going to a good college. Dani carries the burden of her family’s financial issues and the sexual harassment and bullying at school.
Why the Book Should be Read in Schools
The book represents Asian Americans and POC students in school systems. It also shows how one can have a voice and should take the initiative to stand up for something even without a parachute- a safety net that protects those that fall.
Rating
Overall, the book was enjoyable. I would especially recommend it to teenagers who want a slice-of-life and romance type of reading. Not only is the plot exciting, but the characters are relatable and engaging.
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