Review by Pam Jost

East to America edited by Elaine H. Kim and Eui-Young Yu, explores the diversity of Korean American cultural experiences. Stories in the anthology touch on issues ranging from race, immigration, class, age, religion, sexuality and adoption. The anthology allows each writer to define what it means to be a Korean American based on their personal experiences. Stories with hopeful outlooks and "happy endings," are balanced by stories that describe the hardships and struggles involved in creating a space for oneself within a larger community. In addition to the personal stories, East to America includes an appendix and notes that provide a synopsis of Korean history and important historical and social context to the stories.

"Adopted," written by Janine Bishop, is an essay that describes her experience being adopted by a white American family. She touches on many issues of international adoption such as racism, separation and realization of her Korean identity, returning to Korea and searching for her "roots." This story is one that many adoptees would-be able to identify with!

In "Launched," writer Imjung Kwoun describes her father's idea of what it meant to raise a "pure and innocent" girl. She also talks about the difficulties within her family which seemed at times more extensive than the difficulties that arise being a woman of color in a patriarchal white society. Although her story seems difficult and painful, she speaks of how she has been able to work through these issues and help others with similar experiences.

Dredge Kang's essay "Multiple-Box Person," explores the fluidity of identities throughout his life as a Korean American and gay male. He discusses the cultural differences he felt between himself and his parents, being raised in the United States and living in a mainly black neighborhood in Washington D.C. He shares his experience of how he came to terms with his sexual identity, the process of coming out to himself and his family, and the difficulties and rewards of doing so. Based on his various identities Kang finalizes this piece by noting the invalidity and changes of various labels of race and sexuality, ultimately claim in himself as the "multiple-box person."