Chinese Groove: A Novel by Kathryn Ma

When I first moved to San Francisco from Chicago in the summer of 1989, everyone I met was not from the Bay Area. For years, out of all the people I met, only my friends Jay and Sally grew up in San Francisco and attended high school here. So for me, San Francisco was a town that welcomed immigrants. It wasn't always easy to make friends here, but once you made one it was a friend for life. "The Chinese Groove" by Kathryn Ma is the story of an 18-year-old immigrant boy named Shelley who moved to San Francisco from China, with big dreams. After his mother died, his grieving father helped Shelley raise enough money for a plane ticket to California. With the knowledge he had distant family in San Francisco, Shelley thought they would welcome him into their homes. Despite not having a job, and coming from a family with little clout, Shelly was optimistic because he believed he had the "Chinese Groove," a special and magical bond with his ancestors. This is a quirky book with an infectious plot, all set in our 7-miles-by-7 miles town. San Francisco might be small, but we are full of personal stories, and Shelley's is a winner. Thank you, native Sally, for this recommendation. So glad we still live in the 94118. To buy this book on Amazon click here.