Quick Take

Two families, who would otherwise never have come together, meet by chance at the Baltimore airport, each anticipating the arrival of an adopted infant daughter from Korea. Brad and Bitsy Donaldson, all-American suburbanites, and their gift-laden clan resemble a gigantic baby shower with their flotilla of silvery balloons and pink ribbons. Iranian-born matriarch Maryam Yazdan stands unobtrusively in the back of the waiting area with her fully assimilated son, Sami, and his attractive Iranian American wife, Ziba. When Bitsy invites the Yazdans to an "arrival party" at the Donaldson home, an improbably friendship begins, and the occasion evolves into an annual tradition. Over the years, as the parents, children, and grand-parents become more deeply entwined, cultures clash, values are challenged, and the American way is seen from the beguiling perspectives of both those who are born here and hose who are struggling to fit in.--back cover

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Digging to America

Introduction

"Digging to America" by Anne Tyler is a captivating novel that explores the lives of two families, one American and one Iranian-American, as they navigate their way through the adoption of Korean babies. The story unfolds at the Baltimore airport, where the two families meet by chance and form an unexpected friendship. Over time, their cultural differences and personal struggles are brought to the surface, leading to a series of events that challenge their beliefs and values. This book review summary will delve into the author's background, analyze readers' views, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler, the author of "Digging to America," was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941. She graduated from Duke University and went on to pursue graduate studies in Russian studies at Columbia University. Tyler has published 20 novels, with her debut novel, "If Morning Ever Comes," released in 1964. Her eleventh novel, "Breathing Lessons," was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding achievements in literature. Tyler's writing is known for its quirky characters and simple, ordinary lives, with a touch of unexpected twists.

Analysis of Views

Quirky Characters and Light Entertainment: Many readers found "Digging to America" to be a typical Anne Tyler novel, characterized by quirky characters and a light, entertaining storyline. The book offers a page-turner experience that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Accurate Portrayal of Cultural Differences: The book received praise for its accurate portrayal of cultural differences between the American and Iranian-American families. Tyler skillfully highlights the contrasting values, beliefs, and perspectives that emerge as the characters interact and become entwined in their lives.
Emotional Depth and Insightful Storytelling: Readers appreciated the emotional depth and insightful storytelling found in "Digging to America." The book delves into complex issues such as infertility, adoption, and cultural assimilation. Tyler's ability to explore these topics from different perspectives adds depth to the narrative.
Uneven Plot and Unexpected Twists: Some readers found the plot to be uneven, with certain sections that felt disconnected or lacking in tension. However, others appreciated the unexpected twists and turns that kept them engaged throughout the story.
Character Development and Realism: Anne Tyler's ability to develop realistic characters was a standout feature for many readers. The characters in "Digging to America" are portrayed with flaws and imperfections, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level. The author's attention to detail and ability to create relatable characters make this book stand out.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: "Digging to America" offers engaging storytelling that captivates readers from beginning to end. The lighthearted tone and unexpected twists make it an enjoyable read for those seeking a light, entertaining page-turner.
Accurate Portrayal of Cultural Differences: The book's accurate portrayal of cultural differences between the two families adds depth and insight to the narrative. Readers appreciate the exploration of these differences and how they impact the characters' lives.
Emotional Depth and Insightful Storytelling: The emotional depth and insightful storytelling found in "Digging to America" resonate with readers. The exploration of complex issues such as infertility, adoption, and cultural assimilation adds depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Uneven Plot and Unexpected Twists: Some readers found the plot to be uneven and lacking in tension in certain sections. They felt that the book's pacing could have been improved, leading to a less engaging reading experience.
Lack of Substance: A few readers felt that "Digging to America" lacked substance compared to other Anne Tyler novels they had read. They felt that the storyline was less substantial and that the book relied more on character development than plot progression.

Conclusion

"Digging to America" by Anne Tyler is a captivating novel that explores the lives of two families as they navigate their way through adoption and cultural differences. With its quirky characters, lighthearted tone, and engaging storytelling, this book offers readers an enjoyable reading experience. While some readers found it uneven in terms of plot and substance, others appreciated its emotional depth and insightful exploration of complex issues. Overall, "Digging to America" is a recommended read for those seeking a light yet thought-provoking novel with a touch of cultural depth.