cover image Warrior Lessons: An Asian American Woman's Journey Into Power

Warrior Lessons: An Asian American Woman's Journey Into Power

Phoebe Eng. Pocket Books, $24 (384pp) ISBN 978-0-671-00957-1

In this unique Asian-American women's guide to gaining self-knowledge and power, Eng probes issues ranging from negative and positive stereotypes to assimilation and rebellion, invisibility and cultural confusion, interracial relationships, family expectations and rage. Drawing on the experiences of other Asian-American women as well as on stories of her Cantonese and Taiwanese parents, life as a ""Model Minority Girl,"" young ""chuppie"" (Chinese-American yuppie) lawyer and then publisher of A. Magazine for Asian-Americans, Eng traces her inner growth and developing identity in 12 ""lessons."" Tales of being mistaken for a prostitute in Bangkok, standing up to a boss's aggressive temper and displeasing her family with her career and personal choices demonstrate aspects of the ""constructive conflict"" Eng found necessary in the process of assuming her personal, professional and political power. She values her hard-won ability to communicate effectively in various worlds (business, academic, cultural) without losing her sense of self, and she encourages heeding the hero's ""call to adventure"" through risk taking, connecting and mentoring. In a natural, intelligent voice, Eng provides excellent advice while serving as a superb role model for younger Asian-American women striving to come into their own. Author tour. (Mar.)