Failing Up: A Professor's Odyssey of Flunking, Determination, and Hope - Tapa blanda

Earned the KIRKUS STAR;

In this stunning debut memoir, Hong recounts her exceptional transformation from floundering student to flourishing professor. Hong’s eloquent present-tense narration animates scenes of family strife and academic struggle and evokes an astounding range of emotions—commiseration, frustration, and eventually elation. Something is always developing, whether it’s the narrator herself or the plot. Though the memoir charts the author’s intellectual growth, it also considers complex family relationships, poverty, Southeast Asian culture and education, disability, and determination. Hong demonstrates, through her own experiences, the pleasures and rewards of scholarship and effective teaching, and her account underscores how ordinary people can have life-changing effects on others. An absorbing, eye-opening narrative about the value of grit and education, sure to inspire a wide audience.

Amazon Reviews: 

I could not put the book down! A true representation of what life is outside the rich and famous! A stark contrast to Crazy Rich Asians and opened a different world and perspective on life. A powerful nod to amazing mentors who don’t give up on their students. 

What an inspirational memoir about determination, perseverance and sacrifice! Definitely worth reading and learning from her blood, sweat, and tear experience!

What a remarkable autobiography! Her story is a powerful wake up call to those of us who let obstacles prevent us from reaching our dreams.  

I loved this fascinating autobiography of a brilliant professor, who was told throughout her childhood by parents and teachers that she should just give up. Thank you for reliving the sadness and abuse of your childhood as you wrote this book; it couldn't have been easy. I am better for it.

Every teacher should read it because it lets you see how your work can literally change lives. Every student should read it because it shows you a path of hope and opportunity so you know you can truly chart your destiny. Every parent should read it so you can know the profound influence of your actions but if you have stumbled along the way, there is always still hope.

I really love the message of this book that we should be aware of those people who give us supports when we struggle. 

I could not put this book down.  

I was moved by her description of her childhood and upbringing and I was in awe time and again as she made her path through great adversity and struggle. I want to do more and be better because of her story! I plan to give this book to my husband and older children to read. 

When I began her book I couldn't put it down. I spent a day of inspiration and contemplation while I read her words. Her writing is clear and direct. As a teacher, I will use her comments this summer as I prepare and teach this coming school year. I know I will be a better teacher for my students, as well as a better person, as I put her words into action. You will definitely want to put this book on your reading list.

After reading this book, I continue to ponder about it for the next few days. I feel inspired and in awe by her persistence and relentless spirit in pursuing her goals n spite of all odds against her. It brings a new hope to those who may doubt themselves or think they are never good enough. It also shed some great insights for educators and mentors how they can make a difference in changing someone’s life for good! An amazing must read!

This book restores hope that a person can accomplish greatness despite challenges! Empowering and endearing read!

A very interesting read. I especially liked how she learned to forgive and to keep moving forward to improve her life. Her resilience was amazing. Loving, caring and relationships are the important things in this life.

When people first meet Barbara Hong, they often conclude that her life must have always been enriched. They assume she had loving, successful parents and all the support she needed to reach her goals. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Hong’s path to an Ivy League university and beyond started in a filthy tenement in Singapore where she lived with an abusive father and an illiterate mother. Even as a child of six, she worked in her sweatshop home to help with extra money, which her father often wasted on alcohol. As she endured his drinking and abuse, she feared that the pain she internalized could shatter her.

But instead of falling apart, Hong managed to escape her misery, thanks to a teacher who believed in her. Once she knew she wasn’t the brainless “cabbage head” her mother called her, she began excelling as a student, eventually finding the courage to leave her home and discover her true calling as a knowledge seeker, educator, and advocate.

Hong’s inspirational journey from a sweatshop home upbringing to influential professor movingly illustrates the true strength of the human spirit and the power of teachers.

Failing UP was recognized as one of only 2% of books reviewed to earn a Kirkus STAR—the most prestigious designation in the book industry in awarding books of exceptional merit. To Read the Kirkus Review, visit: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/barbara-hong/failing-up/