Guestbook
If you’d like to leave a comment for Jean, please post here in the Guestbook.
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- Book Tour: Fears and Reality, Part 2
- New York Times Bestseller
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89 Responses to “Guestbook”
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May 14th, 2012 at 8:18 am
So glad to hear this, Nikki! I hope your daughter enjoys it too!
Warmly,
Jean
May 13th, 2012 at 1:38 am
What a wonderful inspiring book. I am having my 13 year old daughter read it next.
May 7th, 2012 at 11:51 am
Hi Mieke, I’m so glad you got in touch! I thought they did a wonderful job putting together 10 days of filming into a half hour – what an accomplishment! Yes, it would have been nice if they could have shown more and I’m happy you were interested. Groetjes, Jean
May 6th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Dear Jean,
Thank you for writing such a beautiful book.
Just wanted to let you know I thought the documentary tonight on Dutch television was very nice as well, although too short in my point of view. I would have liked to learn /hear more from you:-)
Kind regards Meike
May 6th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Hello Lina,
Yes, I know how you feel. I’m in Holland now and it’s wonderful but always challenging to fit in too. There are many wonderful authors writing about the immigration experience. Everyone is different, though, so it’s hard to know if you’ll connect to the things each particular author writes about. Some excellent Chinese American authors are Maxine Hong Kingston, Lan Samantha Chang, Gish Jen, Janice Lee, and of course, Amy Tan. Thanks for getting in touch!
Warmly,
Jean
May 6th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Hi Xinhui,
I am glad to hear that you identify with Kimberly and her story. I felt very much the same way when I was growing up. Your English is already excellent, and you’ve only been here since 2010! I’m sure you’re going to do very well here and I will you all the best.
Warmly,
Jean
May 6th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Hi Alex,
I’m thrilled my book touched you and very glad you took the time to let me know! I’ve heard from other men who cried when they read my book but they always swear me to secrecy! They always say that they thought it was a girl’s book when they saw the cover, but they got unexpectedly caught up in the story. Thanks so much for getting in touch.
Warmly,
Jean
May 5th, 2012 at 6:19 am
Hi! I greatly enjoyed reading your book and related to living in MD, living with roaches, and the whole transition to American. It’s been 29 yrs and I still don’t know if I will ever fit in…it is what it is. I’m 32 now. Anyways, I am mainly writing to see if you have any authors that you recommend that also share about immigrating to America. It makes me feel more connected. Please email me directly with the info at smile4lina@gmail.com. Thank you.
Lina
May 5th, 2012 at 3:55 am
Hi! I am a Chinese, and I moved here in 2010, and I am still learning English. I am a 9th grader in Massachusetts now. My teacher gave me the book ” girl in translation”, and I love it! I understand the life Kimberly had and her feeling, because I have the same feeling. It is hard but I’ll always try my best! Can you please email me back, I really want to talk with you in email!
April 29th, 2012 at 12:02 am
Dear Jean Kwok,
You wrote such a beautiful story. At the end of the book, you completely broke my heart and had tears streaming down my face. And this is coming from 28 year-old man who grew up in Philly and is a former boxer and hockey player.
Well done!!
April 25th, 2012 at 10:44 am
Dear Nancy, So funny – it sounds like we have a great deal in common! What an interesting life you’ve had! I hope you do like my book and I’ll be on Dutch television in a bit more than a week, on Sunday May 6 at 19.50 on Nederland 2 – the show will be in Dutch and English, about my life and book. I do hope we get to meet in person someday! Warmly, Jean
April 25th, 2012 at 10:42 am
Sally, so glad you got in touch and I hope your book club likes my book! I’m sorry I had to edit your comments so as to not spoil the ending for other readers but I’ve written you a separate email. Warmly, Jean
April 24th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Just found you, the book and this website via a friend from Facebook who posted you are doing an event at the Renbrook School. I have goosebumps because even though I have not read the book yet, I know I will love it and relate. I am also a first generation New Yorker and flittered between three completely different worlds — my Galician (northern Spanish) parents and their strict and closed upbringing, my private school double world with Junior League invitations and working with my father in the worst areas of the Bronx with a host of Latin characters who became like extended family. I constantly think and actually want to write about how it all coexisted and I actually turned out pretty normal;)
Did I mention I am also now living in the Netherlands with my Dutchie husband and three kids? So funny! Thank you for inspiring me. Looking forward to reading the book and who knows, one day we may meet in our very small new home country.
April 23rd, 2012 at 5:11 pm
I really like your book. You are an excellent writer…We will discuss your book at our Book Club in May.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Debra, so nice to hear from you! Although I’m not planning a sequel right now, Kimberly and a mystery character will make a brief cameo in my next novel. I’m so glad you care enough about my characters to wonder how they’ll get on. I feel the same way. Thanks so much for your kind words and all my best to you – Jean
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:38 am
While I’m an avid reader, it isn’t often that I find a book that I cannot put down. Your novel “Girl in Translation” is one of those books. I was so captivated that I finished it in one day. I know you don’t plan a sequel, but I wish you would reconsider. While the book is a perfect story in itself, I would love to continue reading about your character’s journeys and when/how their paths cross. Outstanding debut – I can’t wait for your next book!
April 20th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Hi Joy, Thanks so much! Say hi to your sisters for me! Groetjes, Jean
April 19th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Congratulations on “Girl in Translation”. My sisters and I could relate as we are all from South Africa and live in the States.
Alles van die beste…
Joy
April 19th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Kathy, I’m thrilled you’ve read my book four times! That is really an honor. You are very kind. I think everyone does their best in their own way, and Asians are certainly not always successful! It’s funny because my next book has a Chinese heroine who isn’t good at school or much of anything else, except for taking care of her little sister. She winds up in the ballroom dance world and realizes that the only way for her to save her ailing little sister is to somehow win a major dance competition. Thanks for getting in touch! All my best, Jean
April 19th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Hi Anne, I used to live on the Herengracht, so very close to where you were! Yes, I love the markets too – Leiden is a beautiful city. Tot ziens indeed, Jean
April 19th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Dear Cheryl, Thanks so much for getting in touch and I hope your book club enjoyed my book! All my best to you, Jean
April 19th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Jean -
Well, I’ve read your book 4 times and I’ve loved it each time! I have always admired Chinese and other Asians who come to America and reach for the top. Many “native” Americans are jealous of outstanding immigrant success, but I applaud it heartily!! One of the reasons our country was created was to give people freedom to achieve. However, the “slavery” of the sweatshops is a dirty secret that I am sure still continues, underground. And, boy, could I identify with your description of your fellow students at your elementary and high schools! Congratulations on a wonderful book!
Jean, I can hardly wait until your book about ballroom dancing comes out!
Kathy
April 18th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Hi Jean, I just finished reading “Girl in Translation” – our book club is reviewing it tomorrow night. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
I was reading your bio and had to email you to let you know that my husband and I had lived in Leiden on on Hoogvard and Barbarasteeg in 2008. We loved our stay there and visiting the Wednesday and Saturday markets just steps away from our apartment and the Hortus Botannicus! Such wonderful memories!
Tot ziens,
Anne
April 11th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Susan, thanks so much for getting in touch. I LOVE this link you posted. What moving interviews – it’s the first time I’ve heard other people talk who also worked in sweatshops as children. Their memories coincide so much with mine. This hit home for me. : ) I reposted this link on my Facebook fan page. Thank you!
April 10th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I just finished reading your book. I grew up in Chinatown, New York and stories like these always hit home. Congrats on your book. I thought you would be interested in this http://openthecity.org/?p=2802
April 8th, 2012 at 3:54 am
I have read your novel and enjoyed it. It opened my eyes to the life of immigrants and how difficult life could be. My book club will be discussing it this next week and I’m excited to hear others’ reactions to your book.
April 5th, 2012 at 11:10 am
Rory, thanks so much for your kind words! So glad you enjoyed my book and am writing as fast as I can now….
April 4th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Ms Kwok,
I stumbled upon your book by accident and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Stop whatever your doing right now and start a new novel! Please! I need another novel from you! Please!!
xoxo Rory
February 25th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
It’s very kind of you to offer, Art, and I appreciate it very much but I’m afraid I won’t be writing a sequel to Girl in Translation. It was dreamed of as one book and it will remain that way. Thank you so much for thinking of me and getting in touch!
February 21st, 2012 at 7:09 pm
I have many ideas on how “Girl” can be worked into books 2, and possibly even 3. Are you interested? Please contact me!
February 12th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Thank you so much, Amy! Am working hard on next book as we speak!
February 12th, 2012 at 3:25 am
jean…thank you so much for pouring your heart into this literary work. GIRL IN TRANSLATION was a joy to read and very difficult to put down. Please write more! Amy Ryan, Morganton, NC
February 9th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Mary, I’m so glad your mom gave you my book and that you enjoyed it! Thanks for getting in touch!
February 7th, 2012 at 3:36 am
Hi Jean!
My mom got me your book (Girl in Translation) for Christmas because she said it “called to her” for her to buy me as a gift. It’s not my type of novel, but I began reading it anyways, intending on using it for a novel project. I quickly fell in love with your writing style and your main character, Kimberly. The book made so much sense to me, as I saw myself in Kimberly.
Thank you for writing it! I look forward to many more novels!
January 26th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Hi Veronique, I’m so glad you’ll be discussing my book! I appreciate it so much and please give my regards to the other members of your book club!
January 26th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Julia, I’m so glad my book was an inspiration to you! I wish you all success and have complete confidence in you! : ) Best of luck in all your endeavors!
January 25th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Dear Jean,
My name is Veronique Jurgens and I live in Wassenaar. I am member of an English language bookclub here in Wassenaar. We are a group of 9 Dutch ladies and we read and discuss a book once a month. All of us have lived as expats somewhere in this world, including a few who have lived in both the US and China.
It’s my turn to host a bookclub meeting on Thursday the 8th of March and I really want to read and discuss your book ‘Girl in Translation’. I have read many great reviews on it!
Kind regards,
Veronique Jurgens
January 23rd, 2012 at 6:54 am
Jean,
Read you book in two days. It is an inspiration for me as also a immigrant. Knowing that it is not impossible to succeed in a whole new world with a new language, brought me back to earth. I was going to a thought time, almost giving up my life in America because of language barrier… that was when I found your book at the library and totally identified myself.
Thank you for such a great book! I want to be a warrior just like Kim Chang
January 18th, 2012 at 10:21 am
Hi Silla, I hope your book presentation went well! Matt is based upon some real guys in my life, though in the end, he’s a fictional character, of course! Thanks for getting in touch! xo Jean
January 16th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
hi! I loved your book! I read it and I cried at the end. Was Matt a real character in your life or was he fictional?
I’m having a presentation on your book tomorrow.
Love from Norway <3
January 16th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Eileen, I’m so glad you enjoyed my book. It is semi-autobiographical so while my life paralleled that of Kimberly’s, it wasn’t exactly the same. I’m trying to finish my new book as we speak and will certainly be posting the publication date on this website as soon as I have one! Would love to meet you in person someday!
January 16th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Thanks so much, Trude! I really need to come to Norway, have been in touch with so many lovely readers from there!
January 16th, 2012 at 1:51 am
Hello Jean,
I read most of the comments above.You have touched so many people with your very personal journey, including me.
What a brave little girl you were you certinally knew what you wanted. What an inspiration you are for the young kids growing up today. Reading your book tells me dreams really do come true. I know the Chinese are very respectfull people I don’t know how you put up with your Aunt Paula.
Your mom must be very proud of you. I thank you for sharing your journey with all us readers.
I wonder are you doing any book signings, I live on Long Island NY.When is your new book out?
Thank you again,
Eileen Condra
January 13th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Jean, I finished reading “Girl in Translation” last night, and I can’t get the story out of my head. I absolutely loved it! It was so inspiring, and I also liked learning more about the Chinese culture. Congratulations! I’m looking forward for your next one.
Greetings from Norway
January 12th, 2012 at 11:24 am
Jennifer, I’m thrilled you enjoyed my novel! There are so many wonderful southern writers. I get sent south quite often so if I’m ever in Georgia, I hope you’ll come by to say hi. So glad you cheered for Kimberly and her mom!
January 12th, 2012 at 4:26 am
I am a deep south southern girl from Georgia that loves all the usual female southern writers, but your novel leaves me breathless! I read it in one setting! I can’t wait for your next work. I found myself cheering for Kimberly and her wise mother the whole way through. All I can say, is wow, ya’ll!
January 11th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
You are very kind, Julia, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my book. Thanks so much for getting in touch! : )
January 11th, 2012 at 7:20 am
I just finished ‘Girl in Translation’ and I want to thank you so much for sharing this gift. My eyes have been opened in so many ways. Beautiful, empowering story. And I’m proud of your accomplishments! Hard work, dignity, dedication. I can’t wait for your next book
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Nana, it’s so nice to hear from you and I appreciate your sharing your story. It can be very hard, harder than anyone else can imagine. I’m glad my book spoke to you and I’m wishing you the best of luck in making your dreams come true!
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Happy New Year to you too, Wilma! So glad you enjoyed my book!
January 3rd, 2012 at 7:52 am
I just finished reading your book Girl in Translation, and I absolutely love it! I actually shed tears while I was reading because it reflects some of my life, since my parents are Chinese as well and I had a hard time adjusting to life in America.
I am still in high school, and I really admire your achievements, and how you overcame the harsh obstacles. You are now my new role model!
January 2nd, 2012 at 1:11 am
Absolutely loved this book – read it in one day! Anxiously awaiting your next book.
Happy New Year
January 1st, 2012 at 11:45 am
Victoria, I’m afraid I won’t be writing a sequel but we will catch a glimpse of Kimberly in my next novel. Thanks so much for your kind words and all my best to you!
January 1st, 2012 at 11:44 am
Alira, thank you very much for your message! I’m glad you enjoyed my book and thanks for getting in touch!
December 30th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
I love Girl in Translation so much but i was wondering if you were possibly going to do another, a sequel to Kimberly Chang’s life? I’m just a big romantic and truly loved your book, it really is prize worthy. Thank you for reading this
December 29th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Jean I would like to congratulate you for this extraordinary novel and even more because you overcome many obstacles and barriers in yourlife as Kimberly!! I love your book because is easy to read for those not native english speakers like me!
December 29th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Hi Paulette, I’m so glad you’re interested in using my work in your English class. I am away on holiday in Austria right now but I’ll send you an email to see if I can help you when I get back home.
December 29th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Jamie, so glad you enjoyed the book! I’m afraid I won’t be writing a sequel but you will catch tiny glimpses of the characters in my future novels. Kimberly and a mystery character appear in my next one, so some of your questions will be resolved then. Thanks so much for getting in touch and I wish you a very Happy New Year!
December 28th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
I would like to get a copy of the text of your short stories and poems to use in my English class. I cannot find them on the internet. Can you help me?
December 25th, 2011 at 7:42 am
I just finished the book…. I LOVED IT! Pleeeeeeease write a sequel to the book! I would love to read what happens… I look forward to your future novels as well.
Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
Happy holidays!
December 22nd, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Thanks so much for getting in touch, Cheyenne! I think you’re my youngest fan (that I know of)! Very glad you liked the book and I wish you all the best too. : ) Jean
December 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
I absolutely loved Girl In Translation. I’m a twelve year old girl, and I definitely am a new fan of your writing. I think Girl In Translation should have a sequel, it would sell like crazy. Anywho, keep writing and good luck in you future.
December 19th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
So interesting that you grew up half Latino/half Asian in the US. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m happy you enjoyed the book and could relate to Kimberly. I felt quite alone when I was growing up and I sometimes wished for a book that acknowledged the world I lived in but I couldn’t find one. I wish you and yours all the best and I’m grateful you got in touch.
Warmly,
Jean
December 19th, 2011 at 1:35 am
I absolutely loved this book. It really helps me appreciate the simple things in life that we take for granted everyday. It also serves as a motivation to take advantage of all the opportunity we are given in America. There were many times where I felt I could relate to Kimberly so much that I nearly cried. I know how it feels to be stuck in between different worlds; Growing up half Latino/half Asian in America, it’s hard to gain a sense of belonging to one culture, let alone all three. I admire the ambition that Kimberly possessed and the courage she had to make important decisions regarding her future. Definitely one of my new favorite books, and I will definitely recommend this to family/friends. Thank you so much for the inspiring piece of literature. Can’t wait for the next one!
December 14th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Estelle, your comment has made my day! I’m so glad that the book is something positive for you and your son. I wish you both all the best in making your dreams come true!
Warmly,
Jean
December 14th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Jean, this is an amazing book. Just finished the book on tape from the library. You’ve inspired me so much, I was up at 3:30 a.m. writing. My 11-year-old son said he’s going to excel in math because if Kimberly can, he can as well. I’m going to buy the book and read it over and over on my Nook.
December 13th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
So glad you enjoyed the book and thanks so much for getting in touch. I love Turkey and most especially the Turkish people, have been going to Kusadasi for the past few summers. The Turkish rights have been sold so the book will be translated into Turkish and published in Turkey in the next year.
Best wishes to you too,
Jean
December 13th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Greetings from Turkey… I bought this book last summer when I was in NYC just depending on its name and cover, and I am so glad that it did not make me regret… It was so touching and it was also very nice to learn about Chinese culture… I am looking forward for your next novel… Best wishes…♥
December 12th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Janis, thanks for getting in touch and I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! You’re right that there are parts of the story that haven’t been fully played out yet. I’m afraid I won’t be writing a sequel because I saw this book as a stand-alone and any sequel would be added-on, but we will get glimpses of the characters’ futures in my other novels. Kimberly and a mystery character will make a brief cameo appearance in my next novel, and other members of the family will also appear briefly in future books. Rest assured that everyone turns out OK, Kimberly finds her own complete happiness and yes, some secrets are impossible to keep forever.
My next book is set in the professional ballroom dance world and Chinatown, about a poor Chinatown girl who winds up in the professional ballroom dance world, then realizes the only way to earn the money to save her sick little sister (and herself) will be by winning a major dance competition. I’m very close to done on this novel and will be posting any news about publication, etc. here on my website but the fastest updates are on Facebook and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Kwok/213583280524
http://twitter.com/#!/JeanKwok
December 12th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Just finished reading Girl in Translation and loved it. Is it possible that you might write a sequel to this book?
Please let me know if you are working on another book if not a sequel.
THANK YOU!
December 9th, 2011 at 10:13 am
I love Greece! I hope you like the book, Dimitra, and it’s nice to be in touch!
December 9th, 2011 at 10:11 am
It’s not out yet over here (Greece) but I pre-ordered it at one of our central bookstores and I can’t wait to read it. Sounds so inspiring!
December 8th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Thank you, Ann! So glad you enjoyed it!
December 8th, 2011 at 9:51 am
I loved your book and will be recommending it to all my friends. An inspiring story about strength and resilience…. Looking forward to your next opus!
December 8th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Janet, Suzanne and Vicki, thanks so much for posting here! The audiobook is wonderful. I heard the three final professional readers being considered for it and chose Grace Wey, who’s gotten a great deal of praise for her rendition of the book.
Janet, thanks so much for recommending my book at your library. I really appreciate it. The next book is almost finished, about a poor Chinatown girl who becomes a professional ballroom dancer. She then realizes that winning a major dance competition will be the only way to save her ailing little sister, and herself.
December 8th, 2011 at 6:35 am
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story! I listened to it on CD driving back and forth to work and I couldn’t wait for my commute each day to hear what would happen next. I look forward to your next masterpiece!
December 8th, 2011 at 4:01 am
I just finished listening to the Girl in Translation audiobook. I’d been listening while commuting back and forth to work. It broke my heart to come to the end… I’d been enjoying having you with me. What a wonderful story teller you are!
December 7th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Love Girl in Translation. Put it on my staff (I’m a librarian) recommends shelf frequently. Hope to see a new book from you soon!
December 7th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
This Guestbook just came into existence a few hours ago and all of you have already come and posted such kind comments! Thank you!
December 7th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Loved Girl in Translation! Waiting for your next masterpiece……
Maureen
Memphis, TN
December 7th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Jean. Your book Girl in translation is wonderful and very inspiring. Hope you can visit MI as part of your next book promotion.
December 7th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
I recommend Girl in Translation to everyone! Will be re-reading it sometime soon. =)
December 7th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
“Girl in Translation” was a wonderful book – I could not put it down. This is the book I tell all my friends that they must read. I am so looking forward to your next book.
December 7th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
I love “Girl in Translation” . Can’t wait to read your next one.
December 7th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
jean ,I love your book so much i am giving it to special friends for christmas.Happy Holidays!!
December 7th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
You all are so nice (and so fast)! I had to figure out how to approve all the comments…
December 7th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Since reading GIRL IN TRANSLATION, I calculate all expenses in skirts. Best of luck on the next book.
December 7th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Jean… I loved “Girl in Translation” and I look forward to more! Ik wens u het allerbeste!!! Groetjes uit California
December 7th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Heb genoten van Girl in Translation!!
Groetjes