SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

Hi everyone!

Thank you for joining in this month's discussion of Naturally Tan. I hope you enjoyed reading Tan's memoir. Please join us next month for a discussion of The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri.

As we wrap up this month's discussion and reflect on the book, would you say you had any expectations before reading it? Were your expectations met? According to Tan France, Naturally Tan "is meant to spread joy, personal acceptance, and most of all understanding. Each of us is living our own private journey, and the more we know about each other, the healthier and happier the world will be.” Do you think his book fulfills this purpose?

Thank you and all the best,
Keely

To all who read this book, I am not sure if your experience is similar to mine, but reading this book has very much encouraged me to expand my curiosity. To explain, I had watched Tan France on Queer eye before, but not until I read Naturally Tan, did I understand much about South Asian culture. Since reading Tan’s book, I have also read The Kite Runner (a little late I know haha - and now I am reading I am Malala) and I have also researched some history of the surrounding South Asian countries. I will admit, I did not realize how ignorant and uneducated I was of the amount of different religions and ethnicities in South Asia. I am excited to read The Ungrateful Refugee because the author is Iranian, and I want to continue to expand my knowledge of the culture and history of West/South Asian countries. I have this group, and Tan’s book, to thank for the encouragement. I look forward to learning more.

Hi Alana,

Thank you for sharing your experience of reading Naturally Tan. We really appreciate receiving your feedback about the book club, and we're glad that you've found it to be a positive experience. We look forward to having you join us for this month's discussion of The Ungrateful Refugee.

All the best,
Keely