This book hits hard and hits very close to home, so like many others I was tempted to put it down because it was uncomfortable and painful. However, I'm very glad I stuck it out. Chow's journalistic training is apparent as this book is matter of fact and surprisingly informative on historical contexts surrounding her family's story. She is also an insightful, talented writer depicting her life and growth as a person with grace. If anything, this book leaves you with a deeper appreciation of her and a curiosity to dive into the rest of her work. I first heard of this book when she interviewed Michelle Zauner about Crying in Hmart at an event in DC. She is meticulous to find all facets of the story, even when she herself is the subject, but she does it with real care and compassion. 

Seeing Ghosts was a beautiful and poignant memoir that invited the reader into Chow's journey through grief. As much as this memoir was an homage of sorts to her late mother, it was also one that reflected on family dynamics—particularly between Chow and her father—as well as honoring one's family history and culture. Grief certainly was at the center of this memoir, but there was also an abundance of care and love that permeated throughout the pages. Chow demonstrates how one can still find hope even in times of darkness.

I was familiar with Chow's work from her time with NPR's Code Switch, and her wonderful storytelling really shone in this memoir in a way that honored her family, history, and culture. I also appreciated the insight of growing up in Connecticut in an Asian immigrant household, which had its own challenges. (On this note, I am all for more Asian American New Englanders writing about their lived experiences, haha.)

memoir about grief, involving layers of intergenerational loss and stifling of all that’s left unspoken. Unsurprisingly, I loved this one.