That Younghill Kang's book, critically acclaimed during his own lifetime, has been rediscovered and reprinted decades later is a victory for American literature. I am a student at Northwestern University and I read this book for an Asian American literature class that I took on a whim. Though I rarely glance at class books during vacation (even the good ones) I have re-read this one twice. East Goes West is a beautifully written novel that manages to be both powerfully thought-evoking and humorous. Kang's commentary on the uniqueness of American culture, politics, business, and society remain as fresh and valid as they were sixty years ago. The genius of this book is that it makes you think while being amused. If you've always wanted to find hidden treasure, this book comes pretty close. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

This is an excellent book for anyone who would like to know how Koreans in early 1900 had lived in America. It is a story of exiles living in the U. S. waiting to return to Korea someday knowing then that it was an impossible dream. In his book I met many people I had heard of or read about. Mr. Younghill Kang, who is a friend of my remote aunt, is indeed a true poet.

One of the first works of fiction written by an Asian immigrant to the United States, Kang's novel describes his early adulthood with a poignant humor that touches not only on his most positive experiences in a new country--such as being befriended by other Korean Americans--but also on some of his worst: the time when college classmates convinced him to run a race in long underwear. Kang, however, never forces us to feel sorry for him; simply by relating his experiences to us in a uniquely crafted language that reflects both his extensive literary training and his own quirky sense of style, Kang manages to win our sympathy for an obviously gifted young man who faces discrimination and hardship during his first years away from home