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Our Laundry, Our Town: My Chinese American Life from Flushing to the Downtown Stage and Beyond
With humor and grace, the memoir of a first-generation Chinese American in New York City.
Our Laundry, Our Town is a memoir that decodes and processes the fractured urban oracle bones of Alvin Eng’s upbringing in Flushing, Queens, in the 1970s. Back then, his family was one of the few immigrant Chinese families in a far-flung neighborhood in New York City. His parents had an arranged marriage and ran a Chinese hand laundry. From behind the counter of his parents’ laundry and within the confines of a household that was rooted in a different century and culture, he sought to reconcile this insular home life with the turbulent yet inspiring street life that was all around them––from the faux martial arts of TV’s Kung Fu to the burgeoning underworld of the punk rock scene.
In the 1970s, NYC, like most of the world, was in the throes of regenerating itself in the wake of major social and cultural changes resulting from the counterculture and civil rights movements. And by the 1980s, Flushing had become NYC’s second Chinatown. But Eng remained one of the neighborhood’s few Chinese citizens who did not speak fluent Chinese. Finding his way in the downtown theater and performance world of Manhattan, he discovered the under-chronicled Chinese influence on Thornton Wilder’s foundational Americana drama, Our Town . This discovery became the unlikely catalyst for a psyche-healing pilgrimage to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China―his ancestral home in southern China―that led to writing and performing his successful autobiographical monologue, The Last Emperor of Flushing . Learning to tell his own story on stages around the world was what proudly made him whole.
As cities, classrooms, cultures, and communities the world over continue to re-examine the parameters of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Our Laundry, Our Town will reverberate with a broad readership.
Our Laundry, Our Town is a memoir that decodes and processes the fractured urban oracle bones of Alvin Eng’s upbringing in Flushing, Queens, in the 1970s. Back then, his family was one of the few immigrant Chinese families in a far-flung neighborhood in New York City. His parents had an arranged marriage and ran a Chinese hand laundry. From behind the counter of his parents’ laundry and within the confines of a household that was rooted in a different century and culture, he sought to reconcile this insular home life with the turbulent yet inspiring street life that was all around them––from the faux martial arts of TV’s Kung Fu to the burgeoning underworld of the punk rock scene.
In the 1970s, NYC, like most of the world, was in the throes of regenerating itself in the wake of major social and cultural changes resulting from the counterculture and civil rights movements. And by the 1980s, Flushing had become NYC’s second Chinatown. But Eng remained one of the neighborhood’s few Chinese citizens who did not speak fluent Chinese. Finding his way in the downtown theater and performance world of Manhattan, he discovered the under-chronicled Chinese influence on Thornton Wilder’s foundational Americana drama, Our Town . This discovery became the unlikely catalyst for a psyche-healing pilgrimage to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China―his ancestral home in southern China―that led to writing and performing his successful autobiographical monologue, The Last Emperor of Flushing . Learning to tell his own story on stages around the world was what proudly made him whole.
As cities, classrooms, cultures, and communities the world over continue to re-examine the parameters of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Our Laundry, Our Town will reverberate with a broad readership.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
212 pages, Hardcover
Published May 17, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 30, 2023
I enjoyed this memoir from Alvin Eng who grew up in Flushing, Queens in the 1970s. His parents came from China, the product of an arranged marriage. Eng chronicles their existence running a Chinese hand laundry. This was my favorite part of the book, reveling in the descriptions of the layout of this family business such as the back room that had family amenities for eating, napping and completing homework. I also connected with Eng and his earth shattering discovery of The Who's "Tommy" rock opera, which became an obsession, spearheading his passion into music and theater.
I became less enchanted with the final half of the book chronicling the adult portion of Eng's immersion into playwriting with a focus on Chinese influence. It was a very deep dive into the downtown theater and performance world. I was much more enamoured with reading about his family's Chinese Hand Laundry that was not only a business but where his family practically lived as well, and their assimilation into daily NY life.
Thank you to the publisher Empire State Editions who provided an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
April 12, 2022
CW/TW: micro-aggressions, racism, slurs
Raw and gritty, Alvin Eng's memoir traces his life from his family's hand laundry shop in Queens, to his transformation into a musician and playwright. His story is one that is achingly familiar to any first generation immigrant kid - the awkwardness of parents who try a little too hard (or not at all), the jarring differences between a faraway heritage and a new home, and struggle to form an identity that encompasses both facets, but at the time, is still unique and your own.
Eng's tone is conversational, drawing the reader in with references of the historical and familiar - his mother is affectionately referred to as "The Empress Mother", and his immediate family is "The Dynasty". Foo Jin Hand Laundry, the family business, and "The Last Emperor of Flushing", a play penned by Eng himself, both mesh the meeting of two distinct cultures, as Eng navigates the ever-present "but where are you REALLY from?" that follows him from between the lines of freshly laundered sheets to the stages of downtown New York City. "Our Laundry, Our Town" is humorous, bittersweet and infinitely inspiring. It is about living with one foot in two cultures: neither of which truly, fully accept you, but at the same time, define you completely. This was perhaps most bittersweet when Eng travelled back from the US, to Toisan, China, and a village elder stated that he knew his father - as if the threads had been maintained, even over distance and time.
If you wept while reading the memoir Crying in H Mart, ached at the injustice in Minor Feelings, and laughed during graphic novel Messy Roots, then "Our Laundry, Our Town" is the sweet spot between these three.
#stopasianhate
Thank you Fordham University Press and Alvin Eng for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Raw and gritty, Alvin Eng's memoir traces his life from his family's hand laundry shop in Queens, to his transformation into a musician and playwright. His story is one that is achingly familiar to any first generation immigrant kid - the awkwardness of parents who try a little too hard (or not at all), the jarring differences between a faraway heritage and a new home, and struggle to form an identity that encompasses both facets, but at the time, is still unique and your own.
Eng's tone is conversational, drawing the reader in with references of the historical and familiar - his mother is affectionately referred to as "The Empress Mother", and his immediate family is "The Dynasty". Foo Jin Hand Laundry, the family business, and "The Last Emperor of Flushing", a play penned by Eng himself, both mesh the meeting of two distinct cultures, as Eng navigates the ever-present "but where are you REALLY from?" that follows him from between the lines of freshly laundered sheets to the stages of downtown New York City. "Our Laundry, Our Town" is humorous, bittersweet and infinitely inspiring. It is about living with one foot in two cultures: neither of which truly, fully accept you, but at the same time, define you completely. This was perhaps most bittersweet when Eng travelled back from the US, to Toisan, China, and a village elder stated that he knew his father - as if the threads had been maintained, even over distance and time.
If you wept while reading the memoir Crying in H Mart, ached at the injustice in Minor Feelings, and laughed during graphic novel Messy Roots, then "Our Laundry, Our Town" is the sweet spot between these three.
#stopasianhate
Thank you Fordham University Press and Alvin Eng for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
I was attracted to read this because my mother also grew up living and working in a Chinese laundry and had parents whose marriage was arranged. What a treasure to see one's heritage, however obscure, reflected in literature. Conversely, I am closer to the author's age and related to his '60s/70s cultural references. I especially loved the story of his relationship with his brother as a boy, how they pooled their savings to buy a coveted iconic record album, and how that album influenced them over many years -- wonderful nostalgia from a period before everything was available on demand.
The second half of the book feels different as he moves from childhood into searching for his identity and place in society through his writing career. I especially enjoyed the story of how he parlayed his youthful passion for punk and rock music into his first professional job when his family all seemed to think the best he could hope for was retail work. For any of us with kids struggling through regular academic life who need a little nurturing to fan their unique flame, these kinds of stories are always helpful. I was truly inspired by his work bridging cultures both here and in China through his playwriting and was especially moved by the story of his "homecoming" to his father's ancestral village, a trip I still dream of taking. Anyway, thank you, Mr. Eng for this wonderful memoir and excellent read.
The second half of the book feels different as he moves from childhood into searching for his identity and place in society through his writing career. I especially enjoyed the story of how he parlayed his youthful passion for punk and rock music into his first professional job when his family all seemed to think the best he could hope for was retail work. For any of us with kids struggling through regular academic life who need a little nurturing to fan their unique flame, these kinds of stories are always helpful. I was truly inspired by his work bridging cultures both here and in China through his playwriting and was especially moved by the story of his "homecoming" to his father's ancestral village, a trip I still dream of taking. Anyway, thank you, Mr. Eng for this wonderful memoir and excellent read.
April 5, 2023
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss
The first half was interesting, but I struggled through the whole second half. Mostly because it all devolved into "name that obscure New York art scene rock band of the 80s and 90s" (and if it wasn't a band, it was a play). I didn't know any of them, and chances are you don't either, even if you're the same age, cause they sound kind of a little underground and very local? I suppose it even makes sense, cause this book isn't just about growing up Asian, it's about growing up in New York, because even the name includes "our town". I think I was just not the right reader for this book. But I also think that it's kind of hard to find the right reader, probably. I think only people from Flushing, New York could actually connect with it. But, maybe that's the point! After all, a memoir is a memoir and every author should be able to express the feelings that are the closest to their heart.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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The first half was interesting, but I struggled through the whole second half. Mostly because it all devolved into "name that obscure New York art scene rock band of the 80s and 90s" (and if it wasn't a band, it was a play). I didn't know any of them, and chances are you don't either, even if you're the same age, cause they sound kind of a little underground and very local? I suppose it even makes sense, cause this book isn't just about growing up Asian, it's about growing up in New York, because even the name includes "our town". I think I was just not the right reader for this book. But I also think that it's kind of hard to find the right reader, probably. I think only people from Flushing, New York could actually connect with it. But, maybe that's the point! After all, a memoir is a memoir and every author should be able to express the feelings that are the closest to their heart.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
June 26, 2022
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEvng2PY...
"Our Laundry, Our Town My Chinese American Life from Flushing to the Downtown Stage and Beyond", by Alvin Eng, is a heartfelt memoir about identity and belonging, and growing up Chinese-American in New York City, in the 70s. It's also a memoir of finding oneself in music, film, and the arts, and exploring pop culture in a vibrant, constantly changing city. Comprised of anecdotes from Eng's childhood, teen years, and adulthood, and even from his family history, the memoir mixes personal experiences and events with historical information about laws that affected and discriminated again Chinese immigrants in the United States, and how the life of the Chinese diaspora was affected by the political relationship between China and the United States.
While memoirs in audio format almost always captivate me, in physical format they tend to be a hit or miss. "Our Laundry, Our Town" was definitely a hit for me. Between Eng's humor that transpired in even the most unhumourous situations, the short chapters that made for a smooth transition between life stages, and Eng's heartfelt introspection into his own family relationships and life experiences, I was fully engaged everytime I picked this memoir up.
Thank you to @alvin.eng8 for sharing your story with us readers, and thank you to @OTRPR and @Fordham_Press for my gifted review copy of "Our Laundry, Our Town". All opinions are my own.
"Our Laundry, Our Town My Chinese American Life from Flushing to the Downtown Stage and Beyond", by Alvin Eng, is a heartfelt memoir about identity and belonging, and growing up Chinese-American in New York City, in the 70s. It's also a memoir of finding oneself in music, film, and the arts, and exploring pop culture in a vibrant, constantly changing city. Comprised of anecdotes from Eng's childhood, teen years, and adulthood, and even from his family history, the memoir mixes personal experiences and events with historical information about laws that affected and discriminated again Chinese immigrants in the United States, and how the life of the Chinese diaspora was affected by the political relationship between China and the United States.
While memoirs in audio format almost always captivate me, in physical format they tend to be a hit or miss. "Our Laundry, Our Town" was definitely a hit for me. Between Eng's humor that transpired in even the most unhumourous situations, the short chapters that made for a smooth transition between life stages, and Eng's heartfelt introspection into his own family relationships and life experiences, I was fully engaged everytime I picked this memoir up.
Thank you to @alvin.eng8 for sharing your story with us readers, and thank you to @OTRPR and @Fordham_Press for my gifted review copy of "Our Laundry, Our Town". All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2022
Where are you really from??🌎
I was born in South Korea🇰🇷and am really from there, Alyssa was born in Kansas City Missouri and her family is really from Wales.🏴
In Our Laundry, Our Town by Alvin Eng, as a first-generation Chinese American, he would frequently get asked this question when he would answer with: Flushing! He was born in the US, his father was a paper son and his parents had an arranged marriage before they were fully settled in the US. His family owns a hand laundry business, where he helps out, but would rather be a rock star!
In this memoir he recalls the ups and downs of his childhood growing up in Flushing NYC. He went into detail about how many times he felt like he didn’t quite fit in anywhere, he was never quite Chinese enough for Chinatown and not American enough for everyone else.
I enjoyed reading about Alvin Eng’s childhood and I was able to relate to many of things he went through, I think this would be a great audio book, with the author narrating!
Thank you @otrpr for this gifted copy! You can find Our Laundry, Our Town on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
.
I was born in South Korea🇰🇷and am really from there, Alyssa was born in Kansas City Missouri and her family is really from Wales.🏴
In Our Laundry, Our Town by Alvin Eng, as a first-generation Chinese American, he would frequently get asked this question when he would answer with: Flushing! He was born in the US, his father was a paper son and his parents had an arranged marriage before they were fully settled in the US. His family owns a hand laundry business, where he helps out, but would rather be a rock star!
In this memoir he recalls the ups and downs of his childhood growing up in Flushing NYC. He went into detail about how many times he felt like he didn’t quite fit in anywhere, he was never quite Chinese enough for Chinatown and not American enough for everyone else.
I enjoyed reading about Alvin Eng’s childhood and I was able to relate to many of things he went through, I think this would be a great audio book, with the author narrating!
Thank you @otrpr for this gifted copy! You can find Our Laundry, Our Town on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
.
July 14, 2022
I learned about this book from a man named Dominc W. who is an accountant and actor. He had met the author and read this memoir. He thought it would be a good addition to the grade 11 reading list.
It's interesting to read about someone a bit older than I am who was raised in Flushing and incorporates history into his family narrative. The prose is clunky at times like when he goes on about the dance-a-bra-tion in China and the spirits of the deceased join and hold hands. Coincidental that this book came my way by kismet and is heavy on those connections also.
This is also a reminder that I have to read Our Town.
It's interesting to read about someone a bit older than I am who was raised in Flushing and incorporates history into his family narrative. The prose is clunky at times like when he goes on about the dance-a-bra-tion in China and the spirits of the deceased join and hold hands. Coincidental that this book came my way by kismet and is heavy on those connections also.
This is also a reminder that I have to read Our Town.
December 21, 2023
Alvin Eng's memoir Our Laundry, Our Town, resonates in many ways for this reader, also a Flushing, Queens, New York City native and FHS alum. From his passion for rock n roll and punk, which gets Alvin and his brother through tough times in his quarrelling parents' hand laundry business, to his rise as a downtown performance artist and playwright, and tour-de-force teaching in Hong Kong, Eng's book abounds with humor, self-awareness, and gratitude for his passionate immigrant family, his friends and fellow artists, and what it means to belong. This Last Emperor of Flushing is a wonderful ambassador for our town.
October 9, 2023
Interesting story about the author’s childhood and growing up in Flushing, NY.
The part I enjoyed the best was the descriptions of the music and TV culture from the 1970s. It was also enlightening to read things from a young Chinese boy’s perspective.
Thanks to Fordham University Press and Edelweiss for the early read.
The part I enjoyed the best was the descriptions of the music and TV culture from the 1970s. It was also enlightening to read things from a young Chinese boy’s perspective.
Thanks to Fordham University Press and Edelweiss for the early read.
June 28, 2022
Loved Alvin Eng’s writing, especially “F.O.B.”
Notable lines:
“All representation is personal and political. We must seize the moment and realize it while we can.”
December 11, 2023
his story is typical of immigrants.
May 9, 2024
Cool to see references to David Henry Hwang and nice ties to things going on across the world from Flushing in China, and how shockwaves from TianAnMen and the Red Scare hit immigrant communities.
September 8, 2024
I found it to be a very poignant, thoughtful, and hilarious memoir. I wish I had seen the play “ the last emperor of Flushing”
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews