My mother imparted her daily truths so she could help my older brothers and me rise above our circumstances. We lived in San Francisco's Chinatown. Like most of the other Chinese children who played in the back alleys of restaurants and curio shops, I didn't think we were poor. My bowl was always full, three five-course meals every day, beginning with a soup full of mysterious things I didn't want to know the names of.

I used to think that my mother got into arguments with people because they didn't understand her English, because she was Chinese.

But I was no longer sacared. I could see what was inside me. -Lindo

When you already believe something, how can you suddenly stop? When you are a loyal friend, how can you no longer be one?

Why do some memories live only on your tongue or in your nose? Why do others always stay in your heart?

Placing on writers the responsibility to represent a culture is an onerous burden.

Now you see,' said the turtle, drifting back into the pond, 'why it is useless to cry. Your tears do not wash away your sorrows. They feed someone else's joy. And that is why you must learn to swallow your own tears.