This was a good story and a really interesting exploration of Chinatown and its' clashes with the "new world" in America, its' conflicts between keeping true to the old world/traditions and adjusting to a more "contemporary" American culture. Also, I'm always interested in a good magical realism tale and this had all the elements of that. Bringing together Doaist beliefs and Chinese spirit lore (I think, as I don't really have any background in either) and making them real, this story followed the "coming of age" for Li-Lin. Her story and effort to both prove herself to her father and to herself, and to find her own path, to overcome her tragic past, and save the home and people she loves. It was a very incredible, and enjoyable, journey to follow. I loved the character of Mr. Yanqui. And my heart was really happy with the ending and how things worked out for Li-Lin. I just think there was a little bit of character flatness across that board that's holding me back from giving the book 4 stars. I haven't been able to put my finger on what it was exactly, because the story was great and the details and historical minutia were phenomenal, and the concept of yin or"ghost" eyes was so cool, but something about the characters just didn't ring complete for me - just one reader's opinion.