In this outstanding memoir/essay, Lee explores questions of being Asian in America and how we can dismantle the structure of white supremacy. Covering her Korean parents' struggles immigrating and establishing themselves in America, her childhood growing up in LA, and the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Lee discusses how Asians can be both victims and accomplices to white supremacy.

I deeply appreciate Lee's examination of the history of Black-Asian conflict/relations, the contrasting narratives of model minority vs. problem minority, and the idea of zero-sum games in social justice issues. She analyzes the false notions behind these ideas, and why white supremacy is always the ultimate beneficiary behind pitting different marginalized groups against one another.

Furthermore, BITING provides a thought-provoking examination of filial piety, drawing comparisons to the dynamics of "master" vs. "children" in the contexts of slavery and colonialism. Lee brilliantly explores acts of violence/service/love between parents and children. The unconditional yet all-consuming nature of these relationships is both heartwarming and oppressive, showcasing the complexities of familial ties and their impacts on individual growth.

Throughout BITING, Lee emphasizes the concept of generational trauma, highlighting how it acts as a divide between parents and children. However, she offers a glimmer of hope by exploring intergenerational healing, which presents a pathway toward breaking free from these cycles and fostering positive change.

BITING is a remarkable book that confronts challenging themes with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. For fans of MINOR FEELINGS (Cathy Park Hong), BITING THE HAND is a phenomenal pairing