Number One Son

Mariam Zaidan
20810517
October 23, 2009

My favorite story from the three we read for class was the second one, "Number One Son" by Monfoon Leong. One of the main reasons I liked it most is because it has to do with Chinese culture and customs. Ever since I was in elementary school, I enjoyed learning about anything Chinese or Japanese. The silk kimonos, the origami, the foot binding, the chopsticks, and the strict structure of the family where the woman has no worth until she bears a son all fascinate me. "Number One Son" is also my favorite because I understand Ming's anger. It's a lot easier to be angry than sad. When I lost my mother, I blamed my father for not taking better care of her. I also believe that any teenager gripes about his home life and the things he has to sacrifice for his family. The third thing I liked about the selection is how Ming realizes or admits to himself that his father really did love him. The story mentions little details of how a parent shows love for his children that children usually don't appreciate. For instance, Ming's father made sure to bring the children cakes everyday. The wide range of characters that the story introduces us to in a short period of time is appealing as well and gives us a wider view of the world that the family lived in.