Your Unexpected Invitation

John Wang4.5-starsNon-fictionSelf-helpAsianAsian Literature
Written By Kevin Tran

“Go explore, research, try new things, or even find a new cafe to write in, but keep writing through self-doubt and trust that you can edit later.” – pg. 352

Big Asian Energy is the book that will invite you to do just that. Through easy to learn exercises to show up bigger, you’ll be well equipped to take up more space with courage & kindness. 

Wanna learn more about the book? Check out my substack posts going into each section:

As a whole, you’ll learn more about the seven archetypes (behavioral patterns that emerge due to childhood conditioning), tactics to embrace your leadership style, and how to make the most of your background from the communities you’ve been a part of. Backed with reputable research, John balances out storytelling with science and personal anecdotes from himself and many others.

One that connected wholeheartedly was in Chapter 12: Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Done, where you get a look into one of John’s most vulnerable moments and the challenges he faces. Sorry, no spoilers in this book review. :)

Big Asian Energy also provides you with a great history lesson on Asian Diasporic events in the United States. I found myself learning about notable moments like the Rocks Spring Massacre, a massacre of Chinese immigrants in 1885 in Wyoming. 🤞 this continues to stay in the public education space.

There is some bias towards East Asians throughout the book, but that is grounded in what the history was like in the United States, too, with Chinese and Japanese immigrants defining the first wave.

Overall, there are many great stories with a clear direction & relevance to today’s day and age. Some parts were more a bore than others, but a great read nonetheless.

Ratings (Each rated 0 = sucks, 0.5 = okay, 1 = fascinating)

  • Entertainment = 0.5

  • Insights = 1

  • Storytelling = 1

  • Relevance = 1

  • Clarity = 1

  • Overall = 4.5

Get it on Amazon (affiliate link)!

If you’re looking for similar books in the Asian space, check out Permission to Come Home by Dr. Jenny T. Wang, PhD, your guide to all things therapy catered specifically to the Asian persona, and How to American by Jimmy Yang, a hilarious story into the unpredictability of an Asian upbringing that will knock your socks off.

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Kevin Tran
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