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Digging to America
Digging to America: A Novel | Anne Tyler
9 posts | 28 read | 7 to read
Anne Tylers richest, most deeply searching novela story about what it is to be an American, and about Iranian-born Maryam Yazdan, who, after 35 years in this country, must finally come to terms with her outsiderness. Two families, who would otherwise never have come together, meet by chance at the Baltimore airport the Donaldsons, a very American couple, and the Yazdans, Maryams fully assimilated son and his attractive Iranian wife. Each couple is awaiting the arrival of an adopted infant daughter from Korea. After the instant babies from distant Asia are delivered, Bitsy Donaldson impulsively invites the Yazdans to celebrate: an arrival party that from then on is repeated every year as the two families become more and more deeply intertwined. Even Maryam is drawn in up to a point. When she finds herself being courted by Bitsy Donaldsons recently widowed father, all the values she cherishes her traditions, her privacy, her othernessare suddenly threatened. A luminous novel brimming with subtle, funny, and tender observations that immerse us in the challenges of both sides of the American story.
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review
MrsMalaprop
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Pickpick

How good is Anne Tyler? Have read so many (think this might be my 7th). An author whose books I look out for in second hand sales, which is where I picked this copy up. Such wonderfully written, character-driven novels 💖🙏📚. A perfect Covid read for me. Reckon I‘m finally on the mend ❤️‍🩹.

Rissreads Good to hear you are starting to feel better! ♥️ 1y
Ruthiella I‘m an Ann Tyler fan too. Glad to hear you‘re on the mend! ❤️ 1y
jlhammar So good! Love Anne Tyler. 1y
CarolynM I liked this one a lot too. 1y
31 likes4 comments
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kellock
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Pickpick

I just love her writing style. Not much happens but at the same time she manages to hold your attention so well.

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kellock
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Day off = breakfast and a book 🍳 📚

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erzascarletbookgasm
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Two very different American couples adopting Korean daughters have to learn the value of friendship, cultural differences, tolerance and most of all, the idea of what it means to be an American. #tbr
#nuyear #America

Cinfhen Sounds good, I'm surprised it has a low rating!?! 6y
TrishB I‘ve not read a lot of hers, but have a friend who loves her books. 6y
MrsMalaprop @Cinfhen @TrishB I love Anne Tyler and have read quite a few of her books. Alas not this one though so I can‘t comment on the low rating. 6y
CarolynM @Cinfhen Me too. I liked this one a lot. Definitely up to her usual standard. 6y
minkyb Anne Tyler has been one of my favorite authors for over 40 years. She can do no wrong for what my 2 cents are worth. 🤗 6y
91 likes1 stack add5 comments
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primadonnareads
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Mehso-so

This novel is basically a family-oriented one. It revolves mainly on the characters‘ friendships and family.

Full review on my Goodreads, LibraryThing, and ReadFeed account: primadonnareads :)

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violabrain
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Panpan

Nope. This book lacked focus and all of the characters seemed like stereotypes to me. The character of Bitsy was unbelievably annoying and a lot of this book was taken up with small talk as a way to create a scene, but it didn't add up to anything. I had high hopes for this book because the concept for the plot is great. If Jhumpa Lahiri or Ann Patchett had written it, it would've been phenomenal. But they didn't and it wasn't.

Ncostell I didn't care for this book either and I usually really enjoy Anne Tyler's writing. 7y
9 likes1 comment
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DivineDiana
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This is a story about the adoption of Korean baby girls by two American families. One of the families is Iranian American. We learn of the difficulty of leaving your home country to make a new country your home. #rockinmay #immigrantsong

Cinfhen Sounds good but maybe a little sad?!? I'm still learning to "fit in" on my own immigrant journey, although I'm currently a temporary resident and have not applied for citizenship....I don't think I EVER want to stop being a US citizen ?? 7y
UwannaPublishme Just love Anne Tyler! 😊👌🏻 7y
DivineDiana @Cinfhen I admire that you are experiencing life in another country! What a wonderful opportunity! The book is not really sad. It gave me insights that I had not considered. 7y
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DivineDiana @UwannaPublishme I was born in Baltimore, and most of my family still live there. So, I particularly like that she uses Baltimore for her locations. Sometimes, the pace of her stories and all the attention to everyday matters do not hold my interest, but I continue to read them! 7y
Cinfhen Guess what? I was born in Baltimore!!! My dad was getting his law degree from Hopkins at the time. Now I really need to try this book...and I'm glad it's not sad. 7y
DivineDiana @Cinfhen Fabulous! You, me and Wallis Simpson! How old were you when you left? 7y
Cinfhen I was two 😂no real memories just stories my dad & mom tell about those years! It seems where they lived was a bit sketchy 😬 (edited) 7y
DivineDiana As in any big city, some areas are better than others. Lots of history. 7y
57 likes1 stack add8 comments
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DivineDiana
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Pickpick

Last weekend, my family celebrated Persian New Year in Baltimore with my niece who lives in NYC now. She was missing her Seattle family. My sister married a wonderful Iranian man and they always celebrate this holiday. This book takes place in Baltimore and tells the story of Iranian immigrants living there, even celebrating Norooz,just like us! Anne Tyler describes everyday life in detail. Not exactly thrilling, but I teared up in the end.

DivineDiana This photo is of the table that is traditional to Persian New Year. The holiday celebrates new beginnings and each item holds special meaning. My sister used pink notecard to explain each item. 7y
65 likes1 stack add1 comment
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DivineDiana
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Current Playaway! #immigrantstories

CrowCAH I love listening to playaways! 7y
DivineDiana @CrowCAH As do I! 7y
41 likes1 stack add2 comments