L.A. Son
My Life My City My Food
My Life My City My Food
by Roy Choi
During my lunch hour in 2013, I turned the key to start my car. The radio is usually preset to NPR when I'm not listening to my CDs or mobile phone. Past mid afternoon I expected to hear the usual news hour, jazz or opera, but was surprised to hear a conversation with references to lowrider culture, Korean barbecue, kimchi, Los Angeles, addictions, and just about every topic that comes out of an informal conversation with a Hip Hop head. Radio where I am is never like this. I take breaks at random times throughout the day depending on my schedule and felt lucky for the hour I had ahead of me to listen in. This was my introduction to Roy Choi sharing memories of his life, city, and food to promote the L.A. Son book.
I thought of this book often ever since. I never forget the mental notes I make for what I want to purchase and I'm glad to say I now own a copy. Me and my youngest brother, who got involved with culinary classes in high school, are reading L.A. Son. It's a first of its kind for me especially with how the book combines Roy's story with life recipes. It's a work of art and an interdisciplinary contribution to all kinds of histories connected to Korean culture, life in the U.S., immigration, the streets, growing up Hip Hop, jewelry, food, recovery, family, and the City of Angels.
Highly recommend this text. To check out the NPR interview referenced above, here's the link: click here.
Definitely one for the stacks.
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