YELLOW & GREEN Not an Autobiography of Marcy Chen

Poor ABC (American-born Chinese) Marcy Chen has the worst case of agoraphobia ever AND a mom who makes "Tiger Mother" seem warm and maternal. But the good news is that narrator Emily Woo Zeller's presentation makes her sad yet amusing story genuine and appealing. The 20-something Chen lives in Seattle and works on the phone assisting people with computer problems. Zeller's portrayal of Chen is witty, intelligent, and sometimes caustic, and she makes the author's loving father, sister, and potential boyfriends distinct and believable. However, Mother Chen is the standout; her broken English and perpetually angry or wounded tone sound authentic and do much to explain her daughter's problems. The fast-paced listen is full of surprises and maintains a sense of hopefulness. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2014]