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If you're a teacher and interested in a lesson plan that uses this text, here is one:

I listened to Hua Hsu read "Stay True" and just couldn't get into it. The author reminds me of the guys I dated in my twenties: pretentious, self-absorbed, judgmental. Much of the book focuses on Hua's concern about his (and others') taste in music, as if that makes a person worthy. His zine seemed interesting, but ultimately I wanted more about it. What ended up happening with it?

In every chapter, I found myself unable to connect with Hua, unable to see any of myself in his writing.

When he wrote about his relationship with Ken, I kept thinking they were going to fall in love. That Hua would be gay; that he didn't realize this until Ken. That part of his angst and judgement was self loathing or a lack of self discovery. But no, Ken dies. Tragically murdered!

I am a memoir addict and this one felt flat. It wasn't developed in a way that allowed me to see growth or personal accountability. It wasn't particularly beautifully written either. I'm honestly shocked there are so many positive reviews. I just didn't get the appeal.