Stay True

by Hua Hsu
Stay True cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 712
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780593315200
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2023-09-12
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

In 'Stay True,' Hua Hsu recounts his unlikely friendship with Ken, a bond that transcends their differences and becomes a lifeline amidst the complexities of college life. Their connection is abruptly severed when Ken is tragically killed in a carjacking, leaving Hua to grapple with grief and the impermanence of life. Through writing, Hua seeks to preserve the memories of his friend and make sense of his own journey of self-discovery and belonging. This memoir is a powerful exploration of the ordinary and extraordinary moments that shape our lives and the enduring impact of friendship and loss. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hua Hsu delves into the intricacies of growing up as the son of Taiwanese immigrants, navigating the cultural landscape of America, and finding solace in art. 'Stay True' is not just a story of grief but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the search for meaning in a world that often feels indifferent.

Reviews
the starving artist · Devontre Varro Arrow Flaherty · 2024-03-14
moving 3.50

The book is enjoyed for its nostalgia and honest portrayal of the teenage experience. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and personal reflections shared by the author.

Devontre Varro Arrow Flaherty highlights the nostalgia and honest portrayal of teenage experiences as key strengths of 'Stay True'. They particularly appreciate the raw honesty and personal reflections shared by the author. The reviewer finds the memoir to be a moving exploration of identity and friendship, making it a relatable and engaging read. While there are some aspects that might not resonate with everyone, the overall experience is seen as valuable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    I exaggerate. There are some things I enjoyed about this book as I went, mainly the nostalgia, the honesty of the teenage experience, and Hua's personal reflections.

    The memoir is a moving exploration of identity and friendship.

    The raw honesty and personal reflections shared by the author make it a relatable and engaging read.

The Guardian · 2023-09-14
captivating 4.50

The memoir is captivating and hard to put down, with a perfect length that keeps the reader engaged. The writing is poignant and deeply personal, making it a memorable read.

This reviewer found 'Stay True' to be an incredibly compelling read. They were so engrossed in the story that they even skipped meals to finish it. The memoir's length is just right, making it a quick yet impactful read. The writing is praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, with the reviewer highlighting how it effectively explores themes of friendship and loss. The personal nature of the story resonates strongly, making it a standout memoir.

Quick quotes

    As a story, Stay True is impossible to put down, a perfect 193 pages – I ate a sandwich over the sink so I could finish it.

    The memoir's emotional depth and authenticity make it a memorable read.

    The writing is poignant and deeply personal, making it a standout memoir.

The New York Times · 2023-06-21
delightful 4.00

The writing is subtle and understated, with a joy that sneaks up on the reader. The wry jokes are seamlessly integrated throughout the memoir.

The reviewer from The New York Times praises Hua Hsu's subtle and understated writing style, noting that the joy of the memoir sneaks up on the reader. The wry jokes are seamlessly integrated, adding a layer of wit and humor to the narrative. This reviewer appreciates the nuanced approach to storytelling, which makes the memoir a delightful and engaging read. The exploration of themes like friendship and grief is handled with sensitivity and depth, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Hsu is a subtle writer, not a showy one; the joy of 'Stay True' sneaks up on you.

    The wry jokes are threaded seamlessly throughout.

    The nuanced approach to storytelling makes the memoir a delightful and engaging read.

Appears in Lists