Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim

Flipping Reviews

• 
  Ken Fry

  
  I purchased this book with Amazon UK.
  It would not normally be the type of book I would go for, but an odd chain of circumstance presented it to my attention. The Literary Award motif also grabbed my attention.
  'Flipping' is not your usual narrative with predictable occurences and outcomes. Nor is it awash with smart metaphors or similes. The writing style is so natural; deceptively simple and easy that I was hooked and able to finish the book in two long gulp
  There is a layered structure to the story that reveals the perennial cultural anxieties that exist between sons, daughters, mothers and fathers when they are grafted onto a dynamic multi-ethnic society that only the USA can produce. Eichin Chang-Lim cleverly exposes the irony of such a situation when JonSun marries SuAnn, thwarting her parents wrath....escaping to the USA only in later life to begin repeating the selfsame process with their own offspring.
  I don't want to reveal to much of the story, only to say that Christa, the central figure, a world class gymnast who has been born profoundly deaf: deals with it, and as she approaches the climax of her career further health conditions threaten her.
  The gentleness of the love story is indeed moving and I found myself thinking about the situation in between the reads....now that's a good sign EH?
  
  Contained in the text is some very helpful sporting (gymnastic) terms and medical information relating to deafness and Christa's later condition. From this I can only surmise that the author has had a real hands-on experience with the conditions at large
  
  I have no hesitation in recommending "FLIPPING' to be your next read!
  
• 
  Jule

  I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  "Also, this book is for all the people who face their shortcomings and strive to reach their aspirations with courage."
  
  "She has everything she needs to have a wonderful life. I don't want any of us giving her the idea that she is a poor victim or 'less than'."
  
  Eichin Chang-Lim, relatively new to novel-writing, has produced a splendid book and proven herself to be worthy of keeping in mind. This novel is about many things, all of which it handles well. There is a tiny bit about life in Taiwan, there is immigration and integration to the U.S., there is adaption and family, there is romance, there are dreams. And, most importantly, there is Christa, a young girl with Usher Syndrome, which causes her to be deaf from birth and go blind later in life. It is a great underdog story from start to finish, but also so much more.
  
  Let's start where the book does, with the love story of JonSun, a poor student, and SuAnn, a rich girl, in Taiwan. I liked Taiwan as an interesting setting with a culture that I (shame on me) thus far knew almost nothing of, but loved to be taught about. Especially since Chang-Lim does so in an informative way that does not read like non-fiction or a lexicon, while also not requiring previous knowledge. I liked the two characters as well, especially their romance: it was not steamy and sexy, but sweet and innocent - so far so that this adorable quote can show their opinion about kissing: "kiss - that was a glorious magnificence reserved for a special occasion".
  
  Moving on, the couple flees from SuAnns disapproving family and moves to the U.S., where they make money flipping houses (this is where they contribute to the title). Their story ends for now when SuAnn gets pregnant and JoSun finds himself in the hospital praying to become father of sun (owned to his cultural background). With an amazing and funny transition, we land in the life of another couple, Mitch and Elliana, who are also at the moment in the hospital having their baby - Christa, our protagonist. In clever contrast to the other couple, they are desperate not to get a boy, because the family is full of them and the granny wishes for a granddaughter. But that just as an aside. Shortly after Christa's birth, the family adopts half-Chinese girl Jadelynn, and then finds out Christa is deaf. Here, I especially liked the conflict of the biological daughter being "imperfect", while the adopted one is not. It would have been to easy to have it the other way around.
  
  Mitch and Elliana deal with the unexpected turn of destiny (this is where they contribute to the title) in an amazing way and very much reflecting their own feelings: "Were they mourning for their daughter's deafness? Or were they mourning for their dashed dream of the 'perfect child'?" In general, all the emotions seemed realistic and were presented in an amazing show-don't-tell way. Also: great kudos for the tolerant exploration and explanation of all the different options of "treatment" in the deaf-community. That was really amazing, even for me as an outsider, and reminded me a bit of
  Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity. At the same time, Chang-Lim of rarely goes beyond the scope of understanding of the average reader.
  
  Christa goes on to be active and successful in gymnastics (her turn fitting the title "Flipping"), but later suffers from the news that she has Usher Syndrome and will go blind within a few years - or even less. She is also friends with JonSun and SuAnn's son Wynson, who helps her through this hard time by being an amazing friend (and a bit more). I especially liked the open and non-sugary ending of the novel, which nevertheless gave hope to everyone struggling with anything they can't change - be it physical or mental issues.
  
  Now to the few negative points: I did not like the speed which with Chang-Lim raced through some of the plot (especially the parents' story) - there were really big jumps between episodes and I wished for more details in between. The other thing was the formulaic way of writing conflicts: challenge / problem - small change to life - immediate success - advance - next challenge soon after. Rinse and repeat. I would have liked to see them fail more often. After a while (again, especially heavy with the parents), there was no suspense whatsoever. I was actually relieved when a few non-solvable conflicts came up (death, loss of sight), but it is less than ideal if the reader feels relief when a good character dies.
  
  Anyway: an honorary mention at the end goes toward the glossary, which was really helpful for both the hearing loss and the gymnastics topics, and which was well filled - in fact, maybe a little too well. I would guess readers know what a "cartwheel" and a "balance beam" are...
  To sum up: wonderful book with a great tolerant and informative way of dealing with disabilities and an amazing message on top of that.
• 
  Marcha Fox

  This is, by far, one of the greatest books I've read in a long time. I've read numerous "good" books that I thoroughly enjoyed and awarded 5-stars, but this one went so far beyond that as to stand out in a class by itself. It truly is, as its subtitle states, "An Uplifting Novel of Love." I wish there were a category above 5-stars because it deserves to be in that class.
  
  The story encompasses the multi-generational saga of two families whose destinies eventually become intertwined. It starts out in Taiwan where a young couple in love defy family wishes and flee to the United States, where they work hard "flipping" houses in California at a time when such an endeavor was very profitable.
  
  Change scenes to another family who, as they prepare to welcome their first child into the world, wind up in a situation where they adopt the child of a woman who had been a Chinese foreign exchange student in their home years before. While the first couple defied tradition and family, this young girl honors it and gives up her "mistake" to the family she knows will give her child a loving home, after which she returns to her homeland, her secret intact. The couple's natural born daughter, Christa, and adopted daughter, Jadelynne, are six months apart in age, and very different, yet close, loving sisters.
  
  The developmental stages of the two toddlers contrast sharply, leading the parents to discover that their natural child, Christa, is deaf. They proceed to get her a cochlear implant, which uses electronics to simulate the nerve and replicate hearing.
  
  As it turns out, Christa has a natural talent and love for gymnastics. This is her sanctuary and escape, her determination taking her to great heights of achievement in competitions, and providing another perspective on "flipping." The girls grow, eventually in high school, sharing friends, in particular a young man named Wynson. Who just happens to be the son of the couple we met in part one.
  
  I don't want to get into spoiler territory, so will stop there. The strength and beauty of this story lies in the underlying currents of love throughout and how it helps the various characters deal with the adversity in their lives and ultimately drive their decisions. And I must say, in this story, that's Adversity, with a capital "A". Yet the characters confront and ultimately prevail over the many unfortunate circumstances thrust their way.
  
  The characters in this story were so well-developed as to virtually come alive. The prose was smooth, beckoning you into the story without undue distraction, showing the exceptionally strong writing skills of the author. This feat is one often unattained by even experienced authors, but considering that English is the author's second language is absolutely mind-boggling!
  Another dimension that made this story so real is the incredible amount of research involved regarding both the medical issues as well as the particulars of gymnastics competitions. These details provided authenticity, making it read more like a biography than a novel. Such facts were integrated in such a way as to increase the story's credibility, but never slowed it down or felt cumbersome. The clever title is the coup de grace of this incredible story.
  
  I found this story nothing short of a masterpiece demonstrating exceptional writing skill, creativity, impeccable character and plot development, as well as research. It has already won one award, but I hope the author submits this great story to the various other contest venues available, because it is deserving of additional honors which I know it can win effortlessly.
  If you want to see what an exceptional, unforgettable story is all about, don't miss it. In a word: Wow!
  
  I was fortunate enough to be gifted a copy of this book, which in no way influenced my review. I would buy it in a heartbeat.
  
• 
  Larry Landgraf

  This story threw me when suddenly Part 2 started and there were new characters and a new story. I guess I’m getting old and not paying enough attention. The thought ran through my head that this was a book of short stories. It is not. I may be old, but I’m not too old to know the difference between a so-so book and a great book. Flipping qualifies as a great book in my opinion.
  
  So, what qualifies a book as a great book? First, is well-defined and likeable characters. Check! A situation that you can relate to. Check! Conflict, internal and external. Check! Suspense and mystery as to where the story is going and how fast it is getting there. Check! Surprise when things begin to tie together and make sense. Check! Hardship, struggle, perseverance, and you can’t leave out love. Check! Realism... everything doesn’t turn out for the best, but as in real life, things turn out as a mix of good and bad. Check! The author teaches you a few things. Check! And finally, the author can bring tears to your eyes. Check!
  
  Flipping is a story of two families. JonSun, a farm boy, and SuAnn, from the upper class, fall in love and come to America to make a life for themselves. They have one son, Wynson. The McMeri family have a daughter Christa and a step-daughter Jadelynn. Wynson, Christa, and Jadelynn become best friends. Christa is a gymnast. I won’t spoil the story by going further. This is a heart-warming and well-written story. You’ll love it. Pick up your copy today. FYI, I found three errors, but nothing to seriously detract from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, I couldn’t put the book down, especially after the midway point. I had to see how everything was going to turn out.
  
• 
  gj indieBRAG

  We are proud to announce that FLIPPING by Eichin Chang-Lim is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
• 
  Gail Nelson

  Sweet story. A little too YA for me...
• 
  K.J. Simmill

  JonSun knew from the moment he caught a fleeting glimpse of her that his heart bellowed to the mysterious woman in the library. Vigilantly he returned, hoping to catch sight of her again, and when he did, the unimaginable happened. Despite being far beyond his reach, she agreed to go on a date. Her parents wanted her to marry a doctor, but as time went on she had only eyes for him, and was willing to sacrifice a life of comfort, even her family to be with him. Her father had told JonSun he would never be good enough, he was determined to prove him wrong, but knew the life he provided was less than she deserved. But this is not just their tale, and theirs is not the only relationship to watch.
  
  Eichin Chang-Lim writes with an amazing talent and gift. In Flipping she takes the stories of two unconnected families and pulls you into their individual stories, their plights, desperation, and struggles, then brings them together. This isn’t just one story, it’s three, the tale of JonSun and SuAnn, The struggles of the McMeri family, and finally the third tale of Wynson and Christa. Each story Is part of the whole and is a struggle against the odds. The plot is gripping, emotional, heart-wrenching, and most of all believable. The writing and characters are filled with such emotion they bring the story to life. Eichin Chang-Lim has an amazingly polished, concise writing style that will tug at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you enjoy romance, conflict, struggles, and uplifting tales then this author is the one to watch.
• 
  Please Pass the Books

  Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a book about two seperate families with singular issues that run parallel, converging in an allegory of their respective obstacles. In part one we meet JonSun and SuAnn at the National Taiwan University, which both attend. Despite familial opposition, they elope and eventually end up in California, where their son Wynson is born. In part two we are introduced to Elliana and Mitch, who give birth to a daughter name Christa. Christa is a promising gymnast who is also nearly deaf, championed by her parents and adopted sister JadeLynn. Once in high school, the two family stories intersect when Christa and Jadelynn become friends with Wynson.
  
  Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a sweet story that focuses on the power of love and finding success in life even when all the odds are stacked against you. The title plays out in distinct ways with both families, as JonSun and SuAnn find success flipping houses, and Christa immerses herself in gymnastics. The narrative is modest and uncomplicated, and may be a bit too spartan for some at first, but as the story progresses it does yield to the overall tone. Flipping shines in its depiction of the gentle balancing act between expectation and gratification, whether they come in the nuanced form of promise or outright demands. I loved the irony in how JonSun and SuAnn project many of the same problems they shunned onto Wynson. This is a really nice and quick read for those looking for an inspired escape and also enjoy tales of perseverance and love (in all of its forms).
  
  Review written for Readers' Favorite.
• 
  D.R. Bailey

  I very much enjoyed this book. It was a nice romance and I like positive romances. In fact there are more than one romances in this book. I also learned some cultural things, and also about deafness and blindness conditions. I liked the fact that in the back there was a glossary. Overall it's well written, poignant and moving in parts. I would most definitely recommend this book as a very nice heartwarming read.
• 
  Energy Rae

  A couple who beat the odds to come together to create a family, and a woman who made a family the best way she knew how. When their children meet, pressures from the old world seem to come crashing in to keep the children apart. But even the hardest person, set, and firm in their ways, can bend with the love of a child. Flipping had started off a little slow for me, there was too much use of names as opposed to just using he/she. But I was glad that I stuck with it, because once I did, the storyline switched completely, and then the author used the two separate storylines and converged them beautifully.
  
  
• 
  Author-Colin G.

  Flipping' is about life's trials and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity. It is also about love in its many different forms. Eichin's characters fight against family prejudice, social disadvantage and illness, but the message is ultimately upbeat and uplifting. A box of tissues will come in handy. I thoroughly recommend this to all.
• 
  Rosemary Blake

  Fascinating
  
  A story across cultures. Sometimes I felt removed from the action as though it was summarised but there was a depth of knowledge of various disabilities that I could learn from.
• 
  Rox Burkey

  Author Eichin Chang-Lim weaves a story of college, family and community struggles set in Taipei. The main characters, Jon-Sun, the night student and SuAnn the day student, are opposites socially and financially in their family make up. The traditions are strong and forgiveness for parental disobedience non-existent. The two met and learn about one another with conversation and honorable, chaste dates. The heart knows what it wants, and this young couple succumbed to the arrows that flew from Cupid’s bow.
  
  The storyline is exquisite and character development is exquisite bringing the reader right into the story. I enjoyed both characters and their support for each other. This sample will whet your whistle.
  
  Finally, on their very last night before SuAnn left campus for the summer break, they visited Drunken Moon Lake and walked along the bridge. The green roof of the lake’s cabana stood out against the fiery orange sky, and the entire picture before them was reflected in the glassy water, as still as could be. There Jon-Sun worked up the courage to give SuAnn a chaste kiss. The pressure of their lips sent an electric current throughout Jon-Sun’s body; every cell seemed to hum and vibrate.
  
  There is a special surprise in Flipping—a second romance. It is a story that explores not only love and traditions, but choice required because of actions taken. The story of Elliana and Mitch explores their sacrifices to reach their family values. Support for others who cross their path takes on a whole new dimension as confidences are shared.
  
  Author Chang-Lim, with the decades between the love stories adds the dynamics of disabilities, disapproving parents, and challenges that make your heart swell and tears fall. I heartily recommend this book for what you can learn, the enjoyment, and exposure to different experiences. You’ll need to take it all the way to the end to find all the connections. Fab love story.
  
• 
  Kelly Miller

  “Flipping” is a heart-warming, poignant, and compelling tale of love, family dynamics, and challenges.
  It begins with a couple who meet while attending college in Taiwan, Jonsun and SuAnn. The couple fall in love, but their situation seems to be hopeless; they belong to different classes, and in their society, traditions and class divisions are strictly observed.
  Most of the book though, takes place in USA and follows two girls, Christa and her adopted sister, and their unique bond as they face Christa’s health challenges. Later, they meet Wynson, who becomes a close friend to both girls. But what will happen when Wynson declares romantic feelings for one of them?
  I loved every bit of this story and highly recommend it!
• 
  Rebecca

  I was engrossed in the story of a love between the classes. From the couple's defiance of those who tried to talk "sense" into them, and them setting off for a new life in America. I was fully invested in their story, when it just stopped! And the story of their child and another family's child takes over. I felt let down, wanting to stay engaged in their story. The story of the children is nice, with them having to overcome other difficulties, but it just didn't have the same appeal to me. My heart was still with the first couple.
• 
  Kerry Reis

  When JonSun, a farmer’s son, is able to connect with SuAnn, the daughter of a wealthy doctor, while attending classes at the National Taiwan University, love quickly builds between them. However, when SuAnn’s father seeks to end their relationship in order to have his daughter follow his plans for her, Jonsun and SuAnn marry secretly and find a way to immigrate to the United States and find a new life in California. This life turns positive when JonSun stumbles into the world of flipping houses during the real estate boom in the Los Angeles area. Despite a tough birth, Elliana and Mitch are happy to have their new daughter, Christa. Yet, their new family grows when a Taiwanese exchange student Elliana and Mitch hosted tells them about her unplanned pregnancy and convinces them to adopt the child, so she can hide the shame when she returns to her family back in Taiwan. The adoptive daughter, Jadelynn, proves to be a wonderful sister to Christa, especially when it is discovered that Christa is nearly deaf. With the aid of a cochlear implant, Christa is able to have a more normal childhood and find strength in gymnastics. As Christa and Jadelynn enter school, they find a fast friend in Wynson, JonSun and SuAnn’s son, but life is not through throwing obstacles in their path when they reach high school. This novel is a story about overcoming obstacles and finding success, happiness, and love over a couple of generations. The novel reads quickly, as the author delves just enough into the characters to give the reader the basic path of the story. It may have been better to provide JonSun and SuAnn’s opening tale as a flashback, closer to the character message it becomes a foundation for, and I felt Jadelynn’s character could have been explored more. These are just a couple of reasons I was able to expect and predict the positive twist at the end of the story. In the end, it was a positive and satisfactory tale.
• 
  John Dolan

  Like the author's 'Tough Scratches' books, 'Flipping' is about life's trials and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity. It is also about love in its many different forms. Ms. Chang-Lim's characters fight against family prejudice, social disadvantage and illness, but the message is ultimately upbeat and uplifting. The prose is sparse and unsentimental - but this only serves to heighten the emotions of certain passages. Sections of this novel will rip out your heart. Keep some tissues handy.