Review
Title: Crossings: A Bald Asian American Latter-day Saint Woman Scholar’s Ventures Through Life, Death, Cancer & Motherhood (not necessarily in that order)
Author: Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Genre: Biography
Year Published: 2019
Number of Pages: 276
Binding: Softcover
ISBN10: n/a
ISBN13: ISBN 9781944394806
Price: $17.99
Reviewed by Catherine C. Peterson for the Association for Mormon Letters
As I read Crossings, I felt I was getting acquainted with a kindred spirit. Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye thoughtfully details how she has navigated several crossings: from her family history to the history she is making now, from the U.S. to Taiwan, to Hong Kong to New Zealand, from student to doctoral degree, from daughter to mother, and from optimal physical fitness to a fight against cancer.
In relating her experiences and transitions she reaches her stated goal for the book, which is to “bridge the gaps of space, culture and generations” and to “illuminate the sacred space in which we connect with our fellow human beings.”
Melissa shows discernment, inquisitiveness, and courage as she records her stories and thoughts. Aware of her culture and physical differences, she bravely asserts herself and embraces life fully as she deals with baldness, new cultures, parenting, studying and teaching, service and cancer. She cherishes her ties with the past as she enjoys the tastes, smells, sounds and lessons of the present. Infused throughout the book are smatterings of photography, art, music, poetry, history, philosophy and religion as the author inspires her readers and friends. Her adventurous spirit, work ethic, creativity, broad awareness, love and appreciation for her heritage and family are exhibited in her autobiographical account and observations. On many pages her book puts joy on display. On others we consider fear.
In her book she uses several metaphors that may be useful for Latter-day Saints who may be struggling with perceived conflicts between prior assumptions about the Church and uncomfortable recent policies or historical disclosures. Earlier, as she questioned whether the Church was true, she initially thought if she found a flawed teaching, it may not be true. She compared this faulty thinking to a string of Christmas lights. If one bulb broke then the whole string was bad. With seasoning and experience she now can compare the Church to sourdough starter. It takes the starter, “a riotous, resilient colony of wild yeasts and bacteria swimming together in starchy soup” to begin the souring and fermentation, which, when mixed with the properly measured amounts of water, salt and flour, forms the dough for the delicious bread, or the living Church.
She beautifully expresses her gratitude for and awareness of God’s existence, the power of the Spirit in her life and others, the discipline of keeping the commandments, and the exhortations of the prophets. She still has questions, but her journey has brought her “to treasure the fruits of the restored gospel as rare and valuable.”
Part of her story includes series of letters to her children to read at a later time, and newsletters to friends and family. These letters are at times endearing, humorous, and insightful. They are accompanied by charming pencil sketches. The letters to her children are poignant and loving, sure to be valued keepsakes for each child. This part of the book drew me in and made me love the author.
Her descriptive writing is interesting to read. She takes the reader to black sand beaches, General Conference in Hong Kong, the Missionary Training Center, bustling markets, a new England regatta, misty mountain runs, apple picking in Massachusetts, the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon and other notable places.
She reveals series of crossings, undergirded by bridges of practical day-to-day habits and the wisdom that comes through experience and challenges. For example, she shares a photo of herself sitting at a table, organizing piles of cards for a book index, a daunting task. The discipline she exhibits is made even more remarkable that she also coordinates a busy home, manages music lessons, transportation, shopping, teaching, studying, writing and serving in the Church. Even with cancer, she performs capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.
This book about crossings, journeys and venturing is Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye’s poignant and personal story, but invites each reader to consider their own. Do we consider how to cross the divides and breach the walls that separate us from progression and help us overcome fear? In the final paragraph of the book she asks “whether we will be courageous and hardy enough to undertake the new treks the gospel requires.”
This is a uniquely formatted book. It kept me curious and interested. I believe it has broad appeal for Church members. I highly recommend it and thank Melissa for being thoughtful and generous in sharing her inspirational stories and thoughts.