Carmen Rita Wong, author of Why Didn’t You Tell Me?, on Identity, Race, Culture & Belonging

By Allan Spencer | July 13 2022 | College & University Reads

In her memoir, Why Didn’t You Tell Me?, Carmen Rita Wong contends with questions of culture, race, family, and belonging, from the Harlem and Chinatown of her childhood to the almost exclusively white playgrounds of New Hampshire following her mother’s remarriage. Following Carmen from her coming of age through adulthood, when her mother’s long-held secrets upend Carmen’s understanding of her family, her identity, and her place in the world, Why Didn’t You Tell Me? is a riveting and poignant story of race and culture in America and how they shape who we think we are.

Watch a video message from the author to educators and educational professionals: