Van and Linny are first generation Vietnamese-American girls growing up in Michigan. Their lives are very complex, dealing with two cultures, their parents having their own issues. Their mother dies early, so their father works odd jobs while dreaming of inventing gadgets to assist "short people" like his daughters. Van studies hard, becomes a lawyer, gets married, but isn't able to fully find herself while living with her husband in Ann Arbor. Vinny, more beautiful and social than her sister, drops out of college, moves to Chicago, is in and out of relationships and jobs, seems to be drifting. This book reminds me of the Vietnamese students in my English classes during the '70's. I've always thought of them and wondered what became of them. "Short Girls" is an enjoyable read.
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