Finding Miss Fong
by James A. Wolter
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Pub Date Nov 07 2023 | Archive Date Sep 30 2023
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Description
In 1961, Jim Wolter leaves medical school in Chicago for Malaya thinking he could change the world by teaching biology and avoid his mother's dream of his marrying Lolly. He’s excited about his new job as a biology teacher at a secondary school in Malaya. But that excitement is short-lived. After he arrives, his bosses pull a bait-and-switch and put him in teaching jobs he isn’t qualified for and create other challenges to fit their own motives. Disappointed and feeling helpless, he decides to return to Chicago and do what is expected of him. That is, until a friend drags Jim to a work picnic on an island in the South China Sea and he sees the most beautiful girl in the world. Now, Jim wants to stay in Malaya to be near Miss Fong Moke Chee.
Finding Miss Fong is the journey of a naïve twenty-two year old from the northwest side of Chicago trying to find his way in an unfamiliar world back in the early 1960s. As a biologist from a working-class background thrust into post-Colonial Malaya, he finds himself caught up in unexpected adventures while struggling with disillusionment in work and juggling entanglements in love.
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781639889730 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 382 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Misty R, Reviewer
What a lovely read! James Wolter was a Peace Corp volunteer in the 1960s in Malaya...young, hopeful and perhaps, a bit naive, Mr. Wolters enters the Peace Corp to change the world as a science teacher in post-colonial Malaya. Upon arrival, he becomes disillusioned after being placed in a school where he's expected to teach subjects he's not qualified for. He is ready to end his volunteer experience when he meets Miss Fong. While this is about his experience as a Peace Corp volunteer, it's more about his experience in falling in love. What is it like to fall in love with someone from a different country, culture, and can they make it work?!?!! This is a really sweet, heart-warming story that is really encouraging in todays world! I was given an advanced reader copy for my opinion on this book, and I recommend it for those who want to read about the Peace Corp, a nice love story, life in post-colonial malaya, or for someone who is just looking for something new and different to read! Everyone has a story to share, and I enjoyed very much reading Mr. Wolters story!
Kathryn M, Reviewer
I really enjoyed the way James A. Wolter wrote this and shared this tale with the reader. It had everything that I was hoping for from the description. I’m glad I got to read this and look forward to more from the author.
Flora F, Reviewer
Reading “Finding Miss Fong” reminded me so much of when I first started working. We had Peace Corps volunteers! James A. Wolter’s story of his time in Malaya as a Peace Corp volunteer brought back fond memories and made me realize how much I value their contributions. I chuckled at some of the funny incidents he relates especially that time when he was told he was to teach ugama! My, how times have changed.
This book is more about his love story with Miss Fong though. It’s sweet but I found myself losing interest most times. What kept me reading was perhaps my wanting to find out whether he got to keep Miss Fong after having found her. Also, it was interesting to read about the ways and cultures of the community back then, and to compare it with how it is today.
In my opinion, this book would be good for the collections of libraries and history buffs especially where this narrative took place - mostly Terengganu and Penang.
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