We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

  • Downloads:7738
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-05-20 11:21:36
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Simu Liu
  • ISBN:1799947467
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

Marvel's newest recruit shares his own inspiring and unexpected origin story, from China to the bright lights of Hollywood。 An immigrant who battles everything from parental expectations to cultural stereotypes, Simu Liu struggles to forge a path for himself, rising from the ashes of a failed accounting career (yes, you read that right) to become Shang-Chi。

Our story begins in the city of Harbin, where Simu's parents have left him in the care of his grandparents while they seek to build a future for themselves in Canada。 One day, a mysterious stranger shows up at the door; it's Simu's father, who whisks him away from the only home he had ever known and to the land of opportunity and maple syrup。 

 Life in the new world, however, is not all that it was cracked up to be; Simu's new guardians lack the gentle touch of his grandparents, resulting in harsh words and hurt feelings。 His parents, on the other hand, find their new son emotionally distant and difficult to relate to - although they are related by blood, they are separated by culture, language, and values。 

 As Simu grows up, he plays the part of the pious son well; he gets A's, crushes national math competitions, and makes his parents proud。 But as time goes on, he grows increasingly disillusioned with the expectations placed on his shoulders, and finds it harder and harder to keep up the charade。 

 Barely a year out of college, his life hits rock bottom when he is laid off from his first job as an accountant。 Unemployed, riddled with shame and with nothing left to lose, Simu finds an ad on Craigslist that will send him on a wildly unexpected journey, into the mysterious world of show business。 

 Through a swath of rejections and comical mishaps, it is ultimately Simu's determination to carve out a path for himself that leads him to not only succeed as an actor, but also open the door to reconciling with his parents。 After all, the courage to pursue his ambitions at all costs is something that he inherited from his parents, who themselves defied impossible odds in order to come to Canada。

 We Were Dreamers is more than a celebrity memoir - it's a story about growing up between cultures, finding your family, and becoming the master of your own extraordinary circumstance。

Download

Reviews

Carol

I loved reading this memoir。 Simu Liu gives us his and his family's story in a chatty, just friends telling stories style。 Easy to read and easy to fall in love with Simu。 I confess I haven't seen him in his superhero tights, but I was a great fan of Kim's Convenience。 Simu's relationship with his parents and his fight to be his own person are the heart of this book。 I'm not sure I could have forgiven them for their brutal treatment of him as a small child。 I look forward to seeing Simu Liu grow I loved reading this memoir。 Simu Liu gives us his and his family's story in a chatty, just friends telling stories style。 Easy to read and easy to fall in love with Simu。 I confess I haven't seen him in his superhero tights, but I was a great fan of Kim's Convenience。 Simu's relationship with his parents and his fight to be his own person are the heart of this book。 I'm not sure I could have forgiven them for their brutal treatment of him as a small child。 I look forward to seeing Simu Liu growing as an actor and, perhaps if he ever finds the time, as a writer。 。。。more

Shannon

Such a heartfelt memoir by a Chinese Canadian actor, growing up in the GTA and finding the courage to chase his dreams despite pressures from his parents to pursue a 'reliable' career。 I loved how this memoir focused so much on both his parent's experience as Chinese immigrants in Canada and the struggles he had trying to live up to their expectations while also pursuing a career that gave him joy。 It was especially heartwarming to see how hard Simu persevered against great odds to make it as a Such a heartfelt memoir by a Chinese Canadian actor, growing up in the GTA and finding the courage to chase his dreams despite pressures from his parents to pursue a 'reliable' career。 I loved how this memoir focused so much on both his parent's experience as Chinese immigrants in Canada and the struggles he had trying to live up to their expectations while also pursuing a career that gave him joy。 It was especially heartwarming to see how hard Simu persevered against great odds to make it as a Chinese Canadian in the entertainment industry and how passionate he is about increasing Asian representation in media。 Absolutely wonderful on audio read by the author and highly recommended, especially if you're looking for something that won't disappoint during Asian Heritage Month! 。。。more

Julia

An immigrant story。 A story about identity and the importance of representation。 A story about failures and successes and taking ownership for both。 A story about not settling。 A story about never giving up。 A story about family - the sacrifices made, the tempestuous relationships and later, reconciliation。 A story about finding community through shared experience。 Highly recommend listening to this one。 Simu is a great narrator。

Stephanie

Simu is a good writer。 I hope he writes more。His story made me sad, mad, and happy for him。 I hope he is a success and I hope he has the relationship he wants from his family。 I hope he finds the love he wants。 Thank you for sharing your story。

bluerose

Review to come

Jessica

This is the most amazing book and I love Simu Liu。 He is the best Shang Chi! I love his story and how his parents came over and the struggles he and his family had to overcome! I have enjoyed this book and have told many many people about it!

Marie -- bookishly。marie

My second favorite celebrity husband has a book coming out? Say no more 💕

Sarah

If you do decide to read this one, listen to the audiobook。 He's such a great storyteller, and in some sections, you can hear his emotions getting the best of him。 I've never been to sympathy cry, but man, I came close with this one。 As if I needed more reasons to love this man as an actor and as a human being。 If you do decide to read this one, listen to the audiobook。 He's such a great storyteller, and in some sections, you can hear his emotions getting the best of him。 I've never been to sympathy cry, but man, I came close with this one。 As if I needed more reasons to love this man as an actor and as a human being。 。。。more

Sam

I stayed up until 2 AM to read this book in one sitting。 I didn't intend to—it was just that good。I can relate to Simu Liu in a lot of ways。 OK, I'm not a world-famous Marvel superhero actor/model, I'm not 6' tall, and I don't have a six-pack。 But I am an Asian millennial who grew up in North America, went to a high school for gifted kids, and have demanding parents who focused on academics。 Asian parents who endured so much in their home country and then took great risks to start a new life in I stayed up until 2 AM to read this book in one sitting。 I didn't intend to—it was just that good。I can relate to Simu Liu in a lot of ways。 OK, I'm not a world-famous Marvel superhero actor/model, I'm not 6' tall, and I don't have a six-pack。 But I am an Asian millennial who grew up in North America, went to a high school for gifted kids, and have demanding parents who focused on academics。 Asian parents who endured so much in their home country and then took great risks to start a new life in the West。 Oh, I'm also an accountant。Anyway, Simu's memoir really resonated with me, from telling about his parents' journey, to his difficult childhood, to his experience in the corporate world, to his struggles as an actor。 It's a great read, filled with humor, pain, heartfelt moments, and inspiration。 It inspires you to lead a life that you want to lead, not one that's built on others' expectations。 It inspires you to follow your dreams, no matter how scary doing so might be。Hmm, maybe accounting isn't for me either。。。 。。。more

sami

Simu Liu you’re a genius, may i please have your hand in marriage?🤲💍 this book was amazing, it was heartfelt and funny and gut wrenching all in one。 althought i’m 4th generation asian-american the book resonated with me so much and made me weep like a baby。 Chapter 24… wow wow wow wow!!!! i listened to the audiobook version and Simu did an amazing job bringing his story to life through his words and emotions。 you can tell how passionate he was about writing this book and sharing his and his fami Simu Liu you’re a genius, may i please have your hand in marriage?🤲💍 this book was amazing, it was heartfelt and funny and gut wrenching all in one。 althought i’m 4th generation asian-american the book resonated with me so much and made me weep like a baby。 Chapter 24… wow wow wow wow!!!! i listened to the audiobook version and Simu did an amazing job bringing his story to life through his words and emotions。 you can tell how passionate he was about writing this book and sharing his and his family’s stories。 i can’t say enough amazing things and i’m definitely gonna be suggesting this book to anyone and everyone i know! 。。。more

Ameema S。

This book was SO good!?!?!?!Charming, smart, thoughtful, relatable, emotional and at times laugh out loud hilarious, I adored this book。 I loved learning about Liu's parents and grandparents - their lives, their struggles, their journeys, and it was great learning about Simu's own experiences。 Liu was unafraid to get into the ugliness and pain that sometimes accompanies the relationships between second-generation immigrants/third culture kids and their parents。 His experiences, his anger, the we This book was SO good!?!?!?!Charming, smart, thoughtful, relatable, emotional and at times laugh out loud hilarious, I adored this book。 I loved learning about Liu's parents and grandparents - their lives, their struggles, their journeys, and it was great learning about Simu's own experiences。 Liu was unafraid to get into the ugliness and pain that sometimes accompanies the relationships between second-generation immigrants/third culture kids and their parents。 His experiences, his anger, the weight of his parents' expectations was all too relatable, but I enjoyed seeing his growth, his passion, and his fervor for chasing his dreams。 It's a moving story about dreams, expectations, and the challenges they present for us。 The writing is compelling, and engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down。I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Liu is a great writer, and this book was utterly delightful! 。。。more

Allison

I enjoyed Simu before reading this, and appreciate him so much more after finishing。 His family has a great story and I definitely experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as I read。 I definitely recommend you listen to the audiobook as he narrates himself and when he speaks about his grandparents specifically losing them you can hear the love in his voice and he actually gets choked up which made me tear up a bit。 I can't wait to see what he does next with his career! I enjoyed Simu before reading this, and appreciate him so much more after finishing。 His family has a great story and I definitely experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as I read。 I definitely recommend you listen to the audiobook as he narrates himself and when he speaks about his grandparents specifically losing them you can hear the love in his voice and he actually gets choked up which made me tear up a bit。 I can't wait to see what he does next with his career! 。。。more

Amy

I enjoyed the first 50% of the book a lot。 in fact, i would say I enjoyed his parent's back story and his time spent with his grandparents the most。 It all felt so relatable。 his style was vulnerable, real, and hilarious - not sure if he plans to write more in the future, but i would definitely be a fan。act three was all about his journey with acting and as interesting as it all was, it just didn't capture my attention。 probably because I am not curious about what goes on behind the scenes of th I enjoyed the first 50% of the book a lot。 in fact, i would say I enjoyed his parent's back story and his time spent with his grandparents the most。 It all felt so relatable。 his style was vulnerable, real, and hilarious - not sure if he plans to write more in the future, but i would definitely be a fan。act three was all about his journey with acting and as interesting as it all was, it just didn't capture my attention。 probably because I am not curious about what goes on behind the scenes of the entertainment industry。thank you for this great book :) 。。。more

Nicole

I would recommend that you get the audiobook for this to hear his sincerity in his more personal chapters。 He comes off as very cocky a lot of the time。

Morelia (Strandedinbooks)

Simu, if you are reading this, MARRY ME?

Sherry

as a chinese canadian who moved to canada at only 4 years old, i deeply related to what simu talked about in this book。 i’ve known of simu for a long time… i live in toronto and have even met him once。 i’ve watched his career closely, rooting for his success。 i even went to his book talk in toronto (where i received a copy of this book)。 he even inspired a character in an asian american screenplay i wrote (which, dream cast, would be him playing the lead) that got me into my MFA program (somethi as a chinese canadian who moved to canada at only 4 years old, i deeply related to what simu talked about in this book。 i’ve known of simu for a long time… i live in toronto and have even met him once。 i’ve watched his career closely, rooting for his success。 i even went to his book talk in toronto (where i received a copy of this book)。 he even inspired a character in an asian american screenplay i wrote (which, dream cast, would be him playing the lead) that got me into my MFA program (something i haven’t even told my parents yet)。 and yet, i didn’t expect to like the book so much。 i didn’t know what to expect, so my expectations weren’t high。 i thought it might be funny。 a lot of celebrity books aren’t amazing and they’re certainly ghostwritten, but i could tell this was different。 this is pretty solid writing, don’t expect beautiful prose, but expect insightfulness, self awareness, empathy, and maturity。 simu packs an emotional punch in this book。 the first third or so, i was holding back tears at his parents experiences and thinking about mine。 i was genuinely surprised by this book。 yes, simu is young and still has a long life ahead of him and yes he is still young in his career — but this book is more than about him。 it’s about his family。 and it’s about how they all managed to find their way to success。 his parents stories touched me and made me think of what my parents went through。 i even texted my dad and we had a call where i asked him about his gaokao experiences as he was around the same age as simu’s parents。 i relate to simu’s story more than i thought i would。 from his abusive childhood to feeling unhappy at work, i think he hits a lot of notes of what i’ve been going through — especially with my career and my dreams。 a lot of what he wrote is what i needed to hear。 and it’s also something i hope i can look forward to in the future。 i hope i can work just as hard as he did, as his parents did, as my parents did, to succeed and to follow my dreams。 too。 。。。more

Matthew

Listened to this one as an audiobook (will be getting the physical copy at the book tour) and it went places I didn’t expect。 Really powerful, really important。

Kristel

Literally finished this book (audiobook) in one sitting!! It is basically every Asian immigrant story 🥹On the verge of crying a few times1) when he talked about his grandparents 2) when he talked about 2nd gen Asian kids (like myself) getting boba, eating hotpot, and the importance of taking up space in a predominately white society Just like every non-fiction book I’ve read, it all boils down to the parents! I feel like Asian immigrant parent stories are universally similar, so it was comfortin Literally finished this book (audiobook) in one sitting!! It is basically every Asian immigrant story 🥹On the verge of crying a few times1) when he talked about his grandparents 2) when he talked about 2nd gen Asian kids (like myself) getting boba, eating hotpot, and the importance of taking up space in a predominately white society Just like every non-fiction book I’ve read, it all boils down to the parents! I feel like Asian immigrant parent stories are universally similar, so it was comforting。 Also glad he mentioned Wong Fu!! That was where I knew him from and so happy he’s making it big now!Simu is also an amazing narrator。 If you ever get the change to narrate free classics on Audible, please do 😍 。。。more

Ali

Simu tells his story with such a wonderful sense of humour but also an understanding and compassion for his family and for their past that is beautiful。

PastTheSample

I'm confused。There's a man on the cover, but the narration reads like a girl。Is it supposed to be a trans woman, perhaps? Some other gender shenanigans going on here?Judgement: Soy Boy FAIL!🌈🎯♥️ I'm confused。There's a man on the cover, but the narration reads like a girl。Is it supposed to be a trans woman, perhaps? Some other gender shenanigans going on here?Judgement: Soy Boy FAIL!🌈🎯♥️ 。。。more

Yessica

Simu Liu's memoir is a great read with accessible writing about his experience growing up in an immigrant family。 Growing up in a POC household myself, it was jarring to see that though our cultures are different, there are so many parallels。 The majority of the time spent in his memoir is spent pre-Kim's Convenience, from childhood to young adulthood, and how he tried to balance the expectations of his parents with his own hopes and desires。 Sometimes it balances out, and other times, everythin Simu Liu's memoir is a great read with accessible writing about his experience growing up in an immigrant family。 Growing up in a POC household myself, it was jarring to see that though our cultures are different, there are so many parallels。 The majority of the time spent in his memoir is spent pre-Kim's Convenience, from childhood to young adulthood, and how he tried to balance the expectations of his parents with his own hopes and desires。 Sometimes it balances out, and other times, everything crashes。 Liu is open and honest about his choices and his relationship with his parents, checking in with them through multiple parts of the story。 While this is his 'origin story,' it's also a reflection on the relationship with his parents。 I laughed, I cried, and I called my mom。There are frank discussions of child abuse。Thank you Netgalley for access to the ARC。 。。。more

Steph Carr (LiteraryHypeWoman)

Daggumit, Simu。 You made me cry。。。 repeatedly。 What a freaking beautiful, funny, emotional, and inspiring memoir。 Just, daggum, it's so good。 Daggumit, Simu。 You made me cry。。。 repeatedly。 What a freaking beautiful, funny, emotional, and inspiring memoir。 Just, daggum, it's so good。 。。。more

✿✿✿May

So, my 2nd favourite book of 2022 is another memoir。 5 Stars for the audiobook。

Shirley Leng

I first encountered Simu Liu's work via the Canadian tv series Kim's Convenience and loved how the show portrayed the nuances of being an Asian immigrant family in Canada。 A rarity to see on media。 When he was announced as the actor for Shang Chi, it was a monumental day to see a Chinese Canadian hit the big screen。His autobiography reads like you're talking to a friend who shared a similar asian immigrant struggles as you。 There are complexities from trying to earn your parents' love and also f I first encountered Simu Liu's work via the Canadian tv series Kim's Convenience and loved how the show portrayed the nuances of being an Asian immigrant family in Canada。 A rarity to see on media。 When he was announced as the actor for Shang Chi, it was a monumental day to see a Chinese Canadian hit the big screen。His autobiography reads like you're talking to a friend who shared a similar asian immigrant struggles as you。 There are complexities from trying to earn your parents' love and also finding a place for yourself in Canadian society。 His story felt like the friend I wished I had growing up to share my experience with。 I hope younger Asian Canadians can read this book and be assured that they are not alone with their struggles to fit in。 That they can take a different path than what their parents expect them to follow。 That they can see their Asian-ness as a superpower。 。。。more

Lizzy Seto

"So often we drift through life bound by the poor decisions we've made in the past, too afraid of the uncertainty that comes with challenging our status quo"This was the line that really cemented this book's five star status in my mind。 Just one deeply poignant truth in a sea of stories and self-reflections that at times felt a little too close to home for comfort。 Did it make me ugly cry to the point where my dog politely evacuated to the other side of the couch? That's none of your business。 "So often we drift through life bound by the poor decisions we've made in the past, too afraid of the uncertainty that comes with challenging our status quo"This was the line that really cemented this book's five star status in my mind。 Just one deeply poignant truth in a sea of stories and self-reflections that at times felt a little too close to home for comfort。 Did it make me ugly cry to the point where my dog politely evacuated to the other side of the couch? That's none of your business。 。。。more

Carmen

I received a copy of We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review。I had watched a few seasons of Kim's Convenience, heard Simu Liu's name pop up in conversations with friends who went to Western University, and eventually watched Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings。 And so, Simu Liu is definitely a name that has become quite familiar to me in the past few years。 As it is whenever an Asian makes it into mainstream pop culture, it is quite a big dea I received a copy of We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review。I had watched a few seasons of Kim's Convenience, heard Simu Liu's name pop up in conversations with friends who went to Western University, and eventually watched Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings。 And so, Simu Liu is definitely a name that has become quite familiar to me in the past few years。 As it is whenever an Asian makes it into mainstream pop culture, it is quite a big deal in our community。 Even more so when it's an Asian Canadian。 I think that just speaks to how much we really crave representation。 It's special each and every time, because we are still able to count exactly how many movies have casted an Asian lead, how many Hollywood movies have an all-Asian cast, how many Asian actors/actresses we can identify by name and recognize as having made it。 And so, Simu Liu's story is one that I was curious about - how did one of us make it to Hollywood, becoming the first Asian Marvel superhero。I think I've come to appreciate Simu Liu more after reading about his story。 Simu Liu takes an honest approach to how his life led to where its come - sharing with us the great (his childhood memories with his grandparents), and the not-so-great (the very tumultuous relationship with his parents)。 I think that many of us will be able to relate to parts of his story - and that of his parent's。 While most memoirs I've read tend to focus on the author, I thought that it really helped put things into perspective when he dedicates the first couple of chapters in the memoir telling his parent's stories。 It fleshed them out as real people with real struggles - which would help to soften (a little) - and perhaps justify in its own way - the behaviour that we see later as Simu Liu was growing up。 I think that growing up, we are unable to view our parents as flawed human beings - and that can be quite traumatic and jarring when they aren't quite as perfect as we want them to be。 It goes to show how much Simu Liu and his parents have reconciled for them to be able to share their stories in his book as well。 Simu Liu also suggests to his readers that we also try to find out the stories of our parents - to understand their journeys and paths - something that I've actually been doing - on and off - for the past few years。 In having those conversations with our parents, listening to their stories of their youth, I've come to appreciate and love them more as more than just mom and dad。At times, it seems like famous people have it so easy - and I'm sure a lot of them do - but I've found that I've come away from reading the memoir, respecting Simu Liu a lot more。 In sharing his story - his struggles, challenges, and his encouragement to youth and desire to build community - I am able to see him past his character as Jung on Kim's Convenience and Shang-Chi。 This is sure to be a memoir that his fans will enjoy - and also one that will connect with many of us whose families immigrated to Canada/America in pursuit of a better life, all the while dealing with cultural differences, identity crisis, and still in search of more representation of us and our cultures within the Canadian and American contexts。 。。。more

Eunice Thum

Everyone needs to read this book

y。

I devoured this book in a couple of days。 Simu Liu is honest but incredibly entertaining with his sense of humor making this read very light and easy to read, yet so inspiring。I actually first saw Simu Liu on Wong Fu Productions’ Yappie series before knowing him as Shang-Chi。 From there, the rest is history。 Reading the first part of his memoir and learning about his parent’s story was truly comforting as a second-generation immigrant myself。 The fact that our parents moved mountains to be able I devoured this book in a couple of days。 Simu Liu is honest but incredibly entertaining with his sense of humor making this read very light and easy to read, yet so inspiring。I actually first saw Simu Liu on Wong Fu Productions’ Yappie series before knowing him as Shang-Chi。 From there, the rest is history。 Reading the first part of his memoir and learning about his parent’s story was truly comforting as a second-generation immigrant myself。 The fact that our parents moved mountains to be able to settle in a new country and provided us with everything in their power with the little they had。 His struggles growing up as an Asian Canadian, or Asian American in general, were everything I could relate to。 The experiences growing up in an immigrant household and non-stop arguments with our parents, the times we felt ashamed of our “Asianness” whether it is the food we brought to school, the shape of our eyes, you name it, through his book, Simu was able to make us feel not alone in our experience, but he also urges us to stand up and forge our own path, one that’s different from our parents’。 He is the living example as the first Asian Superhero after all。 Representation of Asian Americans is finally gaining the recognition it deserves and I’m just so proud and happy to be able to witness this change and see more household names in films, TV shows, and books。 Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for providing me with an ARC of this book! 。。。more

Martin Maenza

Simu Liu's autobiography will be available everywhere on May 17, 2022。 The publisher William Morrow has made the galley available in exchange for this honest review。My first exposure to Simu Liu was when he appeared in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; I felt he did an amazing job as the lead in that Marvel movie。 He then hosted Saturday Night Live, further showcasing his wit and charm。 When I saw that his autobiography was coming out, I knew I needed to put it on my reading list。I real Simu Liu's autobiography will be available everywhere on May 17, 2022。 The publisher William Morrow has made the galley available in exchange for this honest review。My first exposure to Simu Liu was when he appeared in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; I felt he did an amazing job as the lead in that Marvel movie。 He then hosted Saturday Night Live, further showcasing his wit and charm。 When I saw that his autobiography was coming out, I knew I needed to put it on my reading list。I really enjoyed his story and that of his parents as well。 Their immigration experience is very enlightening and, thanks to Simu Liu's honest and humorous delivery, very entertaining。 There were times I found myself laughing out loud and smiling。 。。。more

Megan Bjerke

Thank you to Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review。 This is hands down one of my favorite memoirs。 It’s funny, honest, inspirational, and fun to read。 Completely recommend。