Lucky Ones

Discover the compelling narrative of the Tape family in "Lucky Ones" by Mae M. Ngai, published by Princeton University Press. This expanded paperback edition, released in 2012, spans 344 pages and delves into the rich history of Chinese Americans in post-gold rush San Francisco. Ngai expertly illustrates how Jeu Dip (Joseph Tape), the family patriarch, navigated the complexities of discrimination as an immigration broker, both protesting and profiting from the social conditions of his time. The Tapes emerge as pioneers of a new social class—middle-class Chinese Americans—offering readers a profound insight into their struggles and triumphs. This biography is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of race, immigration, and history in the United States.