Review of The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown

[Nyam Bura]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown" by James Hanna.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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After graduating from high school, many young girls have dreams they want to pursue. That is the case with Gertie McDowell, a naïve girl who was born in Turkey Roost. After graduating from high school, she moves to Los Angeles to become a movie star. Her adventures start when she meets Mr. Nose in Griffith Park, and he becomes her longtime friend. Mr. Nose introduces Gertie to the internet and in no time, she becomes an internet star. Gertie keeps checking with Mr. Nose so as to hear his opinion in all decisions she wants to make.

Gertie becomes a champion wherever she goes, and that is how the title of the book, The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown, is derived. However, she trusts other people so much and soon she finds herself in the wrong side of the law. At this point she meets Agent Jackson who later becomes the love of her life. In prison she meets Bertha Jean, who takes care of her as if she were her own sister.

Even though she is a champion in many areas, Gertie has a few Bible questions troubling her. She, does not shy away from asking the questions to anyone who cares to listen, hoping she will find the answer. This does not go well with some of her friends who feel that she is concerned over things that do not matter. Mr. Nose says the questions do not make sense.

The author, James Hanna, has written the book in a way that endears the character to the heart. He uses pseudonyms, wordplays, analogies, eye dialect, and all this makes the book an interesting read. The language is easy to understand. From the beginning to the end, the author captures the attention of the reader. It was easy to fall in love with the character, even sympathizing with her as she sought her answers to the Bible questions.

I loved the humorous way in which the book is written. Even when the character is going through a difficult time, there was still a way to be comical. Generally, the book was enjoyable to read.

There is nothing I did not like about the book. There are no errors to mention, and the book is professionally edited. I therefore give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

Although the book is a short story, I would recommend it to anyone who loves comic novels.

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The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown
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[Oluwapelumi Rachael]

Gertie seems like such a unique and inquisitive character, although naive. I loved your review, it makes the book seem very interesting.

[wmeki510]

The story of Gertie reminds me of a series of painful encounters I had with some people. It is good to trust others, but that should be done with care and restraint, for the world has become such a harsh place to exist.