This post is part book review of The Jasmine Trade, written by former LA Times report Denise Hamilton in 2001, and part personal reflection. The Jasmine Trade is a murder mystery set in the burgeoning San Gabriel Valley "Chinatowns" of Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, and San Marino.
The murder mystery part of it was workmanlike but it is the background that I read the book for. I have lived most of my life in the San Gabriel, including in Alhambra, and have seen this community spring up like a mushroom out of nowhere.
I have been back to where I spent my very early years, just cruising by to observe, and see almost no trace of the white working class neighborhood that is was. It has nearly completely transformed into an American version of China. I've been to see where my grandmother lived the last couple decades of her life in Arcadia and the same thing has happened. Where there was a Lucky's, there is a 99 Ranch Market. Where there was the Horseshoe Bar, there is 幸运 Bar.
I live 3 miles from where I grew up, and have been transformed along with the comunity. I have a Chinese attorney, Chinese accountant, Chinese (now Chinese American) wife, Chinese in-laws and a son of Chinese ancestry. I have been to an interior city in China 2 times in the last 6 years and will in all likelihood go back again next year.
If you are from the San Gabriel, or live in the San Gabriel valley now, read this book. If you know nothing about this community, it will serve as your introduction to Chinese triads, "parachute kids," fung shui, and other new and fascinating things. if you are a part of this community already, you can read a good suspense thriller set right in stomping grounds.
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