Son of Good Fortune

This debut novel explores the complex livelihoods of Excel and his mother Maxima, two undocumented Filipinx immigrants living on the margins. The constant thread of light tension and sometimes very funny scenes worked so well in this book.  
  
I loved that every food description, conversation, and cultural element wasn't explained. It comes across as hopeful for a diverse audience and one less centered in the white American experience. Because we see life from Excel's point of view, there are times in the book that he has no idea what's really going on because Maxima is having a conversation in Tagalog that he can't follow.  
  
I also thought that THE SON OF GOOD FORTUNE represented queer people in a positive way. There are a couple of queer characters who are important to the plot. They're accepted, they're not in danger, their lives are valued as much as anyone else's.  
  
This book is told mostly from Excel's perspective, but I spent a lot of time wanting more about Maxima's life. Her obsession with her B-movie career back in the Philippines. She's a strong character but in unexpected ways – she's physically strong, she'll kick your ass.