The Paper menagerie by ken liu
Get high like paper, get high like planes.
One of my earliest memories starts with me sobbing. I refused to be
soothed no matter what Mom and Dad tried. Dad gave up and left the bedroom, but Mom took me into the kitchen and sat me down at the breakfast table. “Kan, kan,” she said, as she pulled a sheet of wrapping paper from on top of the fridge. For years, Mom carefully sliced open the wrappings around Christmas gifts and saved them on top of the fridge in a thick stack.
She set the paper down, plain side facing up, and began to fold it. I stopped crying and watched her, curious. She turned the paper over and folded it again. She pleated, packed, tucked, rolled, and twisted until the paper disappeared between her cupped hands. Then she lifted the folded-up paper packet to her mouth and blew into it, like a balloon.
Liu, Ken. The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories. New York, Saga Press, 2016.
why we loved it
The Extra Literary Affairs podcast absolutely adored The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu, and it’s no wonder why! First of all, the story is packed with so much heart that it’s impossible not to feel deeply moved. At the same time, the magical realism—like the origami animals coming to life—adds a playful, whimsical touch that keeps things fun. However, don’t be fooled by the fantasy elements; before long, the emotional punches start rolling in, and suddenly, you’re reaching for the tissues!
What really stood out to the podcast hosts was the way the story explores family and identity. At first, the main character, Jack, is embarrassed by his mother’s Chinese traditions, but as he grows older, he begins to understand the love behind her magical paper creations. Meanwhile, the themes of cultural disconnect and regret hit hard, making the hosts reflect on their own relationships. In the end, the story’s bittersweet conclusion left them all in awe—and maybe sniffling a little.
Overall, The Paper Menagerie was a perfect mix of magic and raw emotion, which is exactly why the podcast couldn’t stop gushing about it. Not only did it make them laugh and cry, but it also sparked lively discussions about heritage, forgiveness, and the power of love. Plus, the clever blend of fantasy and real-life struggles kept them hooked from start to finish. So, if you’re looking for a story that’s both enchanting and deeply touching, this one’s a must-read—just don’t forget the tissues!