My Life in China and America

My Life in China and America by Yung Wing is more than a memoir — it’s a firsthand account of a life lived between worlds at a pivotal moment in history. Widely considered the first major Chinese American autobiography, and one of the earliest works of Asian American literature, it offers a rare and deeply personal perspective on identity, immigration, and cultural exchange. As the first Chinese graduate of Yale University, Yung Wing’s journey traces both the promise and complexity of East–West relations in the 19th century. Through his role in leading the Chinese Educational Mission, he championed education as a bridge between nations — while also confronting the growing prejudice that would culminate in policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Yung Wing's memoir also demonstrates what it means to be Asian American, able to go between two cultures while not fully fitting into either. This memoir offers listeners an intimate, deeply human story of resilience and vision — making it not only a cornerstone of American history, but a powerful narrative that still resonates today. - Summary by Ted Lai