We Were Dreamers is more than a celebrity memoir – it’s a story about growing up between cultures, finding your family, and becoming the master of your own extraordinary circumstance.
Title: We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story
Author: Simu Liu
Published on May 16, 2022 by Harper Audio
Format: audiobook, 8 hours
Genre / Themes: Autobiography | Memoir | Nonfiction | Own Voices
Rating: 4 cups of tea
After BINGING “Kim’s Convenience” and CONSTANTLY rewatching “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, I figured it was time to check out Simu Liu’s memoir. And thank gosh! Simu Liu, a Chinese-Canadian actor, stuntperson, author and activist, tells the story of a young boy who dares to dream beyond the status quo as he tries to find his place in this complex thing we call life.
Simu begins his story not with him, but his parents, diving into their struggles and ordeals as they pursued their goal of moving to Canada. Seeing how eager and ambitious they are was inspirational, willing to go the extra mile and fight against the odds. I really, really enjoyed this part of the memoir, constantly engaged and eager to hear more of their story.
The rest of the memoir focuses on Simu’s childhood all the way until he is set to play Shang-Chi in the Marvel film. To be honest, I was extremely shocked about his backstory. His life was definitely full of ups and downs, with a list of challenges a mile long. His complicated with his parents was heart wrenching … he definitely didn’t hold back. As later explained, he and his parents agreed it was important to tell this story so other families don’t make the mistakes they did. It’s a profoundly beautiful sentiment, one I think many readers reading this will appreciate as they can find comfort in knowing they’re not alone, and things can change for the good.
Simu also very honest regarding himself. From depression to procrastination to hardships in relationships, Simu discusses the many things he’s had to work on within himself over the years. Hearing about all of this from someone who presents themselves as so confident in interviews was actually comforting. Of course I wish Simu could’ve had a less stressful and anxiety boosting life, but it’s also comforting knowing that you too can change the course of your life. It made him feel more human, which I find a big struggle with our society when comparing ourselves to celebrities.
With such a beautiful prose, it’s not hard to get lost in this story … Simu can definitely add writing to his list of expertise, as he gracefully and gradually guides readers into this memoir. And if you’re able to, I highly recommend the audiobook version; hearing Simu tell his story made the whole experience much more captivating. His ability to set the tone and mood with just his voice is astounding, gripping you into his story even more.
The ONLY thing that left me somewhat disappointed was the end. It felt like there was more to be told, leaving off at a part of this life I wasn’t fully expecting. I feel like I’m the unpopular opinion in this regard though, so keep that in mind.
Whether you’ve seen Simu Liu’s works or not, I truly believe any reader would enjoy this. Learning about the pressures children and teens face in specifically Chinese cultures, how racism plays an impact in the entertainment world, and just reading about a young dreamer looking to beat the odds is reason along to pick this up. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
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