Chinatown Pretty by Andria Lo and Valerie Luu

This book is going to be my feel good-go-to.

Born of a street photography project, Andria Lo and Valerie Luu found the beauty and wisdom and endurance of the elders of Chinatowns across North America had a bigger story to tell than their initial intentions.

Looking to the communities in Manhattan, Oakland, Chicago, San Fransisco and our very own Vancouver, the stories behind these seniors are unique - but share a common thread - that of preserving the communities that they have helped shape. 

There is such a tenderness in the writing that accompanies each person. I learnt about our own city's Chinatown's history while also reminding myself to call my grandmother, and to look for more opportunities to celebrate our elders on a regular basis. This is a treasure of a book.