Almost American Girl: List 2

by Robin Ha
In this memoir, told in graphic form, Robin Ha recounts her experiences as a young immigrant from South Korea.

Here are links to our lists for the memoir: List 1, List 2
20 words 399 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. intently
    with strained or eager attention
    But what terrified me even more was my mom, who was watching me intently.
  2. turbulent
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
    My mom's life seemed destined to be a turbulent one.
  3. scandalous
    giving offense to moral sensibilities
    It's considered scandalous to have a baby without being married in Korea.
  4. abomination
    a person who is loathsome or disgusting
    Take that abomination and get out!
  5. prosperity
    the condition of having good fortune
    We wish you prosperity!
  6. futile
    producing no result or effect
    Mom thought about reporting my teacher to the school board, but she knew already that it would be futile because everyone turned a blind eye to the bribery.
  7. nomad
    a member of a people who have no permanent home
    Then suddenly she gets rescued by a handsome nomad boy who later becomes her love interest.
  8. prospect
    belief about the future
    The prospect of meeting these fellow aspiring cartoonists was both exciting and intimidating.
  9. aspiring
    desiring or striving for recognition or advancement
    The prospect of meeting these fellow aspiring cartoonists was both exciting and intimidating.
  10. intimidating
    discouraging through fear
    The prospect of meeting these fellow aspiring cartoonists was both exciting and intimidating.
  11. rift
    a personal or social separation
    While I was busy drawing comics and hanging out with Jessica...the rift between Mom and the stepfamily was getting deeper.
  12. skeptical
    marked by or given to doubt
    Mom was skeptical, but she couldn't continue to refuse.
  13. refuge
    something or someone turned to for assistance or security
    I took refuge in Barry's company.
  14. discreet
    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
    You can tell Jessica, but we must be discreet.
  15. fugitive
    someone who is sought by law officers
    I felt like we were two fugitives on the run.
  16. venture
    proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
    Mom didn't show even a hint of fear or weakness, venturing out in this giant country on her own.
  17. embassy
    a building where diplomats live or work
    The school was full of international students because it was near Washington, DC, and many embassy families lived in McLean.
  18. conformity
    compliance with accepted standards, rules, or norms
    I was also bothered by the emphasis on physical beauty and conformity in Korean society.
  19. mandatory
    required by rule
    It was mandatory to put a photo of yourself on job applications in Korea.
  20. alienated
    socially disoriented
    Maybe I would have ended up feeling alienated in Korea even if I hadn't left.
Created on Wed Jul 29 10:24:23 EDT 2020 (updated Wed Jul 29 10:26:50 EDT 2020)

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