Front Desk

Immigrants often have a tough life. They leave their home in hopes of a better life, but often encounter more struggles and discrimination. Chinese immigrants have an interesting history. The current wave is mostly highly-educated and land directly in their profession. However, there were previous immigrants that hoped to escape the impoverished life back home - only to see China make a turn and become well-to-do while they struggled in menial jobs in America.

Front Desk is the story of a Chinese immigrant family told from the point of view of the tween daughter. After losing a restaurant job, they find a "great" job managing a motel. The well-to-do Taiwanese owner is not the nicest. However, they make good friends with the long-term residents. They also have plenty of experience with kind (and not so kind) guests.  The friendships become even more valuable as the family hopes to own their own motel. There is also a funny part where the Chinese immigrant and her Mexican immigrant friend concoct bigger lies about their "wealthy lives", only to discover that both live in struggling families.

There are various struggles in place, including obtaining health care and dealing with loan sharks. Racial relations come into play, with different discrimination towards blacks and Asians. By treating people kindly, the family makes friends and helps achieve their dream. It is not without struggles. Sometimes dispensing pride is needed in order to progress (even if the result is not what is immediately expected.)