In The Classroom: The Manicurist’s Daughter

The Manicurist’s Daughter is making waves in the classroom across the country. Educators who are teaching Asian American Studies, the Immigrant Experience, Vietnamese Studies, Women & Gender Studies, History, and Creative Writing are finding ties to the book. Susan is over the moon that these institutions are engaging young people so that they may find healing in themselves. Reach out and let us know if you’re teaching the book!  

University

  1. “Writing Asian American Experiences,” Brown University, Spring 2024. Grace Talusan.

  2. “Introduction to Asian American Studies,” UMass Boston, Spring 2024. Dr. Peter Kiang.

  3. “Post-War Vietnam in Literature, Media and Film,” University of Washington, Winter 2025. Dr. Bich-Ngoc Turner.

  4. “Women & Gender Studies 485: Senior Seminar,” Sonoma State University, Spring 2025. Dr. Charlene Tung.

High School

  1. Ethnic Studies Course. Maria Carrillo High School, 2024-2025 School Year. Natasha Deakins. 

  2. AP Language Course. Analy High School, 2024-2025 School Year. Joe Sims.

My college students who identify as immigrants, first-in-their family to attend school in the US and/or working or middle class see their own selves in Susan’s work. Susan can draw students in because of her ability to create growth from the noise of having the experience of generational trauma, of being bi-cultural and navigating different worlds on a constant basis. Susan’s narrative reduces the isolation that results from these tensions and creates a path to healing. If you work with college students, her story will resonate and inspire others to share their own narratives of healing and growth.
— Varsha Ghosh, Director, Student Engagement & Leadership, Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship, Harvard College