Stay True by Hua Hsu is a heartfelt memoir that recounts Hsu's close friendship with his college friend Ken and the devastating loss he experienced when Ken was tragically killed in a carjacking in 1998. The book beautifully explores themes of friendship, identity, grief, and self-discovery.

After Ken's death, Hsu went through a difficult period of intense grief, struggling to understand the tragedy. This challenging time led to significant personal growth and a deeper appreciation of friendship and identity. Hsu coped by writing journal entries addressed to Ken, which helped him process his feelings and eventually became a therapeutic outlet.

In Stay True," Hsu shares these reflections, allowing readers to journey through his thoughts and emotions. The memoir is filled with insights on philosophy, ethics, history, and more. It's an engaging read that captures the essence of teenage angst and the Generation X experience of disillusionment and self-discovery. Hsu's vivid writing brings every emotion to life, making the book hard to put down. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.