What is the purpose of beginning the book with a comparison to Hoang Nguyen if he never appears again?

Hoang’s character serves as a foil to Phuc by highlighting Phuc’s insecurities growing up as an immigrant, learning about American culture, and struggling to assimilate. Although Hoang is not an active character throughout the rest of the book, Phuc’s feelings about him set up the major themes of the memoir that underlie Phuc’s experiences.

How does Phuc’s father’s experience working at Carlisle Tire and Rubber echo Phuc’s struggles at school?

Phuc’s father faces bullying from his coworkers, solely due to his accent and appearance as a Vietnamese immigrant. Phuc endures similar poor treatment from his peers growing up, just more blatant when the bullies are younger and less restrained by societal norms.

How does Phuc’s embarrassment about reusing the Big Mac container demonstrate a cultural barrier between Phuc and his peers?