Reviews

What Gives Us Our Names by Alvin Pang

katonthejellicoe's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

irisangela's review against another edition

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5.0

Cute and thought-provoking at the same time. Enjoyed it and felt like it’s a book I’d return to at some point.

jelundberg's review against another edition

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4.0

A wonderful collection of Calvino-esque apotheotic short pieces which follow the personifications of various character traits (Success, Passion, Freedom, Failure, etc.). Pang imbues each piece with timeless universality, although Singaporean readers are sure to find added meaning.

elnechnntt's review against another edition

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5.0

A short, sweet, easy read, personifying different emotional states. The premise is so pure and simple, yet peppered with pockets of profoundness.

Absolutely delightful to spend my morning coffee with.

indigoarden's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

5.0

corks's review

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Kind of pretentious and I don't think it achieved what it was trying to do at all which from my perspective was to break down the identity of certain personalities, their flaws and strengths but also I could be completely off the mark because this book left me feeling confused af. 

inka333's review against another edition

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1.0

I am not sure what was the point of this book? I'd give it an additional half a star for beautiful design/typesetting. And because I really like Math Paper Press and what they have been doing to promote Singaporean literature.

ethanoled's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

metavashti's review against another edition

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5.0

Love this book

feeffoof's review against another edition

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5.0

What a beautiful read! Simple and quick to finish. Last chapter was a bit confusing because I didn't know what the word meant, but definitely leaves you wanting more.