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daumari's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up to 4.
A pretty quick read, and an impulse grab when perusing the YA section because I haven't read all of Gene Luen Yang's works ([b:Boxers|17210470|Boxers (Boxers & Saints, #1)|Gene Luen Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359199413l/17210470._SX50_.jpg|23691809] and [b:Saints|17210471|Saints (Boxers & Saints, #2)|Gene Luen Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359199657l/17210471._SX50_.jpg|23691810] are sitting on my shelf...) Probably considered YA for length/previous works by author, though it does deal with some heavy topics.
Three short stories, illustrated that all have a little bit to do with an imagined environment that may not necessarily match reality for various reasons- escapism in 2 out of 3, capitalism for another 2/3 (if you were wondering, the third story matches both those imo). Great use of color to show the differences between worlds. The third one is the standout for me.
A pretty quick read, and an impulse grab when perusing the YA section because I haven't read all of Gene Luen Yang's works ([b:Boxers|17210470|Boxers (Boxers & Saints, #1)|Gene Luen Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359199413l/17210470._SX50_.jpg|23691809] and [b:Saints|17210471|Saints (Boxers & Saints, #2)|Gene Luen Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359199657l/17210471._SX50_.jpg|23691810] are sitting on my shelf...) Probably considered YA for length/previous works by author, though it does deal with some heavy topics.
Three short stories, illustrated that all have a little bit to do with an imagined environment that may not necessarily match reality for various reasons- escapism in 2 out of 3, capitalism for another 2/3 (if you were wondering, the third story matches both those imo). Great use of color to show the differences between worlds. The third one is the standout for me.
amanda1793's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. All three stories are very powerful in their own ways! The importance of family, the importance of being who you are, and gaining strength not matter the situation.
I highly recommend this graphic novel!
I highly recommend this graphic novel!
skiwi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jess_mango's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This "graphic novel" is comprised of 3 seperate stories. It was a quick read that helped occupy some of my insomniac moments last night.
alex_watkins's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the illustrations in this book, and thought Gene Yang was totally cool when he came to the library, but I could not love this book. I think it was a bit too clever for its own good. American Born Chinese has some surprised that are quite good and well earned, in that certain story lines are not what they appear. These 3 stories all had some twist that changed the frame of the story, but I don't think any of them earned that twist. Which I think is the all too frequent problem with short stories, they always have to be clever or ironic or have a very pat ending. I don't know how I feel about the separate artist/writer graphic novels. I know that people do that all the time in comic books. But I feel like there is something special about drawing the story that you thought up. Now Gene Yang was pretty self-deprecating when he came, and said the other guy draws way better then him. But I think there is something to his simple drawings, that have character.
danileighta's review against another edition
5.0
Super weird, but powerful stories about greed. The ratings from others are low, but I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I might not put it in YA, not because of any inappropriate material, but because the subject might not strike them. Check this book out, though. It was a surprise for me.
sparklethenpop's review against another edition
3.0
This is a 3.5 really. I enjoyed the first and last stories but the second story was only okay.
wrentheblurry's review against another edition
4.0
I read this when it was initially published, though I don't know what happened to my review. So, I reread it. This was no hardship, as it's a quick read, and I'm a fan of Yang's work.
The artwork is as varied and richly detailed, shaded and colored as his other graphic novels. The three stories are all separate in style and tone, but connected by the main character's each undergoing personal growth as they come to a decision about their lives. The stories are a tad weird, too weird for my 13-year old son to give this title more than 3 stars. I enjoy a good quirky tale, especially one with a heart-warming ending. Recommended!
The artwork is as varied and richly detailed, shaded and colored as his other graphic novels. The three stories are all separate in style and tone, but connected by the main character's each undergoing personal growth as they come to a decision about their lives. The stories are a tad weird, too weird for my 13-year old son to give this title more than 3 stars. I enjoy a good quirky tale, especially one with a heart-warming ending. Recommended!
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
3.0
The stories are quirky but I especially love the different styles of illustration throughout.