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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I think the issue with this book, for me, is that it didn't know what it was. It starts off with the perspective of Lily and it seems like it's going to be a literary fiction on the experience of 2nd generation Chinese immigrants in America. Which, from the blurb and title, is exactly what I was expecting. Then there is Nick, her son, who's story is a more classical coming of age. Finally there is May who is at the end of her life and wants to make amends with her family. All these perspectives would have been fine for a literary fiction if there wasn't also an underlying mystery sci-fi plot topped with a weird ethical discussion about gene manipulation... There was just so much going on and not enough time to address any of the elements in their entirety.
Overall I really enjoyed the descriptive writing. The similes and comparisons were really interesting. For example Nick describes his first heart break feeling like his heart was crushed like an aluminium can. The writing really brought this book up a lot in my standing.
Overall I really enjoyed the descriptive writing. The similes and comparisons were really interesting. For example Nick describes his first heart break feeling like his heart was crushed like an aluminium can. The writing really brought this book up a lot in my standing.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Parts of the book are very emotionally difficult to read.
There were parts of this book that I flew through. And I missed those when I got to the other parts. It’s not that they weren’t written the same way. But it was like being left on a To Be Continued over and over again.
Still, it was a beautiful story about family and being American and being a human being. I really appreciated the conversation the book made about altering genes. We all know that there is good and there is bad that comes from that. And unfortunately, what is thought of as good—like some of Mao’s early ideas (he was one of the most evil men of all time so I’m using this verrryyy lightly just to make the connection)—end up causing more division and more loss of lives and culture.
This is my 3rd book this year that deals with 20th century China. I am still mad that I learned essentially none of this in the international program I was in during HS and the esteemed college classes I took…I will continue to seek out some NF accounts and memoirs.
Still, it was a beautiful story about family and being American and being a human being. I really appreciated the conversation the book made about altering genes. We all know that there is good and there is bad that comes from that. And unfortunately, what is thought of as good—like some of Mao’s early ideas (he was one of the most evil men of all time so I’m using this verrryyy lightly just to make the connection)—end up causing more division and more loss of lives and culture.
This is my 3rd book this year that deals with 20th century China. I am still mad that I learned essentially none of this in the international program I was in during HS and the esteemed college classes I took…I will continue to seek out some NF accounts and memoirs.
best book i’ve read all year! i enjoyed all three perspectives, the plot connections were seamless and the characters were all likeable but realistic and flawed. highly recommend!!
Halfway through I thought a 3 but it ended a 4.5. Interesting, I learned a bit about China, very different narratives as you’d expect in each phase. I might start looking at how books are structured before I read them? It never occurs to me.
Hm. I am not sure about this book. I think I liked the ending, but everything before that was not really to my taste. Though it was fairly easy to finish (granted I had the motivation of a uni timeline so I did force myself a little) and I did like the character development, I am not sure this is a book where I can say I loved it. I certainly didn't hate it.
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated