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mishmashedme's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I finished this being a little confused tbh. Three stories being told at once connected by their themes of wanting to fit in and exclusion. They all converge at the end but in such a rushed way that it didn’t have the impact it could’ve. It felt chaotic and rushed at the end.
The build up was so methodical that it felt like a bit of a let down when I finished.
It was okay. I wanted to read it before I watched the show so now I’m curious how the show plays out the three storylines.
The build up was so methodical that it felt like a bit of a let down when I finished.
It was okay. I wanted to read it before I watched the show so now I’m curious how the show plays out the three storylines.
unfortunatelycole's review against another edition
3.0
Read this for my English class and I really enjoyed it. The book had great messaging and I loved how all 3 storylines came together.
happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
“It's easy to become anything you wish, so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul.”
I enjoyed the alternating timelines / stories even when I didn't understand quite how they would come together. I think most kids will relate to the Monkey King and Jin's journeys of accepting their identity.
I enjoyed the alternating timelines / stories even when I didn't understand quite how they would come together. I think most kids will relate to the Monkey King and Jin's journeys of accepting their identity.
wanderinglynn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
A graphic novel that combines myth, history, and modern culture to discuss cultural identity, specifically, Asian-Americans. At first, it seems like 3 unconnected stories and at times, it feels like it's all over the place, but it comes together nicely in the end. The author uses the three narratives to highlight race, ethnicity, and cultural identity as well as racist micro-aggressions and just flat out racism.
That being said, I had one main issues with this book—how the author depicts women. There are two main female characters in the book. One is an "All-American" white girl and one is another Asian American of Japanese descent. Both really only serve as objects of the males and to further two of the story-lines. This was particularly disappointing to see, especially of the Japanese-American female because she would not only be experiencing the racism but also sexism, and frankly, the author did just that.
I can see why this is was an award winner. And I appreciated the story for what it was, but still disappointed, although published in 2006, it didn't appreciate the struggle of minority women.
That being said, I had one main issues with this book—how the author depicts women. There are two main female characters in the book. One is an "All-American" white girl and one is another Asian American of Japanese descent. Both really only serve as objects of the males and to further two of the story-lines. This was particularly disappointing to see, especially of the Japanese-American female because she would not only be experiencing the racism but also sexism, and frankly, the author did just that.
I can see why this is was an award winner. And I appreciated the story for what it was, but still disappointed, although published in 2006, it didn't appreciate the struggle of minority women.
manha10's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel was great!!! I loved how the stories were all connected somehow and it deals with racism and finding one's identity and learning to love one's self to accomplish great things!! it was great!
jacesherman's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
It had been such a long time since I'd read American Born Chinese that I decided to re-read it again today. Having this be the first graphic novel I ever read really sets the bar high. The individual stories are terrific on their own, but the way they weave together makes each more powerful.
hantj's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mssweenlsn's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0