Reviews

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

stationannie's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars, rounded up. 

I believe Ruth and one of her parents are supposed to be Chinese (with Ruth being half), but it’s completely glossed over, making it easy to miss. I didn’t feel much, if any, of the cultural representation as I proceeded through the book, which was the main reason I had originally picked it up. If it was in there, it was extremely subtle. 

I enjoy books that explore the dynamics of Asian parent-child relationships, and this one unfortunately didn’t check that box for me. It doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book, but it did feel like something was missing by leaving out the Asian influence that would have surely popped up on multiple occasions when the topic of health or medicine was brought up, since it’s such a big part of the culture. 

The story itself was a sad progression of Ruth’s father as he declines with Alzheimer’s. I can’t imagine what it was like to be in her position and having to watch it happen. I would have enjoyed getting to know Ruth better, but we really only ever get glimpses of her life through her interactions with other characters. While I felt for her, I didn’t have the emotional attachment I otherwise would have had if we had focused more on Ruth. 

I think this was a good book, and I decided to round up despite the drawbacks. I could definitely see how people might find the disjointed writing difficult to follow, but once you get used to it, I think it added value as a stylistic choice. It kept me engaged, and while I did have to go back at times, it was still worth the read. 

elizartemisbailey's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

lahoori's review against another edition

emotional funny sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sarawithoutah's review against another edition

emotional funny sad fast-paced

3.75

bibliotherapy's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-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

4.5

sarahtrent's review

emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

4.5

jessicawright's review

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

jannythelibrarian's review against another edition

2.75

someone said it's a readalike for tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. and they are absolutely wrong. written in diary format so should have been short read but thought it was boring. daughter moves back into family home to take care of dad with Alzheimer's. ends up learning stuff about his life as a prof (cough he cheated with a student eye roll) and her processing her life, relationships etc. also not funny and plot felt scattered

blankcrayon's review against another edition

emotional mysterious 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

4.0

marisatn's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book was great. I loved the style and the family connection and conflict.