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sapphicsoilscientist's review against another edition
Also the homophobia and rape jokes are more than I have time for. I don’t know how this could be a ‘fun and light’ read for people. I don’t think we read the same book.
Graphic: Animal death, Classism, Animal cruelty, Infidelity, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Homophobia, Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, Drug use, Sexual content, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Adult/minor relationship, and Racial slurs
The further into the book you get, the worse it gets. Nothing about any of these characters made me want to read past all the terrible things happening on the bachelor/bachelorette party.toodeadtoread's review against another edition
Graphic: Cursing, Racial slurs, Racism, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Classism, and Infidelity
Minor: Bullying
copiani's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, and Infidelity
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual content
readbycarina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Classism and Infidelity
Moderate: Racism and Bullying
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Kidnapping, and Homophobia
124smilehd's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The characters gave me mixed emotions. It was interesting to see that most of the "antagonists" in this book are the older generation who put money and inheritance above all else. With each generation above the last leaning more toward the importance of money. While the younger generation, specifically Nick but others like Astrid, seem to be ignoring the importance of money and put love first. which I think reflects the real-life generational divides we all experience with our older family members as we navigate a changing world. of course, there were a few that care, but even then it seemed to be more of a push from their families rather than true ambitions.
All the characters are flawed, complex, or at the very least had blind spots that make them interesting. which was great to see with such a large cast. Characters that I thought were just for exposition ended up being vital to the story and the characters' progression. So many ended up being two-faced which made it hard to guess who was actually on Rachel's side and who wasn't. It was a guessing game until the end. I am very much looking forward to reading the sequel and seeing how things progress.
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, and Xenophobia
littlewishling's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Infidelity and Classism
Minor: Racial slurs and Homophobia
kegila's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Drug use and Infidelity
avasbookmark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I did enjoy this book for its glamorous exploration of the lives of the Chinese upper-class through the eyes of a newcomer, its vivid descriptions of food and decor, and sense of humor.
What I did not love was that none of the characters had much depth. I had a hard time understanding Rachel and Nick as they are both fairly one-dimensional and their relationship does not seem to be built on a solid foundation of trust. Although this was purposeful at first, I don’t think the relationship developed much and the character development itself was lacking, too.
I think the real meat of the story got lost under dazzling descriptions and the constant introduction of new secondary and tertiary characters.
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Racism
parasolcrafter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Infidelity, Racism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Classism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Abandonment, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
laurajordensharris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Classism, Bullying, and Toxic relationship