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aleffert's review against another edition
4.0
This is a quiet book, a wonderful patchwork of character studies set in a future where Chinese communism has become ascendant in America. Each segment focuses on someone marginalized by this society and how they find their places in a society that doesn't fit them. I feel like that makes it sound didactic or tedious, but it's not at all. It's warm and kind and interested in its people.
heregrim's review against another edition
4.0
This is a coming of "Age" becoming comfortable, finding your place type of story taking place in the future where Chinese Socialism has become the norm. Zhang becomes an engineer while dealing with being gay and half Chinese. Other characters interact with him throughout the book and add depth to the world Zhang is coming to terms with.
tsharris's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe it took me so long to learn about this book, let alone read it. I didn't want it to end. Completely immersive world, but more than that, every character - even minor characters - felt real.
aniya_'s review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kadomi's review against another edition
4.0
In retrospect, this novel is a highly fascinating collection of stories with a common thread, the titular China Mountain Zhang appearing in most of the stories.
Set in a future where China is the dominant world power, Rafael aka China Mountain Zhang lives in New York, half-Chinese, half-Latino American and queer to boot. Early on, he loses his job, because he does not want to marry the daughter of his Chinese foreman at work, which really is problematic, because ultimately he wants to live the dream of going to university in China. Rafael is the red thread here, and has the most impactful stories, about loneliness at the polar circle, queer experience in China, etc. Subjects are tough, there's suicide, rape, depression.
Interesting cast, vastly differing stories all coming together in the end. A bit bleak, and in the beginning tough to get into because Zhang is not exactly likeable. Still, would recommend.
Set in a future where China is the dominant world power, Rafael aka China Mountain Zhang lives in New York, half-Chinese, half-Latino American and queer to boot. Early on, he loses his job, because he does not want to marry the daughter of his Chinese foreman at work, which really is problematic, because ultimately he wants to live the dream of going to university in China. Rafael is the red thread here, and has the most impactful stories, about loneliness at the polar circle, queer experience in China, etc. Subjects are tough, there's suicide, rape, depression.
Interesting cast, vastly differing stories all coming together in the end. A bit bleak, and in the beginning tough to get into because Zhang is not exactly likeable. Still, would recommend.
jdfrens's review against another edition
2.5
I thought this was okay. I prefer a little more action in my science fiction or a real think piece, and this was more or less just stories. The just-past-near-future world was interesting, but it wasn't anything special. I kept thinking that I might have enjoyed re-reading The Martian Chronicles a second time more than finishing this book.
coris's review
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Homophobia
Moderate: Suicide
qteabeans's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Rereading this book I'm so aware of all the trigger warnings it needs. And also, this was a novel with an opening gay main character written in the 90's. It has a lot of flaws but it is interesting to see that character portayed compassionately as a whole person. Definitely has some flaws and a rape. Yikes! I'm excited to hear what my book club thinks of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Rape, and Homophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
causearuckus's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0