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ehrenb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
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
5.0
Wow, what a wonderful, complex, layered and emotional story. I loved the way three different timelines/POVs were woven into the story and interconnected to tell a story of immigration, coming out and familial love. I also really enjoyed the insight into the author's decisions regarding the stylistic and story choices he made whilst writing the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: War
eversaurus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
rsngphoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
bluengreyg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.75
joelreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
aykdanroyd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
rattierai's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
brywalls's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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? No
4.0
Not what I thought it would be -- its the story of a boy and his mother told through the lens of various fairy tales. I love that it shows the intersection of some of the fairy tale archetypes across cultures and the fact that this is not just about a young person's struggle with identity, but also an ADULT's challenge in finding her place in the world. Sad I missed the Read the Rainbow for this!
Content Warnings
Vietnamese, Asian American, LGBTQIA+ attempted conversion therapy
hb_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
ahhh, this made my heart so happy. a lush and lovely little story, gorgeously illustrated and with a beautiful message that made me tear up at my desk on my lunch break! i really appreciated getting to see the author's notes at the end - the explanation about the different styles for each of the three storytellers was really interesting and added a depth to the story. i hadn't really thought about global fairy tales through an immigrant lens, but seeing how the story "changes as needed" was enlightening. it felt like such a gut punch reading about the homophobia Tiến experienced, both by seeing it on tv and by being subjected to conversion therapy, but i'm so glad Tiến has a happy ending (or beginning?) in terms of acceptance from his friends and family. such a beautiful graphic novel - i'll be very happy to share this title with patrons and friends!