Reviews

I really wanted to love this one, but after a strong start, I felt like it dragged quite a bit. Once I was 2/3 through, it picked up again and I really enjoyed the ending. These not-so-unrealistic dystopian novels are always an uncomfortable read. I appreciated the author note recommending non-fiction resources themes in her book were based on. Celeste Ng's writing is really beautiful, for sure.

iambadatpickingusernames's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

toobusyreadin's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

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? It's complicated

3.5

smahon42's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

katonthejellicoe's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense 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? No

markcastaneda's review against another edition

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4.0

generic dystopia, rlly liked ethan's parsing out of words and meaning within them. rlly liked the creativity with the anti-PACT protests. didn't like the slow burn, I understand margaret's retelling of crisis was meant to create detachment but wasn't effective in creating compelling tension in the story. felt very defeatist. very celeste ng. made me sad. idk

wishpearl's review against another edition

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3.0

Poignant, thought provoking, lovely writing with many lessons to learn from such as the importance of a free exchange of ideas and stories.

I really like most of Celeste Ng’s books because her characters always feel very real and the characters in here did too.
Maybe I just didn’t have the space to read this with a critical eye and really think about it,but I didn’t like this one that much for some reason. I found this to be underwhelming and it left something more to be desired. Maybe I’ll reread eventually.

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