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olivebananas's review against another edition
dark
sad
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Deportation, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
harrisonarachel's review
My favourite book, read this when I was in Intermediate School I think and since then have read it multiple times. The way Adeline Yen Mah writes is incredible, I can picture everything she says. Such an interesting and sad story, but has an ending that makes it well worth the hardship. Inspired by this lady, and her power.
readingafrica's review
4.0
I felt a personal connection to the author after reading her story. It was a moving read for me.
kbkittyb's review
2.0
*2.5*
I didn't really enjoy this one. I truly believe she had a rough life but she just comes across as really whiny and vengeful against her family.
There is nothing that really stood out for me...it was very much a case of cruelty at home, love of school, more cruelty, boarding school, different boarding school, another boarding school, then success. Fickle friends and family being very central to the story.
I did, however, enjoy learning about Chinese history and culture.
It was nice and quick but it's not something that will stick with me. Not terrible but not great.
I didn't really enjoy this one. I truly believe she had a rough life but she just comes across as really whiny and vengeful against her family.
There is nothing that really stood out for me...it was very much a case of cruelty at home, love of school, more cruelty, boarding school, different boarding school, another boarding school, then success. Fickle friends and family being very central to the story.
I did, however, enjoy learning about Chinese history and culture.
It was nice and quick but it's not something that will stick with me. Not terrible but not great.
robbynjreeve's review against another edition
3.0
Genre(s): memoir, non-fiction, YA
Theme(s): Chinese culture, fairytale retelling
Recommended for Ages: 14+
Summary: Adeline Yen Mah is the youngest child of her mother and father. She has an older sister and 3 older brothers. Her mother died shortly after her birth and her father and siblings blame her for her death. Her father remarries and has 2 more children. Adeline becomes the "Cinderella" of the family, shunned by her father, step-mother, 3 brothers, sister, half-sister, and half-brother. She takes comfort in the love of her grandfather, grandmother, and aunt, all of who live together. As Adeline grows older, her family moves numerous times and eventually Adeline is shipped off to different boarding schools. Through her own perseverance and determination Adeline thrives in school and eventually convinces her father to send her to college in England.
Review: Wow. It was so jarring to read/listen to this book and realize that it was a true story. It was very difficult to put myself in the author's shoes and imagine her life growing up. I'd be interested to learn more about her life after she leaves home and goes to college. I also thought it was so interesting how she learned so much later about the Cinderella stories (both the Chinese and European versions) and they related to her life. This is a great read for anyone needing help put their life and circumstances into perspective.
Recommended for fans of: I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, The Glass Castle, A Child Called "It"
If you loved this you should try... The Rent Collector, Homeless Bird, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Theme(s): Chinese culture, fairytale retelling
Recommended for Ages: 14+
Summary: Adeline Yen Mah is the youngest child of her mother and father. She has an older sister and 3 older brothers. Her mother died shortly after her birth and her father and siblings blame her for her death. Her father remarries and has 2 more children. Adeline becomes the "Cinderella" of the family, shunned by her father, step-mother, 3 brothers, sister, half-sister, and half-brother. She takes comfort in the love of her grandfather, grandmother, and aunt, all of who live together. As Adeline grows older, her family moves numerous times and eventually Adeline is shipped off to different boarding schools. Through her own perseverance and determination Adeline thrives in school and eventually convinces her father to send her to college in England.
Review: Wow. It was so jarring to read/listen to this book and realize that it was a true story. It was very difficult to put myself in the author's shoes and imagine her life growing up. I'd be interested to learn more about her life after she leaves home and goes to college. I also thought it was so interesting how she learned so much later about the Cinderella stories (both the Chinese and European versions) and they related to her life. This is a great read for anyone needing help put their life and circumstances into perspective.
Recommended for fans of: I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, The Glass Castle, A Child Called "It"
If you loved this you should try... The Rent Collector, Homeless Bird, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet