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samanthalamph's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes you want to read a book that knows how to throw a little disco into the mix.
tinathedrifter's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Xenophobia
darwinreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? No
5.0
jenna0010's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
3.75
Honest and raw portrayal of Filipino youth growing up in Hawai'i
rencordings's review against another edition
4.0
I kept thinking "oh shit," "hot damn that's scandalous," and "snap they /went/ there" while reading this novel, and I think that pretty much sums up what I think about it haha.
grxywaren's review against another edition
3.0
I think this book would benefit from a second read, as I felt the narratives fragmenting tended to lean more on the confusing side than the falling together side. (If that even makes sense.) I still appreciate the book for what it brings to the table and think this would be amazing to read in a group setting.
prolog15's review against another edition
5.0
five stars for remixing america, unmatched character depiction, and relentless humor
tamaramo's review against another edition
5.0
The usage and focus on children throughout the novel was eye-opening and revealing to the development of sexuality and "American" identity. The utilization of multiple forms of writing, i.e. poems, dialogue, scene writing, is a show of Linmark talent and range as a writer.
mscott's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting, chaotic yet fun read. The Pidgin English can sometimes be challenging to follow if you have not been part of that culture but I think that is what adds to the fun of it. Just like the characters in the book, the structure of chapters, etc. were all over the map. I think it captured what it might be like in a tween's mind, with all of the hormones raging and their exploration of sexuality.
earldizon's review against another edition
2.0
I was fascinated by this book since it was rereleased a few years ago to commemorate 20 years and I hadn't ever heard about it before. These are vignettes of mostly fifth graders living in Hawaii in the 70s. As Filipinos and other ethnicities, they realize they can't play by the rules (even though that's what's expected of them) when they aren't even allowed to play the game. Add to that, the male main characters aren't afraid to be who they are when it comes to their gender identities even when they get ridiculed and bullied. It's unflinching and painfully honest at times but also shocking and over the top. With all the sex that was happening, I kept thinking the characters were in high school at least. I guess it's edgy. I'm sure it definitely was when it came out in the mid 90's.