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martine_d's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.25
coocoobird's review against another edition
5.0
I came into this series expecting romance but walked away with much more.
I learned more about autism than I expected and think this has helped me empathize better with people I may not have realized we’re on the higher functioning side of the spectrum.
As a first generation Asian American, I really appreciated how this book in particular went more in depth, highlighting cultural aspects that play a role in many Vietnamese and Chinese families - expectations set when it comes to how to act “appropriately” around family, friends of the family, respect towards elders (even if it’s an older sister), the conflict and what it’s like to care for someone elderly as they are in those last months / weeks of life
I watched my mom and her siblings care for both of my grandparents for months until they passed at home.
I learned terms I never knew like “masking,” which I think whether or not someone is autistic is something many Asian women I know do because we are taught to be a certain way, react / respond a certain way, force a smile bc that’s what is expected, etc.
I appreciated that in the end Priscilla and Anna didn’t patch things up only bc this is realistic to some stubborn family members who are unwilling to apologize or change and thus cut off ties to others
I learned more about autism than I expected and think this has helped me empathize better with people I may not have realized we’re on the higher functioning side of the spectrum.
As a first generation Asian American, I really appreciated how this book in particular went more in depth, highlighting cultural aspects that play a role in many Vietnamese and Chinese families - expectations set when it comes to how to act “appropriately” around family, friends of the family, respect towards elders (even if it’s an older sister), the conflict and what it’s like to care for someone elderly as they are in those last months / weeks of life
I watched my mom and her siblings care for both of my grandparents for months until they passed at home.
I learned terms I never knew like “masking,” which I think whether or not someone is autistic is something many Asian women I know do because we are taught to be a certain way, react / respond a certain way, force a smile bc that’s what is expected, etc.
I appreciated that in the end Priscilla and Anna didn’t patch things up only bc this is realistic to some stubborn family members who are unwilling to apologize or change and thus cut off ties to others
madisonw04's review against another edition
5.0
Helen did it again. I have never been filled with so much rage while reading a book in my life. I was internally screaming for, with and at Anna. I felt every bit of her pain and her joy as I was reading. Anna and Quan were so beautifully written. The entire story is a masterpiece. I think Helen Hoang’s best work (if I do say so myself).
My jaw was on the floor and then picked back up and then my heart fell out of my chest and then picked back up. It’s just….. An emotional roller coaster that Helen Hoang can get me to ride anytime with no convincing necessary.
My jaw was on the floor and then picked back up and then my heart fell out of my chest and then picked back up. It’s just….. An emotional roller coaster that Helen Hoang can get me to ride anytime with no convincing necessary.
the_starless_sea's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
miumeri's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
popcorn_princess's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
readbytay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
srlaud's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Holy shit. I thought the first two were spot on autism representation, which they are, but wow. The author covers autism burnout and masking so well in this book that, yet again, I found myself having to set this book down at times- in a good way. The story as a whole is just great. This book took me 2 days to finish, genuinely my new favorite author.