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arirose's review against another edition
I first I wasn't going to rate this because I don't connect with the story and it didn't feel fair. But then I thought about what the story was. And sure, I'm white so I can't relate to being othered in the way that the kid was (sorry, I'm shit with names). But it was not all that. For one, there were two other plots to follow. One with the monkey, and the other with the white guy. Each story had to do with being true to yourself. Anyone can connect with that! So, the story was sweet. It was uncomfortable in places (I'm sure you can imagine where) but interesting how it all came together.
With all that in mind, I still wasn't a huge fan. I didn't vibe with the art style (as least for the monkey) nor the jokes. I still won't rate it, though, because I think there's still a bit of that initial disconnect is playing a role. I'm not sure. It just wasn't for me, but I'm sure another would appreciate American Born Chinese.
With all that in mind, I still wasn't a huge fan. I didn't vibe with the art style (as least for the monkey) nor the jokes. I still won't rate it, though, because I think there's still a bit of that initial disconnect is playing a role. I'm not sure. It just wasn't for me, but I'm sure another would appreciate American Born Chinese.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
parenthesis_enjoyer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Bullying
pika_chuu's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
ampam's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Racial slurs
emilyhv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Antisemitism
odditiex's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Racism and Bullying
isleofwoman's review against another edition
challenging
funny
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
marissasa's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
American Born Chinese tells the story of a young Chinese-American boy named Jin growing up in SF and going to a predominantly white school, wishing he wasn't different and was instead one of the white boys due to the bullying and discrimination he endures. His story is told in tandem with an old Chinese fable about the Monkey King and with an uncomfortable caricature story about a boy named Chin-kee visiting his white cousin Danny. The three stories connect with a twist in the end and all serve the greater message of accepting yourself for who you are despite how different you may be from those around you. While I liked the premise of the story and its message about growing up as a child of the diaspora amongst white peers, the caricature story was very hard to read and I didn't connect to all of the specifically male experiences of Jin.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Bullying, Racism, Violence, and Xenophobia
matthewosborne's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I liked this book quite a bit, but I wish it was a little longer. The resolution comes about so quickly and I think it could have used maybe 25-50 more pages.
Ultimately this book did make me feel empathy and sympathy for the characters, which makes it a success.
Ultimately this book did make me feel empathy and sympathy for the characters, which makes it a success.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Bullying
ashar_allaire's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I finished this book and immediately started from the beginning to re-read it. It's one of those books that comes together so well at the end that you have to go back with the full context, but I LOVE that. It becomes more powerful the second time through. This has stayed on my mind since I finished it and it's something I think is so important and raw. I like that it never talks down to young people and it doesn't shy away from the complex and difficult topics it covers, while navigating them in a clear and understandable way. 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Xenophobia, and Racial slurs
Minor: Toxic friendship