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bootsmom3's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Drug use, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Rape and Suicidal thoughts
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Please read reviews and comments from Native Hawaiians about the cultural appropriation in this novel.
Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3789958619?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3337819032?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://twitter.com/sara_kahanamoku/status/1299793554328313856
Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3789958619?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3337819032?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://twitter.com/sara_kahanamoku/status/1299793554328313856
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Alcoholism, Death, Toxic relationship, and Excrement
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicidal thoughts
lklitup's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. I’m reeling from the lyricism of this prose and the depth of this family’s story. The magical realism of this novel does nothing to detract from the all-to-real themes about expectations from family, duty to self, and purpose within the greater world. This novel’s lush descriptions of Hawai’i and its culture made me want to go to the nearest beach just to sit and be near the ocean— something so large, powerful, unfathomable.
While Nainoa’s journey may have been the central story from which the others’ grew, I was most drawn to was Kaui. The other members of the Flores family seemed to flounder (or ultimately succumb) to the weaknesses they learned about themselves. Kaui fiercely refused to be seen as “less than” from anyone, even from within her own family. Even from herself. She was powerful.
“She never said shit like this to the boys, only to me. Like I was supposed to be guilty of ambition while they were just living their full potential.”
While Nainoa’s journey may have been the central story from which the others’ grew, I was most drawn to was Kaui. The other members of the Flores family seemed to flounder (or ultimately succumb) to the weaknesses they learned about themselves. Kaui fiercely refused to be seen as “less than” from anyone, even from within her own family. Even from herself. She was powerful.
“She never said shit like this to the boys, only to me. Like I was supposed to be guilty of ambition while they were just living their full potential.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, and Excrement
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicidal thoughts
krixbee's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I do not provide text reviews. Am noting following author bio note bc it’s relevant to many readers given recent publishing/ book controversies and reader behavior changes.
Turns out this book is marketed as indigenous Hawaiian author except he’s 100% not. Described as “American Dirt for Hawaii” not entirely off the Mark. Just a heads up for anyone reading this as attempt to read native #ownvoices narrative. Google author bio for more info.
Turns out this book is marketed as indigenous Hawaiian author except he’s 100% not. Described as “American Dirt for Hawaii” not entirely off the Mark. Just a heads up for anyone reading this as attempt to read native #ownvoices narrative. Google author bio for more info.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
perditorian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Mental illness, and Grief
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