Reviews

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars

To be completely honest I didn't read synopsis I just saw beautiful cover and go with it. This is book is beautiful written but it is for fans of The Great Gatsby which I'm not.

suchacommotion's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The whole plot was SO MESSY and the pacing was all over the place. 90% of the cohesion came from the fact that I’ve read the Great Gatsby before. Vho had some incredible, fantastic ideas but ultimately never explained or went anywhere with them. I’m so disappointed in this book, I had such high hopes. 

maisilu24's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i really wanted to enjoy this more than i ultimately did, but this great gatsby retelling centered around a queer asian adoptee (!!) missed the mark for me

readcharlotte's review against another edition

4.0

This was never going to get low marks from me. I still love The Great Gatsby every time I reread it, and I liked this book. I’m a Gatsby apologist, so some choices I didn’t love, but overall I really enjoyed this!

aneggy's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

anniesaur's review against another edition

emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

It may have its problems but The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite 20th century classics. So, when I heard a new retelling of Great Gatsby was being published with an LGBTQ+ and Asian-American spin, I was THERE. It's the 1920's and Jordan Baker runs with a glamorous and wealthy crowd. As the adopted daughter of a connected family she has her way into society and the party circuit that she otherwise would be excluded from as an LGBTQ Asian woman. Even though she is allowed to join this crowd she is never quite fully accepted due to her Vietnamese background. Jordan is best friends with Daisy Buchanan and a companion of Nick. Through Jordan's eyes we see a different side of the story told in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Jordan also has the mystical ability to spark flames from paper.

I really enjoyed this one and don't think that you need to be a Great Gatsby fan girl to like this one. Nghi Vo did a great job inserting an #ownvoices POV into a classic well known story. There is also a twist of fantasy in the tale to make it that much more impactful. The writing was lovely and I am definitely going to check out more of Vo's writing.

(I am finally getting caught up on my reviews since the end of school year craziness is wrapping up!)

Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook!

lilymouse's review against another edition

great gatsby fanfic wtf

shuyinggg's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

nutmeag's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25