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read2menow's review against another edition
3.0
Brings up a lot of interesting examples of racism in San Fransico with different parts of the Asian community that lived there. I would of give the story a higher rating if it had felt more believable and unauthentic. But the more I read it, the more I realized it was not real. The story felt forced and contrived by the end of it.
chailady's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
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
While several liberties were taken by the author, the historical context is fairly accurate. This is a well written young adult book with a much broader audience. The author does offer disclaimers in her notes, which I wish I’d read before reading the novel, because I kept thinking this wasn’t true as I was reading. Most people, especially YA readers wouldn’t be as concerned, but I was a history teacher.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Racial slurs, and Bullying
theangrystackrat's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.0
lillykate09's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.75
tien's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
More than anything, I love that it was such an easy read (language wise) after a slump (DNF-ed 4 books in 1 week!). The protagonist was likeable. The story just flows. And what's not to love when humanity just comes together in time of distress. Unfortunately, there were exceptions. Unfortunately, we aren't known to do the same in good times.
Mercy Wong has finished all the schooling available in her side of town. But how is she to prosper, to get out of this hell of laundry business, and make sure her brother's health do not suffer, without further education? Where is the opportunity for her and her family and friends to prosper? She believed further education is necessary and she would scheme and risked all for it. And then, the world fell apart; an earthquake broke everything into a million pieces. What's Mercy to do but her best?
This book touched many issues from racism, diaspora, feminism, etc. However, I feel that was that. Just a touch of different issues with not much depth or exploration. In a way, that makes it easier to read as I just follow along the plot. I believe this book is more of a heartwarming read about friendship and human fellowship than anything else. It just has enough of reality (issues) and best of all, the bff to lovers trope. This for me is a win.
Mercy Wong has finished all the schooling available in her side of town. But how is she to prosper, to get out of this hell of laundry business, and make sure her brother's health do not suffer, without further education? Where is the opportunity for her and her family and friends to prosper? She believed further education is necessary and she would scheme and risked all for it. And then, the world fell apart; an earthquake broke everything into a million pieces. What's Mercy to do but her best?
This book touched many issues from racism, diaspora, feminism, etc. However, I feel that was that. Just a touch of different issues with not much depth or exploration. In a way, that makes it easier to read as I just follow along the plot. I believe this book is more of a heartwarming read about friendship and human fellowship than anything else. It just has enough of reality (issues) and best of all, the bff to lovers trope. This for me is a win.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This historical YA is about Mercy Wong, who lives in the Chinatown district of San Francisco in 1906. Mercy is an independent and hardworking girl who dreams of owning her own business one day. She learns through a series of events, that life rarely goes as planned. Through tragedy, Mercy learns of how she can truly live a purposeful life.
grosegreen's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like the author ambled through the plot in a good way - lots of books are very end oriented (or maybe im just used to fantasy?) but she took her time and gave respect to the parts. I loved all of the sort of post-apocolypic descriptions and the way she used that to show community. For me the end was a little *too* simple and happy considering all she'd gone through, but overall it was a good book. Still don't understand the title though lol.