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emmabeckman's review against another edition
4.0
So this wasn’t a new five star favorite for me, but it’s still one that I will absolutely recommend to anyone who hasn’t read it yet. Celeste Ng is really the MASTER of omniscient narration and it’s so enjoyable to read. You learn so much about each character and their internal thoughts, but there’s still a layer of separation between the character and the reader.
erinbryce429's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful for her character development and writing style. This book broke my heart at every turn and had me thinking a lot about being human.
bigfoottruther's review against another edition
5.0
It's hard for me to find ways to critique this book. All I can think of are compliments.
First of all, the way Celeste Ng is able to skip to different points in the timeline is masterful. You never get lost or confused. And everything in this book as reasoning. Things may seem unexplained or unrelated to the book at the first point when they are mentioned, but Ng manages to tie in everything in some way or another, astounding me. The vernacular in here is beautiful. Her descriptions and imagery are captivating and immersive. The characters are flawed and real, an important element to a story. You begin to feel as though you are a part of Lee family; you know them inside and out, how they behave, what they feel, and why they live the way that you live. It is a family that you can see your own family as. That is to say that all the characters that Ng has created are real yet lovable and interesting.
And so is the story. It may be contemporary, which tends to fall flat when it comes to getting readers hooked, as it does not have much action, you will never want to put this book down. The story is about normal people living normal lives, but it is far from a normal book. Whether Ng is talking about a mother making breakfast, a father driving, or children listening to music, you are instantly drawn into her world. The story is new and unique, a refreshing read. That is what keeps you interested.
You just need to read this book, honestly.
First of all, the way Celeste Ng is able to skip to different points in the timeline is masterful. You never get lost or confused. And everything in this book as reasoning. Things may seem unexplained or unrelated to the book at the first point when they are mentioned, but Ng manages to tie in everything in some way or another, astounding me. The vernacular in here is beautiful. Her descriptions and imagery are captivating and immersive. The characters are flawed and real, an important element to a story. You begin to feel as though you are a part of Lee family; you know them inside and out, how they behave, what they feel, and why they live the way that you live. It is a family that you can see your own family as. That is to say that all the characters that Ng has created are real yet lovable and interesting.
And so is the story. It may be contemporary, which tends to fall flat when it comes to getting readers hooked, as it does not have much action, you will never want to put this book down. The story is about normal people living normal lives, but it is far from a normal book. Whether Ng is talking about a mother making breakfast, a father driving, or children listening to music, you are instantly drawn into her world. The story is new and unique, a refreshing read. That is what keeps you interested.
You just need to read this book, honestly.
christinibobini's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
klbartosik's review against another edition
2.0
Slightly heavy-handed—you pretty much can guess the themes, character types, and story arcs from the outset. Enjoyed it, wouldn’t read it again.
arukeni's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
gillianalice's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I'm really not sure how to rate this, so I'm going to hold off for now. Long story short, I didn't like this book. But I can't really say that it was bad.
I really disliked most of the characters in this book. I know Marilyn and James were the products of their upbringing and their experiences, but the way they treated their children was horrifying. Honestly, I'm surprised thatLydia didn't actually commit suicide. What really happened was somehow...worse. But with the pressure her parents put on her all the time? I don't know if I would have survived that.
Nath and Hannah break my heart. I hope that they both get to go to therapy.
I hate stories that involve a woman with dreams who then has to give up her dreams because she gets pregnant. I know it's a thing that happens, but it's not a thing I want to read about.
James was the worst. His daughter dies, so he sleeps with his TA about it? What a jackass.
The story told here was not unrealistic. I feel like these could very well be real people dealing with a real tragedy in very human ways. But at the end of the day, I just did not have a good time.
I really disliked most of the characters in this book. I know Marilyn and James were the products of their upbringing and their experiences, but the way they treated their children was horrifying. Honestly, I'm surprised that
Nath and Hannah break my heart. I hope that they both get to go to therapy.
I hate stories that involve a woman with dreams who then has to give up her dreams because she gets pregnant. I know it's a thing that happens, but it's not a thing I want to read about.
James was the worst. His daughter dies, so he sleeps with his TA about it? What a jackass.
The story told here was not unrealistic. I feel like these could very well be real people dealing with a real tragedy in very human ways. But at the end of the day, I just did not have a good time.
sarahreadinglately's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0