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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship
This was a very anticipated read of mine. I love short story collections and the fact it’s a a queer collection based on Asian American experiences made it even more appealing for me. Unfortunately, I don’t think this was for me. It was very surreal and hard to follow at times. Most stories I wanted to skim. Only a few got my attention. I love the idea of these stories and I really liked the message behind most of them. The style of writing just isn’t my favorite. I’m interested in the author’s other works however.
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
You can say a lot about K-Ming, but what you can't say is that she can't write. Her stories aren't for everyone, but the language she uses is obscene and beautiful.
This was a collection of short stories that are surreal, queer, and poetic. It took me quite a while to finish, as I actually really enjoyed reading each story on their own.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
An astounding and completely unique short story collection.
I'm not even kidding, there were several times while I was reading this book where I felt like I wanted to burst into tears and throw up at the same time. But somehow in a good way?
K-Ming Chang fucks with language in strange and brilliant ways. I was completely mesmerized in story after story. It was one of those reads that made me draw it out to fully revel in the impact of each and every word chosen by the author.
Some stories in this book were so emotionally revolting while simultaneously cathartic to read, that I felt like my body was dissolving into the floor beneath me.
I genuinely think K-Ming Chang is one of the most creative and talented writers I know of right now. I love the way she writes about queerness. I love the way she writes about the body. I love the way she writes about friendship and distance and curiosity and the destructiveness of loss and being haunted.
Absolutely this book will not be for everyone, but personally, I am dropping everything to read all of K-Ming Chang's writing because this book sent shockwaves through my whole body.
5 big stars.
I'm not even kidding, there were several times while I was reading this book where I felt like I wanted to burst into tears and throw up at the same time. But somehow in a good way?
K-Ming Chang fucks with language in strange and brilliant ways. I was completely mesmerized in story after story. It was one of those reads that made me draw it out to fully revel in the impact of each and every word chosen by the author.
Some stories in this book were so emotionally revolting while simultaneously cathartic to read, that I felt like my body was dissolving into the floor beneath me.
I genuinely think K-Ming Chang is one of the most creative and talented writers I know of right now. I love the way she writes about queerness. I love the way she writes about the body. I love the way she writes about friendship and distance and curiosity and the destructiveness of loss and being haunted.
Absolutely this book will not be for everyone, but personally, I am dropping everything to read all of K-Ming Chang's writing because this book sent shockwaves through my whole body.
5 big stars.
Changs 16 short stories describe her experiences as an immigrant, as a queer person, and as a woman. She toes the line of magical realism, with stories beautifully depicting her experiences. Even if I didn’t fully understand the story, I could feel the emotion of it. My favorites were “Anchor” and “Mandarin Speakers.”
slow-paced
This book is beautifully written. Not what I normally read but a good change of pace.