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laurenleigh's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.5
This has been on my TBR forever! Amy Tan is really quite amazing. She packs in so much in this short book! All these characters were so multi-faceted. I was especially interested when their storylines intersected. For example, listening to Waverly’s story, I had a lot of sympathy for her. But then she shows up in someone else’s story (Lena?), and she comes off as so rude! A good reminder to greet others with patience and an open heart. We’re all dealing with our own stories, but we have to also remember we’re only the main central character in our own plot line. I have renewed awe for immigrants and all they go through in an attempt to make things better and easier for their children. There’s a line that’s sticking with me, where one of the mothers wanted her daughter to have American opportunities but with a Chinese mentality. I can’t quote the whole part here, so just go read this and come talk to me. 😉
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
tinylittlerat's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Suicide, War, and Death
Moderate: Fatphobia
melanie182's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Racism, Xenophobia, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual assault, Abortion, Car accident, Child abuse, Child death, Colonisation, Genocide, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Rape
anaoliveira's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This really didn't work for me and I really hoped it would be my kind of book. I had to DNF it at 200 pages because I was bored and not wanting to read anything. Short stories are not usually my thing but I think following 8 characters and each story not really having a conclusion really made it worse.
I think it will be a really great book for some people, just not for me.
I think it will be a really great book for some people, just not for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Emotional abuse
This really didn't work for me and I really hoped it would be my kind of book. I had to DNF it at 200 pages because I was bored and not wanting to read anything. Short stories are not usually my thing but I think following 8 characters and each story not really having a conclusion really made it worse. I think it will be a really great book for some people, just not for me.
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