Reviews

The Most Precious Substance on Earth by Shashi Bhat

oh_itsana's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

readsfordee's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.75

Better than I expected but still just another book I've basically already forgotten. 

pricelizzi's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.25

marlanaperry77's review against another edition

3.0

3 1/2 stars.

kathrynjl's review against another edition

hopeful reflective 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? No

3.25

The Most Precious Substance on Earth is a tender coming-of-age story and genuinely enjoyable read. Nina is a fully developed, likable character and I found myself rooting for her. I loved all of the references to (Canadian) 90s trends. 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Rape

haf666ia's review

dark emotional inspiring 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

3.75

emga's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

marshaskrypuch's review

3.0

The narrative has a strong beginning but quickly devolves into a smattering of vignettes rather than a fully thought-out novel. There were parts that were beautifully written but the author would have benefitted from a substantive edit.

letiziafirmani's review

4.0

The Most Precious Substance on Earth is told in short vignettes that focus on different times in the life of Nina, a young woman of Asian descent who lives in Canada (Halifax, Nova Scotia). I thought I wouldn't enjoy the narrative style, and that I would end up by finding it annoying, but I didn't because Nina is a very relatable character, and the author does a good job at showing how vulnerable the protagonist really is. I feel like I was reading her journal detailing her life and I really enjoyed the humor. This is a coming of age story filled with trauma that in my opinion will end up becoming a school read.
-----
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read the ARC.

redforman's review against another edition

4.0

I'm never the one to NOT judge a book by it's cover, and I LOVE this cover, it's why I picked up the book. I don't even know how to describe why I like it, I just do. It speaks to me.