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littlewitchreading's review
5.0
This book tackles some big topics - immigration to the u.s, different socioeconomic situations, language barriers, stereotypical male and female gender roles etc
This book is heartbreaking and despite it being a quick read it is one I'll be thinking about for a very long time. The main character Kimberly is incredibly intelligent but it all seems to get lost in translation for her which sets her back a great deal. Kimberly is forced to work with her mother in a sweatshop to make ends meet. As she slowly learns the language you see her circumstances at school begin to change which gives way for the rest of the events to unfold. If you are someone who is interested in a book about the immigrant experience written by someone who actually lived it - pick this one up.
This book is heartbreaking and despite it being a quick read it is one I'll be thinking about for a very long time. The main character Kimberly is incredibly intelligent but it all seems to get lost in translation for her which sets her back a great deal. Kimberly is forced to work with her mother in a sweatshop to make ends meet. As she slowly learns the language you see her circumstances at school begin to change which gives way for the rest of the events to unfold. If you are someone who is interested in a book about the immigrant experience written by someone who actually lived it - pick this one up.
alidottie's review
4.0
4 and a half stars
A really good eye-opening story about what it can be like to be an immigrant in a country where we tend to believe no one lives the way Ah-Kim and her mother did. It is very inspiring to read how she balanced so much in her life and instead of crumbling under the stress, she never gave up. It is a reminder to be grateful for the many blessing we take for granted and to put in perspective the things we think are hard!
A really good eye-opening story about what it can be like to be an immigrant in a country where we tend to believe no one lives the way Ah-Kim and her mother did. It is very inspiring to read how she balanced so much in her life and instead of crumbling under the stress, she never gave up. It is a reminder to be grateful for the many blessing we take for granted and to put in perspective the things we think are hard!
carladelgado's review against another edition
5.0
I bought this book on a whim and I’m so grateful I did. I just want to cry. And I wish I can hug Ah-Kim.
rjskitt's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
4.25
roseleaf24's review
4.0
This book is gripping; Kimberly and her mother immigrate from Hong Kong and are stuck in a sweatshop and a condemned apartment. Kimberly has a talent for school, though, and works hard to get them out of that life. But it's a difficult read and a difficult journey. I do not like the ending, but I really liked the characters and their story.
dharma130's review
4.0
Great book!
What a well-written, interesting story. I loved all the characters! It has a nice little surprise that I was not expecting at the end!
What a well-written, interesting story. I loved all the characters! It has a nice little surprise that I was not expecting at the end!
moonlightreader86's review
3.0
Good read, right up until the end where it gets a little whack. I'm a sucker for immigrant stories tho.
genesisreads's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-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? N/A
4.0