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biw's review against another edition
even thou I finished this book I'm gonna put it in my 'dnf' shelf cause honestly it won't matter if you read the whole 100 pages middle section it's literally repeats itself so many times that you can understand the plot (or lack-there-of) by just reading the first and last chapter
very one dimensional characters, too much details and discrotpion to the point where it hinders the story more than develops it
and honestly not enough research about OCD has been done, OCD is much more than just counting it might be a huge part Of it I'm not denying that but the reactions an OCD person would have toward murder or a riot won't as simple as the author portraited, so yeah great potential for a story but unfortunately it landed quite flat and wasn't that immersive or enjoyable at all.
very one dimensional characters, too much details and discrotpion to the point where it hinders the story more than develops it
and honestly not enough research about OCD has been done, OCD is much more than just counting it might be a huge part Of it I'm not denying that but the reactions an OCD person would have toward murder or a riot won't as simple as the author portraited, so yeah great potential for a story but unfortunately it landed quite flat and wasn't that immersive or enjoyable at all.
laverna's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
leenu's review against another edition
dark
tense
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
3.0
alerasaul0's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rainbowanarchycollective's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
borichu's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
randomperson1223's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
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? No
5.0
blueleaves's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
gayathiri_rajendran's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger Warning-OCD,Violence,Anxiety,Death,Racism
This is one of the most original and the best YA books I have read in a long time. I started reading this book not knowing much about the race riots of 1969 in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia. I have never seen this topic broached in fiction till date.After the election,the Chinese and Malay took to the streets and brutally assaulted and murdered each other and burnt down property.
The author does not sugarcoat anything in this book and that's what makes it amazing.This book is gruesome containing racism and graphic violence but the author also urges to look past people as human beings first instead of looking at the ethnicity. She also urges not to let this become a cold fact in history books because we do not appreciate the horrors people faced at that time.
This book is set in the backdrop of the riots but it is also about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The main character in this book,Melati Ahmad must perform simple actions and rituals like tapping her fingers and counting till she is able to appease the Djinn(voice) in her head and will herself not to think of terrifying,drastic thoughts. I found it believable and sad. In those days,there was more stigma against mental illnesses and the author makes us aware of that in the story. Melati names the voice in her head as the Djinn partly because of the superstitions in those days and the lack of alternate explanations for her condition.
I feel that the author has done a great job in capturing those obsessive circles of Melati and I found my anxiety spiking along with hers while reading the book. I read this book mostly with dread and a nauseating feeling in my heart.
The word building in this book is great and we are able to see gorgeous explanations of the setting which provoke even more horror in us.The heavy subject matter was handled very deftly in this book.
This book is a brilliant,devastatingly emotional debut which all of us have to read. Overall,highly recommended!
This is one of the most original and the best YA books I have read in a long time. I started reading this book not knowing much about the race riots of 1969 in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia. I have never seen this topic broached in fiction till date.After the election,the Chinese and Malay took to the streets and brutally assaulted and murdered each other and burnt down property.
The author does not sugarcoat anything in this book and that's what makes it amazing.This book is gruesome containing racism and graphic violence but the author also urges to look past people as human beings first instead of looking at the ethnicity. She also urges not to let this become a cold fact in history books because we do not appreciate the horrors people faced at that time.
This book is set in the backdrop of the riots but it is also about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The main character in this book,Melati Ahmad must perform simple actions and rituals like tapping her fingers and counting till she is able to appease the Djinn(voice) in her head and will herself not to think of terrifying,drastic thoughts. I found it believable and sad. In those days,there was more stigma against mental illnesses and the author makes us aware of that in the story. Melati names the voice in her head as the Djinn partly because of the superstitions in those days and the lack of alternate explanations for her condition.
I feel that the author has done a great job in capturing those obsessive circles of Melati and I found my anxiety spiking along with hers while reading the book. I read this book mostly with dread and a nauseating feeling in my heart.
The word building in this book is great and we are able to see gorgeous explanations of the setting which provoke even more horror in us.The heavy subject matter was handled very deftly in this book.
This book is a brilliant,devastatingly emotional debut which all of us have to read. Overall,highly recommended!