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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
My friend asked me if I had a book I read when I was young that has stuck with me through the years. I immediately thought of this book and wanted to revisit it.
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I am a big history person and reading this just shows how much you don’t learn in school from the history class.
Book #16 completed for Book Riot Challenge: "A book that takes place in Asia" A story of a young independent girl who escapes the tradition of foot binding. It was a really easy, quick read. The prose was very simplistic and didn't waste time on detail, which is fine but left me a little thirsty. The story itself is inspiring and hearing of the traditional treatment of women in China was heartbreaking and infuriating. I guess I just longed for a heartier helping of words.
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I think the beginning of this book was written very badly. No five year-old acts like that, no five-year old can speak like that or understand the things that were happening around her. And hey, even if she could, she wouldn’t be dumb just when it was convenient for the author.
I thought most of these characters were very two-dimensional, some not even deserving that title. Also, the story wasn’t engaging at all because you were never truly with the main character at all. I realize it is a recap of her life, but there is not point where anything is really described and you feel like you’re there with her.
Anyways, this book isn’t terrible. But if isn’t good, either.
I thought most of these characters were very two-dimensional, some not even deserving that title. Also, the story wasn’t engaging at all because you were never truly with the main character at all. I realize it is a recap of her life, but there is not point where anything is really described and you feel like you’re there with her.
Anyways, this book isn’t terrible. But if isn’t good, either.
The tale of Third Sister, Ailin, begins in turn of the century China. Even at the age of five, Ailin knows that having her feet bound will not give her the kind of life she wants – she’d no longer be free to run and play. As a coming of age story, we get to experience China first-hand as Ailin grows older and begins to suffer the consequences of her decision. With her family against her, Ailin has to find the courage to stand up to traditional Chinese culture and find her own way to be a woman.
Ties that Bind, Ties that Break reads like a simple memoir, although it is fiction. The first person narrative is certainly readable and could probably be enjoyed by readers ages 10 and up. For me, it was a bit too simple. Characters didn’t have enough time or energy devoted to them for fleshing out, although you get a good sense of the main character and the way she thinks about things. For young adults that are interested in more modern China, especially in the foot binding practice, they would probably find this an interesting read. The time period is interesting and you do get a sense of the lives of upper class Chinese and the traditional way of life. It just didn’t have enough meat for me.
Ties that Bind, Ties that Break reads like a simple memoir, although it is fiction. The first person narrative is certainly readable and could probably be enjoyed by readers ages 10 and up. For me, it was a bit too simple. Characters didn’t have enough time or energy devoted to them for fleshing out, although you get a good sense of the main character and the way she thinks about things. For young adults that are interested in more modern China, especially in the foot binding practice, they would probably find this an interesting read. The time period is interesting and you do get a sense of the lives of upper class Chinese and the traditional way of life. It just didn’t have enough meat for me.
This incredibly short book packs a huge punch. While it was historical fiction talking about foot binding in china, the writing was so good it felt like I was reading a real memoir. I really loved this.