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emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
I enjoyed this story more and more as time went on. I loved how it explored storytelling as connection, as making sense of things, as reassurance and security, and as a means of expressing yourself and your feelings. It was nifty seeing how stories change as they are passed on, and similarly how traditions change from generation to generation, and how Mei uses both to connect with her culture, history, and family. This truly is a great coming-of-age story, with Mei finding her place and direction in a world and time where she is oppressed as a queer Chinese-American girl.
In terms of spoilers, I liked how Hels was held accountable for his poor allyship. You can’t call someone family and not act like it. In the same vein, Bee is told by Mei multiple times that her life is completely different and that her whiteness affords her privilege. I also loved the hopeful ending !
While the art style was simplistic this was not at all a bad thing, and I enjoyed the watercolour medium. I also appreciated learning so much about logging, for example the instruments used, and activities like log driving.
Books like this remind me that I still love historical fiction and need to pick it up more often!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Hate crime, Grief, and Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Alcohol, Blood, and Physical abuse
Moderate: loss of a loved one
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