Scan barcode
leo_e's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m not gonna lie it did hurt a bit, but it was worth it! Read trigger warnings before reading take care of yourself.
annika_fabbi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
alyssa_reads08's review against another edition
4.0
fluffy and i appreciate the realistic sisterly interactions
shmelia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the_literary_cat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Yolk is a complex story about a family, friendship and mental health. While it’s classified as YA, it reads more as a new adult book in my opinion. The story felt authentic and was well written. I also loved the imperfect sisterly bond between Jayne and June. Most of the characters were unlikeable from the start, but all of them had interesting perspectives and insights. The ending was kind of open, but it also ends on a really good point, nonetheless.
namizaela's review against another edition
3.25
This book was pretty well-written and had a lot of smart observations, but unfortunately I hated the main character. I know the point is that she's unlikeable, but I literally did not like a single decision she made up until the epilogue. Also, this book uses a lot of writing tropes that are pet peeves of mine, including contemporary cultural references that rely on the reader to understand, and commentary on the characters' life that makes it clear that this book is heavily autobiographical. Also, the sibling dialogue felt a little unrealistic, especially since it relied heavily on swearing. I don't know about other people, but when talking with my sister, I don't swear with nearly the same intensity that is depicted in the book.
That being said, the family dynamic is interesting, and I appreciate the sensitive depiction of an eating disorder within the novel.
That being said, the family dynamic is interesting, and I appreciate the sensitive depiction of an eating disorder within the novel.
a_lowney's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sashapasha's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
This is objectively a pretty good book with evocative writing and complicated characters. I didn’t necessarily always like the characters, particularly the MC, Jayne, but that’s not the point. Jayne is both unlikable at times and highly relatable at others. She’s the sort of person who has an extremely judgmental outlook and can’t stop measuring and comparing herself and other people, which generates a lot of negativity and self-loathing in her life. She’s also occasionally the sort of person who doesn’t text someone back because she wants them to be worried about her. She has a LOT of maturing to do, though she definitely takes steps in the right direction toward the end of the novel.
Her relationship with her sister was so well-captured. Deeply complicated yet somehow still semi-functional and the thing I personally found most relatable about the book. As one of my favorite lines states: “Families are such fucked up tiny cults.”
This is objectively a pretty good book with evocative writing and complicated characters. I didn’t necessarily always like the characters, particularly the MC, Jayne, but that’s not the point. Jayne is both unlikable at times and highly relatable at others. She’s the sort of person who has an extremely judgmental outlook and can’t stop measuring and comparing herself and other people, which generates a lot of negativity and self-loathing in her life. She’s also occasionally the sort of person who doesn’t text someone back because she wants them to be worried about her. She has a LOT of maturing to do, though she definitely takes steps in the right direction toward the end of the novel.
Her relationship with her sister was so well-captured. Deeply complicated yet somehow still semi-functional and the thing I personally found most relatable about the book. As one of my favorite lines states: “Families are such fucked up tiny cults.”
soapy's review against another edition
5.0
just a fantastic book… the writing is absolutely stellar. around the start i was thinking this book would rest as a glad-i-read-it-won’t-go-back middling 3 or 4 star book, but as i read on i realized it may very well be one of the best books i’ve ever read. at heart it’s about someone choosing to believe and have hope in themselves, and that always gets me. the bravest thing to do. will be reading Mary H.K. Choi’s other works and certainly looking forward to future pieces.