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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Once you get over the first 20% of the book in which the protagonist is unlikeable (but you know it's for a reason) and you get to the WHY, it's compelling. Once her sister is more in the story, the book is much smoother
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
this book is so pretentious, riddled with pop culture references and features a deeply unlikeable narrator, but there is still something so endearing about this that made me read it so quickly.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I only picked up this book for a challenge I was trying to complete. The beginning of the book? I literally was like "what the heck am I reading????!" I hated it.
I continued through, almost zoning out through a lot of it because of how much I hated it. I couldn't relate to the characters, and the comments on race were annoying. It wasn't "racist" per se, but it definitely was like "we're Korean so blah blah" "oh why are you so into white stuff blah blah" (hopefully you get the point). I just kept going, but I hated it.
The last two chapters were where it finally got any sort of good. Not enough to redeem the whole freaking book, but enough for it to be bumped up to 2.25 stars.
I hated it, and don't recommend it. I can't even tell you the purpose of the book, and it really feels like by the end we were JUST getting to some sort of character arcs, only for it to end. Not that I wanted more 😂😂
I continued through, almost zoning out through a lot of it because of how much I hated it. I couldn't relate to the characters, and the comments on race were annoying. It wasn't "racist" per se, but it definitely was like "we're Korean so blah blah" "oh why are you so into white stuff blah blah" (hopefully you get the point). I just kept going, but I hated it.
The last two chapters were where it finally got any sort of good. Not enough to redeem the whole freaking book, but enough for it to be bumped up to 2.25 stars.
I hated it, and don't recommend it. I can't even tell you the purpose of the book, and it really feels like by the end we were JUST getting to some sort of character arcs, only for it to end. Not that I wanted more 😂😂
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book deserves all the hype that it's getting. Hadn't really been interested in Choi's YA novels but this one feels much more adult and I'm so glad I picked it up.
The story follows Jayne and the complicated relationship she has with her older sister June. It just perfectly articulates the sibling relationship, that ferocious love you have for one another while putting up with none of their shit. Their relationship is strained is strained at best, both sisters are deeply flawed which gives their bond a sense of realism.
It is revealed in the opening chapters that June has been diagnosed with cancer and it just feels so real and raw. I think you have an image of how you'd handle a cancer diagnosis in your family and it's just not the reality. A lot of people are like June, there are intrusive thoughts and moments of selfishness that leave you feeling guilty. It's nice to see that harsher reality being depicted.
The overall family dynamic here is really relatable. It shows parents not being able to properly articulate their love to their children and being unable to let go of the stoicism they were raised with. It was really interesting to see Korean culture being represented and also highlighting the impact of immigration on children. Jayne really seems like she is stifled by the weight of her parent's sacrifices.
Really would highly recommend this book, a new favourite for sure.
The story follows Jayne and the complicated relationship she has with her older sister June. It just perfectly articulates the sibling relationship, that ferocious love you have for one another while putting up with none of their shit. Their relationship is strained is strained at best, both sisters are deeply flawed which gives their bond a sense of realism.
It is revealed in the opening chapters that June has been diagnosed with cancer and it just feels so real and raw. I think you have an image of how you'd handle a cancer diagnosis in your family and it's just not the reality. A lot of people are like June, there are intrusive thoughts and moments of selfishness that leave you feeling guilty. It's nice to see that harsher reality being depicted.
The overall family dynamic here is really relatable. It shows parents not being able to properly articulate their love to their children and being unable to let go of the stoicism they were raised with. It was really interesting to see Korean culture being represented and also highlighting the impact of immigration on children. Jayne really seems like she is stifled by the weight of her parent's sacrifices.
Really would highly recommend this book, a new favourite for sure.
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
medium-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
TUG AT MY HEARTSTRINGS. a beautiful book about what love is between sisters, immigrant families, being korean american, and finding yourself within the chaos of cancer and ed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes