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3.21 AVERAGE
3.21 AVERAGE
Meh. I think I was let down by a Goodreads rec, here; the description sounded great, but the book itself was just sort of generic.
This was a good book but I didn't really get into it until 3/4 of the way through. For me it felt like a melodrama without the drama maybe. I never got invested in the characters or their lives.
Strangely enough I had a challenging time getting into this novel focused on a split up ABC family and the impact on them when they learn of the patriarchs sudden diagnosis of cancer.
I didn’t feel a sense of empathy for the family members. Surprisingly since in many abc novels I see direct correlations to my own family.
I didn’t feel a sense of empathy for the family members. Surprisingly since in many abc novels I see direct correlations to my own family.
This is going to be a light review. My focus in reading this was for shear entertainment & Wang gave me just that, LOL. I loved and hated all the characters except Linda Liang, I adored her. I was happy when she was able to fully live her best life. If you're looking for a entertaining read then I recommend Family Trust.
100% enjoyed every word on every page. Story hits close to home in describing a lot of the intergenerational tension and the expectations for you as a 2nd gen child of white collar immigrants living in the land of tech butter and honey, Silicon Valley. This was really Linda and Kate's stories to tell -- love the strength (some call it stubbornness) both characters emitted and how both overcame projected and internalized expectations for themselves to finally settling into what they perceived as success. Fred's character was a nuisance but the Erika blow up had a huge impact on signaling his character development. I can def see this novel becoming a movie -- the next Crazy Rich Asians. But this one would have more relatable problems and not just Rich People Problems (book 3). Relatable to the niche of us 2nd gen in the Bay Area whose parents ended up in a white collar industry, at least.
I enjoyed some characters’ stories much more than others. Some characters felt a little half baked to me.
Family Trust by Kathy Wang is obviously about family (and there’s very little food in it, btw - maybe that’s why they are all so distant?). Stanley, the patriarch, is dying. As he struggles with his illness, his family tries to prepare for their future without him. Is his second wife a gold-digger or does she truly love him? Is his first wife ready to move on at her age? His kids (in their 30s and 40s) have personal problems of their own, and Stanley’s illness just makes it all more complicated. But this book is not only about family. It’s about gender, racial stereotypes and love. It’s funny and subtle when it comes to tackling feminism and race. But women are strong and real. I truly recommend you to pick this one up. I can’t wait to read more by Kathy Wang.
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lighthearted
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
