Scan barcode
thatbookbinch's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Fatphobia
mattyvreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Incredible. Another one of my favorite books that I read this year. Wu is an artist with her words. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always true.
The book is a page-turner. When I picked it up, I thought that it was going to be a story about fame and sex and scandal and stardom. It was all of that, but so much more. Much of the memoir focuses on her growing up, becoming who she is today. The lessons that she learned and the people that she loved.
There are heartbreaking and emotional moments, as Wu courageously recounts and explores her traumas, but the book is also filled with hope and love. It is like a biting shot of liquor followed by a warm hug.
One of the bravest and noblest aspects of the book, and what makes it so successful for me, is that she presents such a seemingly fair account of events. She is the first to admit when she’s made mistakes in her life. She reflects on those “bad” decisions: people that she hurt and actions that she regrets, in a way that challenges them and how they helped her to grow. In that way, she illustrates in an unpretentious way, how we can be better people, too. As if to say, “I made this decision so you don’t have to.”
But moreover, she defends some of her past decisions and sheds new light on those situations in an extremely meaningful and empowering way. It was fascinating to read about her experience on “Fresh Off the Boat”. It was a show that was important and meaningful to many, but which had such a negative association for Wu due to her adverse experience on set with abusive and manipulative producers. So insightful.
I am excited to read this book again. It is one of my favorite memoirs I’ve ever read.
The book is a page-turner. When I picked it up, I thought that it was going to be a story about fame and sex and scandal and stardom. It was all of that, but so much more. Much of the memoir focuses on her growing up, becoming who she is today. The lessons that she learned and the people that she loved.
There are heartbreaking and emotional moments, as Wu courageously recounts and explores her traumas, but the book is also filled with hope and love. It is like a biting shot of liquor followed by a warm hug.
One of the bravest and noblest aspects of the book, and what makes it so successful for me, is that she presents such a seemingly fair account of events. She is the first to admit when she’s made mistakes in her life. She reflects on those “bad” decisions: people that she hurt and actions that she regrets, in a way that challenges them and how they helped her to grow. In that way, she illustrates in an unpretentious way, how we can be better people, too. As if to say, “I made this decision so you don’t have to.”
But moreover, she defends some of her past decisions and sheds new light on those situations in an extremely meaningful and empowering way. It was fascinating to read about her experience on “Fresh Off the Boat”. It was a show that was important and meaningful to many, but which had such a negative association for Wu due to her adverse experience on set with abusive and manipulative producers. So insightful.
I am excited to read this book again. It is one of my favorite memoirs I’ve ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Addiction
Minor: Fatphobia
More...