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issyd23's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexism, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Racism, and Toxic friendship
readingwithcoffee's review against another edition
3.5
Her mostly low self esteem in the book can be odd in the book and at times make it seem like she’s being overly hard on herself or making herself more of an underdog then she might be but given what she meant through and the idea of being easily replaceable was what one Asian American producer dangled over her to sexually harass her for years I think it make sense if you step back even if it can make you wish she stepped back a bit when recounting certain events. Largely though I thought a weakness of the book was Wu being what seemed afraid of being too easy on herself, or hard on others that leads to a lot of acceptance and forgiveness of men who frankly don’t deserve it. That said in her own words Wu finds forgiving others how they harmed her a way to free herself from victim blaming herself which I think is important to be patient with, though I think some people who experienced similar harm will find really foreign to their experiences and needs if not more averse to it.
I really liked her like many other women of color talking about harm within the community being used to silence you because you’re afraid of harming the community by talking about how you are experiencing harm from someone within it or a prominent “ally”. I also really liked how she talked about when she gave a disjointed but frankly understandable and over judged response to the show she was abused being renewed no one cared that an out of character out burst signaled something was probably wrong in her life in some way but care at the idea she lost face or wasn’t grateful enough for crumbs. Similarly how she talks about how both non Asians and Asians try to force her mom to fit a Tiger mom stereotype she doesn’t to suit their comforts and limited ideas of Asians and women.
I loved the taxi Can story in NYC though I understand why someone could look at this essay collection and wonder why some were included at all and while non linear essays or books are fine there definitely were times the transitions were rough and it seemed like starting all over even if multiple events and things layer to make us who we are now.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Misogyny, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Rape
readingrainabow's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
aishallnot's review against another edition
3.5
I knew about Constance from her show fresh off the boat, so it was nice to have already know who she was for some years. I remember the controversy surrounding her tweets about the shows renewal and the backlash that followed, but after that we never saw much of her in the spotlight. Even though I've never seen any of her projects, I'm glad I read this book to hear more about who she is as a person and as an actress bc many still see her for acting 'out of character' due to her tweets. She has a great gift in writing and you can clearly see that her acting and writing go hand in hand. There were some parts of the book that were written like a screenplay which I thought was cool considering the title of this book.
Unfortunately, I do agree with a lot of the reviews about how her memoir was executed. It was a unique approach writing in essay format, however they did feel scattered and even random at times in terms of subject matter. Her first essay starts out in adulthood, then another from when she was in high then, then a a child, etc, and I think if they were chronological, the story would be easy to follow. Also there were moments were some of her essays (or even maybe a few essay) felt like stream of consciousness, yet she was able bring her writing back to the overall narrative.
I think this her story overall just proves how she was able to own her voice and be authentic to herself. If you're going to read this bc of the backlash she got, there is an essay about what led up to that moment, but I'd say to read the book in general to get a grasp of who she is. There were times I found myself relating to her and for someone like constance who is a celebrity (and actress at that) is also proof that she is no different from anyone else and also has her struggles.
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Racism
laurenlee2158's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Racism, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy
taylynnmazz's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual harassment
kds's review
4.75
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, and Suicide attempt
heatherjchin's review
3.75
Moderate: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide attempt, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Sexual violence, Racism, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
theverycraftyvegan's review against another edition
3.0
To me, this felt more like a “let me tell you *my* side of the story” memoir; which is totally in her right to publish. I guess I just didn’t feel connected to her story becuase I am not familiar with her career.
In the end it was entertaining. some essays were sad and upsetting, others were cute and funny. I don’t regret borrowing it from the library. And I will definitely be adding FOTB and CRA to my watch list.
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Rape
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide attempt, Cursing, and Toxic relationship