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emreadslotsofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
It took me longer than usual to read 'Chinglish', not because of the writing style, which was always fluent and engaging, but because I just so desperately wanted Jo and her siblings to completely escape from their toxic environment and the fact this this is partly autobiographical made this even harder to bear.
This was an informative and heartrending read in equal measure, especially with the initial focus being Jo's desire to record only "positive" events, to her acceptance and realisation that ignoring her current reality won't cause it to change.
The book conveys the still very important message of working hard to change the future yourself through effort and determination (the poor pets within this book aren't always so lucky, however...).
I quickly found myself rooting for Jo, Simon and Bonny to find their own paths and resist being chained to the takeaway and just hoping that they would succeed.
While this is not always a cheery read, Jo's illustrations and journal entries offer a balance to the darker nature of events and provide much needed moments of hope.
Overall, this was an engaging, bittersweet read and I highly recommend it to anyone intrigued by the synopsis and gorgeous front cover.
It took me longer than usual to read 'Chinglish', not because of the writing style, which was always fluent and engaging, but because I just so desperately wanted Jo and her siblings to completely escape from their toxic environment and the fact this this is partly autobiographical made this even harder to bear.
This was an informative and heartrending read in equal measure, especially with the initial focus being Jo's desire to record only "positive" events, to her acceptance and realisation that ignoring her current reality won't cause it to change.
The book conveys the still very important message of working hard to change the future yourself through effort and determination (the poor pets within this book aren't always so lucky, however...).
I quickly found myself rooting for Jo, Simon and Bonny to find their own paths and resist being chained to the takeaway and just hoping that they would succeed.
While this is not always a cheery read, Jo's illustrations and journal entries offer a balance to the darker nature of events and provide much needed moments of hope.
Overall, this was an engaging, bittersweet read and I highly recommend it to anyone intrigued by the synopsis and gorgeous front cover.
deb_reads_books's review against another edition
4.0
An autobiographical telling of Sue's childhood, growing up in a dysfunctional household, first-generation British Chinese Sue slowly reveals the depths of what was at the root of her family's issues. Strong novel about friendship, coming of age, following your dream and never giving up. Contains domestic violence.
forestseelies's review against another edition
3.0
- chinglish by sue cheung
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it feels almost like a middle grade book in the beginning but i think this is because the author is starting the character off at a young age and the book is solely in the girls perspective. i love that the book is set in england, and that the mc speaks all the english slang, i relate to this a lot. i love the illustrations and the uplifting elements of them. nearer to the end of the book, it started to get very dark, for example there is child abuse, animal abuse etc so make sure to check the trigger warnings for the book just to be sure!! overall i think the author handled these topics quite well! i didn’t LOVE the book, but i liked it enough to finish it lmao
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it feels almost like a middle grade book in the beginning but i think this is because the author is starting the character off at a young age and the book is solely in the girls perspective. i love that the book is set in england, and that the mc speaks all the english slang, i relate to this a lot. i love the illustrations and the uplifting elements of them. nearer to the end of the book, it started to get very dark, for example there is child abuse, animal abuse etc so make sure to check the trigger warnings for the book just to be sure!! overall i think the author handled these topics quite well! i didn’t LOVE the book, but i liked it enough to finish it lmao
heidimouse05's review
3.0
The writing style was w bit childish for me, but the story was heartfelt and real.
jetpackbingo's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Homophobia, and Addiction
inarasbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
theuntitleddocument's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
This book had its highs and lows. Let's start with the highs: I'm a sucker for a diary format and an even bigger sucker for a diary format with illustrations. The illustrations are at times hilarious and definitely shows the age of the protagonist (this is a downfall however because at times the protagonist may sound quite young for their age!).
I think there is a solid family story in there and the story doesn't hinge on any big mystery to propel it forward. Jo is a funny character that many teens will be able to relate to - she hates her parents, obsessed with her looks, stubborn, and very well-rounded. But she's also vulnerable. It is those moments when she's most vulnerable that I connected with her. I would have really liked to have seen more of that but I do understand that this is a very personal piece for the author and as such they may not have wanted to give that part of them away.
My biggest issue with this novel is the treatment of the dad.
SPOILER FROM NOW ON
There is the issue of abuse which arises and it's not really dealt with in the novel. The abuse is horrifying and impacts not only Jo but also her sister, mother, and brother. But, again, this was during a time when abuse was overlooked and a personal matter to the author so fully respect how she's dealt with it and not tampering with the story just for the sake of it.
Overall: a wholesome story.
This book had its highs and lows. Let's start with the highs: I'm a sucker for a diary format and an even bigger sucker for a diary format with illustrations. The illustrations are at times hilarious and definitely shows the age of the protagonist (this is a downfall however because at times the protagonist may sound quite young for their age!).
I think there is a solid family story in there and the story doesn't hinge on any big mystery to propel it forward. Jo is a funny character that many teens will be able to relate to - she hates her parents, obsessed with her looks, stubborn, and very well-rounded. But she's also vulnerable. It is those moments when she's most vulnerable that I connected with her. I would have really liked to have seen more of that but I do understand that this is a very personal piece for the author and as such they may not have wanted to give that part of them away.
My biggest issue with this novel is the treatment of the dad.
SPOILER FROM NOW ON
There is the issue of abuse which arises and it's not really dealt with in the novel. The abuse is horrifying and impacts not only Jo but also her sister, mother, and brother. But, again, this was during a time when abuse was overlooked and a personal matter to the author so fully respect how she's dealt with it and not tampering with the story just for the sake of it.
Overall: a wholesome story.
gabyagee's review
3.0
This book wasn’t bad per se, but based on the blurb, you’d expect a cute story about a teenager growing up. That’s definitely not what this book is, and I really think it would have benefitted from content warnings, as other reviewers have pointed out.