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redwoodreads's review
3.0
This book had plenty of light hearted and funny moments but also many of sorrow for the main character as she deals with how to ask for help with her abusive family and how to make a better life for herself. A stark reminder of what may happen behind some people's closed doors whilst all seems fine on the surface.
rhinnyroo02's review
5.0
A brilliant novel the authors almost all true life growing up during her teenage years. Thought provoking, educational with some fiction and humour thrown in. An interesting and memorable read underlining and raising awareness of important issues in life.
alexa_bmn's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying
diaryofareadingaddict's review
4.0
Now I wanted to read this for a number of reasons 1- it is set in Coventry, where I live, and that is rare! 2- I was also moved here as a young child. 3- it sounded excellent! .
.
This is told in diary form so I found it to be a quick read but so much was packed into it! It's funny and heartbreaking all at once. Jo is writing her diary of moving to Coventry and of life living above her parents Chinese takeaway. While it is hilarious to read about her goats and some of her family's antics it also deals with race, bullying and abuse. I loved this book and devoured it quickly. I also love that at the end of the book there are the numbers of organizations to help if you were affected by anything in the book.
.
This is told in diary form so I found it to be a quick read but so much was packed into it! It's funny and heartbreaking all at once. Jo is writing her diary of moving to Coventry and of life living above her parents Chinese takeaway. While it is hilarious to read about her goats and some of her family's antics it also deals with race, bullying and abuse. I loved this book and devoured it quickly. I also love that at the end of the book there are the numbers of organizations to help if you were affected by anything in the book.
king_lyd's review
3.0
I'd seen this at YALC and didn't manage to get a copy so I was intrgued when I saw one here. I am glad that I read it as it was something so very different for me.
Jo Kwan is a teenager growing up in 1980s with her annoying little sister, too-cool older brother, a series of very unlucky pets and utterly bonkers parents. But unlike the other kids at her new school or her posh cousins, Jo lives above her parents' Chinese takeaway. Parents who don't speak English and Jo doesn't speak Chinese.
The story,m in the form of a diary and doodles tells of the generation gap between the two as well as growing up in the 80s.
As a child of the 80s I remember a lot of what was mentioned and it was filled with nostalgia for me.
Chinglish also made me laugh out loud several times. Especially Jo's adventures with her pets. But there was a darker side and I liked the way that the author explored important topics that were perhaps a little on the uncomfortable side. Topics like diversity, child abuse, domestic violence and bullying were brought out with humour as well as with realism.
Jo Kwan is a teenager growing up in 1980s with her annoying little sister, too-cool older brother, a series of very unlucky pets and utterly bonkers parents. But unlike the other kids at her new school or her posh cousins, Jo lives above her parents' Chinese takeaway. Parents who don't speak English and Jo doesn't speak Chinese.
The story,m in the form of a diary and doodles tells of the generation gap between the two as well as growing up in the 80s.
As a child of the 80s I remember a lot of what was mentioned and it was filled with nostalgia for me.
Chinglish also made me laugh out loud several times. Especially Jo's adventures with her pets. But there was a darker side and I liked the way that the author explored important topics that were perhaps a little on the uncomfortable side. Topics like diversity, child abuse, domestic violence and bullying were brought out with humour as well as with realism.
missusb21's review
3.0
Interesting contrasts of humour and serious themes. Memoir written as diary entries. Maybe a little long for me.
inyolian's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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
4.0
whatshotblog's review
4.0
Ok where was this book when I was 14? Reading this book made me all the more aware of why diversity in literature is needed. I was born and raised in London but am half Chinese, half English. I have often been made to feel somewhat other in my life and never in my teenage years did I ever read any fiction where I could really relate to a character’s family life. What I was reading was what I aspired for my life to be like (i.e. a normal white teenage girl’s life) and was not my actual life or experience.
Whilst the family in Chinglish is not similar to my own (we do not own a chinese takeaway, my dad is English and he is not abusive), many of the protagonist’s experiences at school and with her peers are. I have bookmarked a number of passages where Jo described incidences that have echoed those in my own life. (“where are you REALLY from?”) and they are not ones I have ever seen in teen literature before. I feel certain that had I read books like this as a teenager I would’ve been more accepting of my wonderful (not weird) cultural background a lot sooner.
I’ll rewind now and explain what the book is about: It’s 1984 and we meet Jo, a teenage girl who has just moved to Coventry with her Chinese family. They live above the Chinese takeaway they own and it’s all her parents care about. Communication in their family is difficult as Jo’s parents and grandparents don’t speak English and Jo and her siblings barely speak Chinese. Chinglish is written in diary form and Jo explains the ups and downs of her new life in Coventry - school, friends and family.
I think it’s pretty clear that I loved Chinglish. I found Jo, the leading lady, to be highly relatable and her desire for “normal” parents (English parents) is something I understand. Reading this book made me feel less alone and I feel sad that 14-year-old Laura never had the chance to read books like this. That teenager never had the chance to read about chicken feet on the dinner table or strange herbal remedies. Weird to most readers I’m sure, but these are things I found relatable and amusing.
One criticism I have of the book is that it’s aim is not at all clear. Around half way through there is a major plot twist and the story becomes much darker. There are many references to domestic abuse and we never find out the outcome of this. I feel the ending was a little abrupt and unexpected and I wanted a little more. The loose ends are especially disconcerting since this is mostly autobiographical and many events would be deeply traumatising! This book definitely lends itself to becoming a series as there are lots of characters’ stories which remain unfinished.
If you’re of Chinese descent, I highly recommend reading this book. You will be able relate and you will laugh. It may well be the book you longed for as a teenager. If you’re unfamiliar with Chinese culture or the immigrant experience, I recommend reading this book. You’ll learn and you will laugh.
Yes
Whilst the family in Chinglish is not similar to my own (we do not own a chinese takeaway, my dad is English and he is not abusive), many of the protagonist’s experiences at school and with her peers are. I have bookmarked a number of passages where Jo described incidences that have echoed those in my own life. (“where are you REALLY from?”) and they are not ones I have ever seen in teen literature before. I feel certain that had I read books like this as a teenager I would’ve been more accepting of my wonderful (not weird) cultural background a lot sooner.
I’ll rewind now and explain what the book is about: It’s 1984 and we meet Jo, a teenage girl who has just moved to Coventry with her Chinese family. They live above the Chinese takeaway they own and it’s all her parents care about. Communication in their family is difficult as Jo’s parents and grandparents don’t speak English and Jo and her siblings barely speak Chinese. Chinglish is written in diary form and Jo explains the ups and downs of her new life in Coventry - school, friends and family.
I think it’s pretty clear that I loved Chinglish. I found Jo, the leading lady, to be highly relatable and her desire for “normal” parents (English parents) is something I understand. Reading this book made me feel less alone and I feel sad that 14-year-old Laura never had the chance to read books like this. That teenager never had the chance to read about chicken feet on the dinner table or strange herbal remedies. Weird to most readers I’m sure, but these are things I found relatable and amusing.
One criticism I have of the book is that it’s aim is not at all clear. Around half way through there is a major plot twist and the story becomes much darker. There are many references to domestic abuse and we never find out the outcome of this. I feel the ending was a little abrupt and unexpected and I wanted a little more. The loose ends are especially disconcerting since this is mostly autobiographical and many events would be deeply traumatising! This book definitely lends itself to becoming a series as there are lots of characters’ stories which remain unfinished.
If you’re of Chinese descent, I highly recommend reading this book. You will be able relate and you will laugh. It may well be the book you longed for as a teenager. If you’re unfamiliar with Chinese culture or the immigrant experience, I recommend reading this book. You’ll learn and you will laugh.
Yes
rainbowraven's review
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Racism
yellowowls88's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0