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katiecentabar's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A powerful story of what it means to be human and to be (mis)understood. Mia is a know-it-all who is so annoyingly 20 years old it was at times painful to read because I saw too much of myself in her, but she was a great narrator. This book is going to stick with me for a while, thinking about how we communicate and what it means to be happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Rape and War
yeaeun's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Death, Hate crime, Rape, Violence, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
katrinarose's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.0
After reading the masterpiece Miracle Creek in 2022, this was my most anticipated book for 2023, and Angie Kim did not disappoint. She has such a skill for writing a mystery that has intrigue and suspense without neglecting great character development, prose, and interesting themes/discussion, which is a problem I have with most mystery books I read. While this book was never scary, the way the narration references things that come later (saying things like “if I only knew at that moment”) builds suspense very effectively.
I have to say my favorite part of this book are the characters, specifically the members of the family. Each one is so unique, and have such dynamic realistic relationships with each other. I love the flashbacks and asides that help us get to know them. Mia is probably the most realistic yet unique 20 year old character I’ve ever read about. So often adult authors seem to forget what young adults act like and Mia is a perfect blend of mature yet impulsive, intensely thoughtful yet still learning how to slow down and apply nuance, hard-headed yet soft. I can see how she may come across as annoying to some readers but I loved her personality. And her parents are given equal nuance which is often left out in young-adult narrated stories.
I don’t have any major complaints but I do think the mystery itself was the weaker part of the book, which doesn’t sound great but everything surrounding it is so well done that it didn’t matter to me. I’m so looking forward to anything else this author publishes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Medical content
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Rape, and Blood
rainbowfairie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I have so much I want to write about this book. This is one of the best literary fiction novels I've read, packaged in an informative and digestible story. The author is very societally aware and presents a wealth of information to readers on various concepts that may very well be new to them. The author's note at the end references any real-life resources or info the reader may want to check out. Very science-y with vocab and concepts, so beware there will be lots of new language and it's not a light read. As an autistic person myself, who struggles with spoken communication, this was an enlightening and empowering read that touches on many important issues. I'd read it again in a heartbeat and appreciate Angie for writing this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death of parent
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Cancer, Suicide, and Terminal illness
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, Rape, Police brutality, and War
jkpiowa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape
lauren_lovestoread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Death
Minor: Rape
saradoxical's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So far, this has been my favorite read of 2023, and it's a book that I wouldn't have normally picked up but my book club chose it. Our discussion easily ran over an hour. However, it might be best to lower your expectations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Rape and War
taytastic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a slower read for me but it was an impactful read about trauma in its different forms and how families deal with tragedy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Death of parent, and War
fkshg8465's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don’t think I really knew what I was getting into with this book. I loved all the themes that ran through, particularly of being unseen. It was layered and clever and sad. But the breakthrough forced me out of that sadness, except Mia’s ongoing doubts will nag at me tonight - not because I trust Mia so much but because I really want to believe in Eugene.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, and Suicide attempt
hinkleh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape and Medical content