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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
“She’s not sick. She can come to the table. I sounds like a mother — not my mother, but a mother.”
This is a compelling read for young adults, set in Australia, about a family dealing with the stigma of mental illness, told from the point of view of the eldest daughter who tries to cope with her mother’s mental state, by looking after her siblings as well as dealing with other issues in her life. It gives us a glimpse into a world that not many people are familiar with particularly as things start to get from bad to worse. We also get a rather authentic look at mental health recovery. Besides themes of family, there is school, a touch of romance, lots of food, and a taste of Chinese culture. This is a book full of heart dealing with important issues that should be relevant for all ages.
This book delivers on everything it promises, delving deep into Chinese culture, mental health and the importance of family and good food. As an Australian born Chinese girl myself, the book really resonated with me. Perhaps the most relatable thing of all was the way Chinese parents can be, especially with studying hard (lol). The book particularly opened up my eyes to mental health and the stigma of it. Life lessons to be learned everywhere, all the while being a treat to read. AND the romance is the sweetest thing ever! Will definitely come back to this book again in the future!
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling was a lovely story which tackles the difficult topic of a family trying to deal with a mother's mental illness. While I have not experienced anything like what Anna the eldest daughter goes through it seemed to me to be a sensitive portrayal of an Australian born Chinese girl dealing with being a teenager, managing school work, a budding sweet romance all while coping with her mother's deteriorating mental health.
I so enjoyed reading this. I read over half on a plane trip and then devoured the rest in one sitting later that day. It was touching and just so thoroughly engaging I can't help but give this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I so enjoyed reading this. I read over half on a plane trip and then devoured the rest in one sitting later that day. It was touching and just so thoroughly engaging I can't help but give this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s really easily to love the main character,Anna, and want to hold her. It was a great story and good remember that you are never alone.
I feel like this book was not what I expected. It jumped around, suddenly making a month or two pass to get to the next Ma incident. I didn’t really feel anything for the characters other than wanting to yell at Anna when she didn’t tell the truth about her mom when people, especially doctors, asked her. Overall it was very meh.
Ok so for me to say I loved this novel is an understatement. It was a meet cute supported by themes discussing mental health, child abuse and racism, just to mention a few. But it isnt a dark and forboding novel, its light and fluffy in parts while other will pull at the heart strings; basically its an expert balance sweet and marshmallowy mixed with serious commentary on the state of australia.
For those who love contemporary novels and budding relationships, i say read this novel and bask in its glory. To those who aren't a fan on contemporary novels, I say pull your head in, read this novel and bask in its glory... basically its fantastic and a must read.
If you want more indepth thoughts on this beautiful masterpiece, you can find them at https://someonetookit.wordpress.com/2019/10/01/the-suprising-power-of-a-good-dumpling-wai-chims-exploration-of-family-values-and-mental-health/
For those who love contemporary novels and budding relationships, i say read this novel and bask in its glory. To those who aren't a fan on contemporary novels, I say pull your head in, read this novel and bask in its glory... basically its fantastic and a must read.
If you want more indepth thoughts on this beautiful masterpiece, you can find them at https://someonetookit.wordpress.com/2019/10/01/the-suprising-power-of-a-good-dumpling-wai-chims-exploration-of-family-values-and-mental-health/
This book was lovely and felt very real. There wasn’t much in the way of conflict/conflict resolution, but there was enough other strong emotion that that felt okay.
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcohol
