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lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
I heard (at ALA) about these places in the US, where wealthy Chinese could come and give birth so their children would have American citizenship. Perfume Bay is one of those places, but it's a little less than what the brochures promise. And Scarlett and Daisy are a little less than the usual "client", being unmarried (and poor - Scarlett - or young - Daisy). Their unlikely friendship after they manage to escape, the life they manage to eke out and the challenges and fears they face is both inspiring and horrific to anyone unaware that this is, in fact, what can happen here in America. Luckily, there's a happy ending! And Mama Fang is a great character, worthy of her own book.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
jess_segraves's review against another edition
5.0
A perfectly implausible plot but sometimes that’s what fiction does best - it winds characters through complicated and unlikely scenarios to a final outcome. At first I thought Scarlett seemed a bit wooden but I found myself really loving all of the characters by the end.
jolynne's review against another edition
4.0
The story of Scarlett and Daisy, two strong and determined Chinese woman and their struggles with immigration. A very heartfelt story in these times of anti-immigration.
vfong's review against another edition
3.0
It was refreshing to read a book that takes place in where I grew up and the nostalgia hit the spot, but was disappointed by the ending.
sbnich's review against another edition
4.0
A swirling glimpse into Chinese birth tourism, social structure, culture, immigration, and expectations, rolled into a story with rich characters and scenes.
You could taste the steamed pork buns, smell the salt tinged air of San Francisco, and feel the desperation of two girls, Daish and Scarlett, united by maternity and misfortune.
Hua provides a beautiful peek into a world completely foreign, with lush detail and a compelling narrative.
You could taste the steamed pork buns, smell the salt tinged air of San Francisco, and feel the desperation of two girls, Daish and Scarlett, united by maternity and misfortune.
Hua provides a beautiful peek into a world completely foreign, with lush detail and a compelling narrative.
meganeveritt's review against another edition
4.0
4⭐️- I enjoyed this book via audio and loved all the Chinese culture and how the story wove it into the lives of those trying to make their way in America. The recommendation that if you enjoy Lisa See’s novels, you will like this was spot on.
booktimistic's review against another edition
3.0
A River of Stars by Vanessa Hua analyzes the many challenges faced to find one's identity as an immigrant, the struggles of new motherhood and the complicated relationship that is female friendship. It is a tale of hope and survival with quite a bit of drama, and some tidbits on Chinese culture. Although it gets a bit slow following the halfway mark and at times lacks consistency, I would still recommend you give it a try if literary fiction with an immigration theme sounds like something that you might enjoy.
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** A free finished copy was provided by Random House. All opinions are my own**
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** A free finished copy was provided by Random House. All opinions are my own**
aedgeworth27's review against another edition
4.0
#partner. Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse for this free review copy. The hardcover of this released last August and the paperback released earlier this month. Spoiler alert: GO BUY THIS BOOK ASAP.
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"A River of Stars" by Vanessa Hua is the story of Scarlett Chen. Scarlett is stuck in a secret maternity home outside Los Angeles. She is Chinese, carrying the baby of her married factory owner boss who is ecstatic she's carrying his first son. In order to give his son the best start in life with American citizenship, he has paid for Scarlett's stay until she can give birth in America. When an ultrasound changes everything, Scarlett and fellow resident Daisy (an unwed teen) run away to Chinatown near San Francisco. Scarlett learns quickly she's going to have to do all she can to keep Daisy and their babies afloat and safe.
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This book surprised me in the best way. I knew it was about a secret maternity home and a woman who runs away, and certainly, it is. But all that really culminates in the first 50 pages which left me wondering what else could this book be about? So much more.
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Scarlett has become one of my favorite literary heroines. She has a spunk and work ethic that I admired greatly. She values independence, hard work, and making something of herself without a leg up from those around her. She loves her daughter and will go to the end of the Earth to keep her safe and provided for. .
I absolutely loved this book. It opened my eyes to the Chinese culture, one of which I was not previously familiar. It opened my eyes more to the hope that comes from immigrating to a land you feel holds your destiny. I am so grateful to have picked up this book.
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#books #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bookmail #bookish #booklife #ilovebooks #igbooks #igreads #reading #alwaysreading #somanybooks #socalbooksta
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"A River of Stars" by Vanessa Hua is the story of Scarlett Chen. Scarlett is stuck in a secret maternity home outside Los Angeles. She is Chinese, carrying the baby of her married factory owner boss who is ecstatic she's carrying his first son. In order to give his son the best start in life with American citizenship, he has paid for Scarlett's stay until she can give birth in America. When an ultrasound changes everything, Scarlett and fellow resident Daisy (an unwed teen) run away to Chinatown near San Francisco. Scarlett learns quickly she's going to have to do all she can to keep Daisy and their babies afloat and safe.
.
This book surprised me in the best way. I knew it was about a secret maternity home and a woman who runs away, and certainly, it is. But all that really culminates in the first 50 pages which left me wondering what else could this book be about? So much more.
.
Scarlett has become one of my favorite literary heroines. She has a spunk and work ethic that I admired greatly. She values independence, hard work, and making something of herself without a leg up from those around her. She loves her daughter and will go to the end of the Earth to keep her safe and provided for. .
I absolutely loved this book. It opened my eyes to the Chinese culture, one of which I was not previously familiar. It opened my eyes more to the hope that comes from immigrating to a land you feel holds your destiny. I am so grateful to have picked up this book.
.
#books #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bookmail #bookish #booklife #ilovebooks #igbooks #igreads #reading #alwaysreading #somanybooks #socalbooksta