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mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating YA story re: human trafficking, pregnancy and factory life in China in 2009, as tied to the One Child Policy. Unique to me in this area because it doesn't involve sex trafficking, which many fictional stories about this topic revolve around, and also because it's set in China vs. India or Pakistan. Highly recommend.
kiperoo's review
5.0
This book was so gripping I couldn't put it down. What a frightening glimpse into what some young girls faced in China not that long ago at all, and what compelling characters that had me rooting for them up to the end. Such an immersive story!
sc104906's review against another edition
5.0
I received this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Luli and Yun grew up together in a Chinese orphanage. Neither had hope of ever being adopted, Luli because her grandfather hoped to one day be well enough to take her back and Yun because she had cursed birthmarks. The two were tasked with feeding and caring for others in the orphanage, the two couldn’t wait to age out of the orphanage and try their hand at living on their own. Yun aged out first and found a job on a factory line. While there are rules and expectations within this position, Yun is drawn in by having her own money, new friends, and a new boyfriend. Luli is excited to finally join Yun, where she also begins working in a factory. However, shortly after joining Yun in the factory, Luli begins questioning Yun’s boyfriends motives and background. Things become especially difficult when Yun finds out that she is pregnant. In a country where it is taboo and illegal to have a child out of wedlock and outside the government’s permission, Yun and Luli work together to figure out what the best options are.
This book was freaking fascinating! It explores many of the socio-political issues going on in China, which I certainly wasn’t familiar with before reading this book. Readers are given clear insight into the adoption process and birth control laws found in China. It also teases through many of the social values found throughout the country. I found myself fully invested in the stories, to the point that I wanted everyone around me to read the book too. This is a great book and would be perfect for a book discussion….that reminds me, I think I have a book I want to nominate for my own book discussion…
Luli and Yun grew up together in a Chinese orphanage. Neither had hope of ever being adopted, Luli because her grandfather hoped to one day be well enough to take her back and Yun because she had cursed birthmarks. The two were tasked with feeding and caring for others in the orphanage, the two couldn’t wait to age out of the orphanage and try their hand at living on their own. Yun aged out first and found a job on a factory line. While there are rules and expectations within this position, Yun is drawn in by having her own money, new friends, and a new boyfriend. Luli is excited to finally join Yun, where she also begins working in a factory. However, shortly after joining Yun in the factory, Luli begins questioning Yun’s boyfriends motives and background. Things become especially difficult when Yun finds out that she is pregnant. In a country where it is taboo and illegal to have a child out of wedlock and outside the government’s permission, Yun and Luli work together to figure out what the best options are.
This book was freaking fascinating! It explores many of the socio-political issues going on in China, which I certainly wasn’t familiar with before reading this book. Readers are given clear insight into the adoption process and birth control laws found in China. It also teases through many of the social values found throughout the country. I found myself fully invested in the stories, to the point that I wanted everyone around me to read the book too. This is a great book and would be perfect for a book discussion….that reminds me, I think I have a book I want to nominate for my own book discussion…
charlee_12's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
3.0
ruvalcabaje's review against another edition
5.0
I was thinking what to give these book but it really gives you an eye opener about the world.
greenej's review
3.0
This Young Adult novel tells a harrowing story of two female factory workers in China amidst the country's robust capitalism, exploitation of workers, and stringent controls on reproduction. During the one-child policy, unsanctioned child birth is penalized with heavy fines and lack of citizenship. The situation leads to illegal selling of unwanted babies. The novel explores the ways working-class women are caught between an unforgiving government, families, and employers. Human trafficking, of brides as well as babies, becomes a major theme. When one of two friends in the novel becomes involved with someone purported to be a human trafficker, and then pregnant by him, much suspense ensues. The story moves at a quick pace. Young Adult books are not my favorite genre, but it is great to see such a poignant novel exploring these themes.
nyssab_22's review
5.0
This book was so excellent and so important. I felt so connected to both Luli and Yun and loved the dual perspectives. And I also feel like I learned SO much about so many different topics/issues. And even though it’s a pretty short book, the story was whole and so well paced and detailed. I loved this book omg wow.
jessiecat7's review
4.0
This was a really good book. I rarely make it to the ending of a book, let alone find a book that truly hooks me. This one most certainly did. I picked it up for a summer reading challenge for my school and wasn't expecting to enjoy it very much but I most certainly did.
The story follows two girls Luli who is shy and responsible and her best friend Yun who is outgoing and reckless.
I'm horrid at reviews but if I just say that I managed to read this book in just 3 hours of straight reading I think that speaks for itself.
The story follows two girls Luli who is shy and responsible and her best friend Yun who is outgoing and reckless.
I'm horrid at reviews but if I just say that I managed to read this book in just 3 hours of straight reading I think that speaks for itself.
renatasnacks's review against another edition
3.0
My mom picked this up and LOVED IT and kept bugging me to read it and I did and I'm like......struggling to understand because I wouldn't really urge anyone to read this? The #OwnVoices portrayal of contemporary-ish (it's set in 2009) China is interesting and detailed, but overall it felt to me like it would be best used in a classroom, alongside nonfiction instruction about Chinese law and culture. It felt like it was doing a lot of telling about life in the factories and the harsh applications of the Family Planning laws, with less showing about the characters. IDK, definitely interesting story content but for me the execution left me a little cold. But, my mom would give it 5 stars.