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jeansbookbag's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
The format of this book was different, but I ended up quite enjoying it. I do wonder if I struggled more to keep the plot because I was listening on audio instead of reading, so this is one I would probably recommend reading over listening if possible. But overall it was really interesting. I liked the style, and the commentary on race and assimilation and found myself rooting for the main character. I can see why it won the National Book Award, and I'm definitely going to have to try some more from Charles Yu.
bookph1le's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
The format of this one is what ultimately let me down. It was an interesting device, but one that interrupted the flow of the story for me, even though I appreciated the point about the roles imposed on people due to racism.
There's a lot of food for thought in this book. While some parts were funny, they were painfully funny, in that way where you know the joke is awful. There were also parts that brought a tear to my eye.
This book left me with a lot of food for thought, and I know I'll be thinking about it for some time.
The format of this one is what ultimately let me down. It was an interesting device, but one that interrupted the flow of the story for me, even though I appreciated the point about the roles imposed on people due to racism.
There's a lot of food for thought in this book. While some parts were funny, they were painfully funny, in that way where you know the joke is awful. There were also parts that brought a tear to my eye.
This book left me with a lot of food for thought, and I know I'll be thinking about it for some time.
snacksandstacks's review against another edition
4.0
It was a difficult book to listen to, so I think I may pick it up and reread it physically instead. I really enjoyed the wacky narrative and the important messages in it.
szrikem's review against another edition
funny
reflective
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
3.0
elocoel's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars.
Interior Chinatown is a very intriguing and unique look at the lives of many Asian-Americans, especially the underprivileged ones. Taking the form of a screenplay, it shows those lives through the Hollywood lens, creating a double meaning in every word written on its pages. It is very meta and satirical and brings on some interesting takes.
However, while many people found it extremely funny, I, unfortunately, could not relate. As poetic as it was, the writing style was not to my taste either. Considering the fact that I am not in the US - nor did I grew up with its culture, it was also harder for me to relate to or totally comprehend.
Overall, it is a well-written and innovative take on social issues but it can be very hit or miss due to preferences and experiences.
Interior Chinatown is a very intriguing and unique look at the lives of many Asian-Americans, especially the underprivileged ones. Taking the form of a screenplay, it shows those lives through the Hollywood lens, creating a double meaning in every word written on its pages. It is very meta and satirical and brings on some interesting takes.
However, while many people found it extremely funny, I, unfortunately, could not relate. As poetic as it was, the writing style was not to my taste either. Considering the fact that I am not in the US - nor did I grew up with its culture, it was also harder for me to relate to or totally comprehend.
Overall, it is a well-written and innovative take on social issues but it can be very hit or miss due to preferences and experiences.
annahelen's review against another edition
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
_philly_'s review against another edition
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
kdawn999's review against another edition
3.0
An funny, poignant, and imaginative experiment, but it’s hard to call this a novel. The style reminds me of Beatty’s The Sellout in that the characters are more joke than human. This book does manage to have some very human moments, and it is short enough for the schtick to avoid tedium. There is depth to the concept of Asian American “roles” and media representation. I don’t mean to knock this book because it’s very well written as what it is. Perhaps it’s because the landing didn’t quite stick for me.