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chris_reads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.75
The writing style, the illustrations, the philosophical musings on mental health, cultural preservation, and the transient nature of memory being expressed through metaphors of folklore were breathtaking.
Graphic: Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, Cancer, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Dysphoria, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Ableism, Racism, Self harm, Infertility, and Medical content
moraina's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5
Using written and illustrated Japanese folklore, Jami and Cori Nakamura Lin draw parallels to mental illness and grief. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of both her own and her father’s illness, where she was able to show her uncertainty and fear of the future. She also includes many family stories, through which she archives the family history and defines her cultural identity. Although I am from a completely different familial background, I related to much of Jami’s worries as a young girl and her desire to learn more about family members that did not reveal much from their own lives.
The uncertainty that the author encountered means that the story sometimes meanders through different points in time, and I found it difficult to keep track of the story and stay engaged with the material at some parts of the book. The numerous references to yōkai scholars and encyclopedias that I am unfamiliar with also contributed to this. I would still recommend it if the concept is your cup of tea, as the writing and illustrations will stick with you; it just took me a bit longer to read than normal.
The uncertainty that the author encountered means that the story sometimes meanders through different points in time, and I found it difficult to keep track of the story and stay engaged with the material at some parts of the book. The numerous references to yōkai scholars and encyclopedias that I am unfamiliar with also contributed to this. I would still recommend it if the concept is your cup of tea, as the writing and illustrations will stick with you; it just took me a bit longer to read than normal.
Graphic: Cancer, Drug abuse, Self harm, Miscarriage, Grief, Infertility, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Colonisation, and Death of parent
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