You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I hate this story! But, I absolutely love the way it is written. And truthfully, the only reason I hate the story is because it is insufferably REAL. It's harsh and graphic and gritty, but it's also magical and loving and romantic. Just know, if you choose to read this, that your heart will break.
This is a gorgeously and uniquely told story of love, grief, and expectations set of on a backdrop of magical realism and the myths of Hawaii. I was transported and could not put this book down.
I actually Finished Kawai Strong Washburn’s Sharks in the Time of Saviors on it’s publication day, which was yesterday, but I needed a whole night to sleep on it, because, wow. About a family who builds their identity around one child rescued by sharks and seemingly carrying sacred abilities within his body, this book details how those expectations dull some, harm others, and divide a family and the power that would otherwise be held within that unit. About sibling rivalry, about the grinding poverty that Native Hawaiians are forced to endure in their home that is a playground to the white and wealthy, about growing up and finding yourself, about surviving loss, and about connecting to the ancestors and all of creation, this book was singular. The writing was entirely it’s own, the characters became people I loved fiercely, and the power of the text blew me out of the water again and again and again. I was voracious for this book, and I wish I could start it fresh with new eyes so I could experience it all over again. Thank you @mcclellandstewart for this review copy, I couldn’t have possibly loved this book more.
What if your brother was probably the messiah? Or your son was? Or what if your whole family believed you had supernatural abilities that could rescue them from poverty? What would that do to you and your perception of the world? Those are the questions posed in this surreally beautiful book. Set primarily in Hawai'i, it is a story of a family struggling with poverty, marginalization, racism, grief all while working out if they are actually the center of a divine awakening. Vivid description, a depth of characterization, and some really powerful questions. My mother-in-law recommended this to me, and I'm glad she did because I doubt I would have found it on my own. While definitely not recommended if you are looking for something light and fun, I'd pick it up if you want some literary magical realism that will give you things to think about long after you finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐️ / 4 stars
This is a book that I most likely would not have picked up if not for fulfilling a book challenge prompt, and that is precisely why I love doing them!
It's quirky and a bit crude in places but at its core lies a gripping story about a native Hawai'ian family and the hardships that beset them and the miracle that sets the pace for a magical undertone.
The full cast narration was well done and I enjoyed the multiple POVs.
This is a book that I most likely would not have picked up if not for fulfilling a book challenge prompt, and that is precisely why I love doing them!
It's quirky and a bit crude in places but at its core lies a gripping story about a native Hawai'ian family and the hardships that beset them and the miracle that sets the pace for a magical undertone.
The full cast narration was well done and I enjoyed the multiple POVs.
I saw this book and reviews when it was first published. For some reason, it didn't appeal to me. I picked it up now after a recommendation.
The book surprised me in several ways. I don't know much about indigenous Hawaiian culture or language (if indigenous is the right word). I appreciated learning from this author's perspective. Also, the plot did not unfold the way I expected. The climax was surprising and what happened after was devastating. The book also pushed me to think about what I consider happiness and giftedness. A few times I thought, "That's a terrible choice". But, these were choices that brought the characters happiness.
The story is told in alternating chapters between three siblings and their parents. I greatly appreciated the exploration of the relationship between siblings.
The book surprised me in several ways. I don't know much about indigenous Hawaiian culture or language (if indigenous is the right word). I appreciated learning from this author's perspective. Also, the plot did not unfold the way I expected. The climax was surprising and what happened after was devastating. The book also pushed me to think about what I consider happiness and giftedness. A few times I thought, "That's a terrible choice". But, these were choices that brought the characters happiness.
The story is told in alternating chapters between three siblings and their parents. I greatly appreciated the exploration of the relationship between siblings.
Find my IG review here!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTeQ_SrGdu/?utm_medium=copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTeQ_SrGdu/?utm_medium=copy_link
An entertaining story over all. Almost a coming-of-age tale of a family, with children vying to find their place in the family and the world with favoritism from the parents compounding their problems.
Good perspective of the native hawaiian experience, but the magical/mystical thread running through the story seemed lacking. Seem to be thrown here and there and seems to matter, but overall underdeveloped.
Good perspective of the native hawaiian experience, but the magical/mystical thread running through the story seemed lacking. Seem to be thrown here and there and seems to matter, but overall underdeveloped.
A gritty, mystical, and lyrical story that really encompasses family and sibling dynamics/favoritism and the fallout. Usually not a fan of magical realism but there’s something special about this one (and hawai’i obvs)
Wish it wasn’t told by multiple narraters and switching povs though- 3.75⭐️
Wish it wasn’t told by multiple narraters and switching povs though- 3.75⭐️
This is by far the most original book I've read this year. For ages, I've been waiting for a novel that gave me a sense of contemporary Hawaii. This is it. But it's also much more. I had to sit still after it concluded and ponder fate, destiny, chance, and most of all - family. Words defy me as I try to explain what was so wonderful about this debut novel. Partly it is because I've never read anything like it. It's also because I felt the wisdom of ages within an edgy modern text. I'll come back (probably_ and sort out a more articulate review. But don't wait for it - just read the book.
I listened to the Audible version and the narration is fantastic.
I understand some of the poor reviews are lashing out because the author, while born and raised in Hawaii, is not native Hawaiian. Cultural appropriation is a complicated topic. I often think of the novels I've read that were written by men with woman lead characters, as an example. Sometimes it's really bad and sometimes it works. Can authors write from another's perspective? Yes. I think this is a good example of that. Do I want to read more novels written by native Hawaiians? Yes. I see some Polynesian reviewers praising this book and other reviewers calling it cultural appropriation. I just enjoyed the book and am glad it was written and I read it.
I found this discussion of cultural appropriation in literature helpful. https://zora.medium.com/inspiration-vs-cultural-appropriation-ff49132929e8
I listened to the Audible version and the narration is fantastic.
I understand some of the poor reviews are lashing out because the author, while born and raised in Hawaii, is not native Hawaiian. Cultural appropriation is a complicated topic. I often think of the novels I've read that were written by men with woman lead characters, as an example. Sometimes it's really bad and sometimes it works. Can authors write from another's perspective? Yes. I think this is a good example of that. Do I want to read more novels written by native Hawaiians? Yes. I see some Polynesian reviewers praising this book and other reviewers calling it cultural appropriation. I just enjoyed the book and am glad it was written and I read it.
I found this discussion of cultural appropriation in literature helpful. https://zora.medium.com/inspiration-vs-cultural-appropriation-ff49132929e8