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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Rating: 2.75 stars
The representation of Chinese culture and colors was honestly so SPOT ON. I loved it and it was honestly the best part of the book. It was also very original and so unlike anything I have ever seen before. Pan’s rating was so amazing as well. But the characters were just so bland compared to the plot and it really threw it off. I did not like that Pan steered away from actually talking about mental illness and suicide. Like it was implied that Dory was going through depression but Leigh never really said the word it looked into it. Which I did not enjoy. Like if I found out my mother was going through depression I would have researched about it but Leigh didn’t really care she just wanted her mother to be “normal”.
Here is my full review: https://daenareads.wordpress.com/2020/02/15/the-astonishing-color-of-after-by-emily-x-r-pan/
The representation of Chinese culture and colors was honestly so SPOT ON. I loved it and it was honestly the best part of the book. It was also very original and so unlike anything I have ever seen before. Pan’s rating was so amazing as well. But the characters were just so bland compared to the plot and it really threw it off. I did not like that Pan steered away from actually talking about mental illness and suicide. Like it was implied that Dory was going through depression but Leigh never really said the word it looked into it. Which I did not enjoy. Like if I found out my mother was going through depression I would have researched about it but Leigh didn’t really care she just wanted her mother to be “normal”.
Here is my full review: https://daenareads.wordpress.com/2020/02/15/the-astonishing-color-of-after-by-emily-x-r-pan/
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a heartbreaking, beautiful, and poignant read. This novel was moving and explored themes of identity and mental health with a rich dose of Asian-American and Taiwanese culture. The writing is poetic without ever being 'too much' and the author accurately captures a raw sense of grief in the pages. The magical realism was an unexpected but lovely touch and allowed the strength of the writing to shine. If I had one criticism it would be that the romance was probably unnecessary but as this is a YA book, it's not completely out of place.
This was such a wonderful book. The writing was beautiful and lyrical. The characters felt real and fleshed out. The storyline was packed full of emotions.
Front start to finish I was completely hooked on this book, eagerly following along and wondering what was going to happen.
I felt like this book handled grief in such an interesting way.
I loved the writing style.
Overall this one just ended up working so well for me.
Front start to finish I was completely hooked on this book, eagerly following along and wondering what was going to happen.
I felt like this book handled grief in such an interesting way.
I loved the writing style.
Overall this one just ended up working so well for me.
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love how the book jumped around to her memories and her family’s story. It was gripping without being confusing. I love how colors were used for Leigh ti explain her emotions, the complicated mess of family and depression and love, and the sweet sweet ending with Axel. And I loved the twist of her aunt being Feng sent as a spirit to guide her.
A book about grief, about family secrets and hurt, about healing, and about finding bravery to love. A YA book that will move all readers.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book didn’t really blow me away the way I hoped it would. It jumps between basically three timelines and still felt slow. The ending was lovely and it’s good for a YA audience looking to tackle grief/love.