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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
funny
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a tenure-track professor, I felt this deeply and truly. Academia is a very elitist space where white people (men especially) get away with whatever they want and bury terrible things by using a university's name and status. Are we sure this book is fiction? I've witnessed all of this or similar events in higher Ed. This book was very captivating, frustrating at times (plot wise), and made me laugh out loud. 5/5.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disorientation is a perfect title for this book. I found it unputdownable, and unforgettable. I went to this almost knowing nothing about the plot, so I was really surprised about where it went and how the main character was. And that’s the thing, the book really is about feeling disoriented, surprised, confused about so many different aspects about this characters life, and you get to feel how it all affects the main character even when she doesn’t. One thing I understand about the less positive reviews is the “over the top” and therefore, perhaps, unrealistic aspects of the story, but once you understand it’s also a satire, and you put yourself in the characters shoes - what if this did happen? And, most importantly, why is this not so far removed from reality as one would wish? - in my opinion, you won’t want to put this book down.
I really appreciated also the main friendship in this book, I was always looking forward for those moments.
All in all, I’d recommend this book for sure!
I really appreciated also the main friendship in this book, I was always looking forward for those moments.
All in all, I’d recommend this book for sure!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Gaslighting
funny
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Disorientation" by Elaine Hsien Chou is a book that explores race, identity, and personal growth. Initially, the unlikable main character, Ingrid, almost made me put the book down. However, her character development in the second half feels authentic and often evoked a mixture of amusement and discomfort. Secondhand embarrassment is real in this one!
Memorable side characters enhance the narrative, and the over-the-top villains, while entertaining, bear unsettling resemblances to real-life people and events.
The book effectively addresses racism towards Asian-Americans without resorting to clichés. However, it is a bit lengthy and occasionally heavy-handed—though it features an excellent mouthpiece for social justice warriors in the character of Vivian, who happens to be my favorite.
All in all, "Disorientation" is a thought-provoking read that rewarded my patience.
Memorable side characters enhance the narrative, and the over-the-top villains, while entertaining, bear unsettling resemblances to real-life people and events.
The book effectively addresses racism towards Asian-Americans without resorting to clichés. However, it is a bit lengthy and occasionally heavy-handed—though it features an excellent mouthpiece for social justice warriors in the character of Vivian, who happens to be my favorite.
All in all, "Disorientation" is a thought-provoking read that rewarded my patience.
I got 28% of the way into the book and wasn’t grabbed by it like similar books. I’ll maybe return to it one day!