Reviews

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Only show reviews with written explanations

angelo_vossen's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.5

"Picture Us In The Light" by Kelly Loy Gilbert delves into layers of identity, family dynamics, and the human experience. Set in Silicon Valley, the novel provides a rich tapestry against which the protagonist, Danny Cheng, grapples with the complexities of his past and the secrets that lie buried within his family's history.

At the heart of the story is Danny's journey of self-discovery as he navigates the challenges of adolescence while confronting the weight of his family's secrets. As a first-generation Chinese-American, Danny struggles to reconcile his cultural heritage with the expectations placed upon him by both his family and society. Gilbert skillfully explores the nuances of identity formation, highlighting the internal conflicts and external pressures that shape Danny's sense of self.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the bonds that tie families together, even in the face of adversity. Danny's relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, is portrayed with depth and complexity, revealing the sacrifices made and the burdens carried in the pursuit of a better life. Through Danny's interactions with his family members, Gilbert illuminates the universal themes of love, loyalty, and the search for belonging.

In addition to its exploration of familial relationships, "Picture Us In The Light" also grapples with broader social issues, including immigration, mental health and the pursuit of the American Dream. Gilbert deftly weaves these themes into the narrative, presenting readers with a thought-provoking examination of the complexities of the human experience.

One passage felt like a punch in the gut - Danny talking to an inner voice (Mr. X) representing racist, judging, homophobic people:

I keep trying to string the words together, what I'll say to him. But Mr. X won't leave me alone.

„It's one thing to feel a funny way. It's another to put it out there in the open for everyone to have to see. You're asking him to do a disgusting thing with you. If he isn't funny about you the way you want him to be, he won't be too hot about being around you after this, you sniffing around him with those hungry eyes of yours.“

I don't care what hypothetical old white men think, I tell him. He tips back his head and laughs.

„Hypothetical? You think you conjured me from nothing? I'm your neighbor. I'm your dentist. I'm your cop. I'm your congressman. I'm your

boss. I'm your teacher. Don't think for a minute—”

The novel's characters are richly drawn and multidimensional, each carrying their own hopes, fears, and motivations. From Danny's crush (I btw love that no sexualities are ever addressed in this book), Harry, to his friend, Regina, every character contributes to the richness of the story, adding layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.

Throughout "Picture Us In The Light," Gilbert's prose is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into Danny's world with its vivid imagery and evocative language. The pacing is skillfully maintained, keeping readers engaged from start to finish as they accompany Danny on his journey of self-discovery.

The only critique I have got: At times this novel felt kind of overwhelming. What started as a story about a boy not being sure about his own future and dealing with average teenage problems, quickly turned into a mystery about family secrets. Altogether that was what caused me to be intrigued by this book as much as I was in the end - everything simply developed quite quickly, which startled me a bit.

In conclusion, "Picture Us In The Light" is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the human experience with nuance and sensitivity. Gilbert's storytelling prowess shines through in every page, making this a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience.

Content Warnings

abbyl819's review

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars

Going into this, I had little to no idea as to what it was about, but I ended up enjoying it. The beginning was a little slow and seemed like it was without a plot, just about Danny living his everyday life. About halfway through the book, things began to pick up, and we learned increasingly more about his parents’ past. My favorite part about this book was the ending, which almost drove me to tears. It was a good ending to a hard hitting book about immigration, adoption, and suicide, along with everyday high school problems. One thing that continues to stand out for me was the writing. Kelley Loy Gilbert writes in a way that, even when it seemed to lack a plot, it still kept wanting to continue. Her writing is very easy to read, and flies by quickly.

***I was given a copy of this book for review by the publisher via BookishFirst***

shiqingxuan34's review

Go to review page

5.0

all the portrayals of the characters in this novel felt so real, and the mental health stuff was represented really well. i enjoyed reading this a lot.

kinda stuck on the actual rating so ill say its a 4.5

lillithxmoth's review

Go to review page

5.0

4.5 rounded up. very beautiful, and painful :(

gracepizza40's review

Go to review page

5.0

4.75

ixcherie's review

Go to review page

5.0

Beautifully written prose

nightshaderoots's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The book had so much happening in the last 10% of it. There are lots of relatable moments and I enjoyed how the theme of space keeps coming up. I will admit I didn't like the main character for a good majority of the book but towards the end I couldn't help but to feel for him. Lots are left for interpretation but that's how the book should end. To quote Sandra, "Other people don't exist just to be your happy ending." And that's true for the book.

Content Warnings