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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
the superficial-woke, self expressionist, berkeley/bay area archetype was real... and like others have said - everyone is so unlikable but in a "wow these characters r written well" way
I hated every character in this book in the best way. Everyone was unbareable in an extremely realistic style. Ben is gaslighting trash, Alice is a biphobic asshole, and Miko could do so much better. I loved the wild narrative and the interactions between the characters.
A succinct and blistering depiction of how difficult it can be to connect and feel secure in our current age and culture. Through anti-hero Ben Tanaka, Tomine draws the fraught experience of romantic, family, friend, and professional relationships, as well as the inescapable impacts of white supremacy and traditional masculinity on self-esteem and confidence. Many find Ben unlikable in the extreme, but I read his behavior as exhausted, the compounded result of perpetual and pervasive invalidation. Tomine is also quite skilled in positioning Alice, Ben's foil and best friend, as a key character: She makes him relatable and because she is a joy to spend time with, her choosing Ben's company makes the reader invested in him, too.
An interesting story of a cranky young-ish Asian American man and his love life and life in general, with insight into Asian/Asian racism and relationships.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
It's hard because I think the story is good but the main character is just so unlikeable? Maybe it's because I'm an asian woman and have dealt with overly negative partners?
funny
tense
fast-paced
Tomine continues to impress me with his masterful art and design. Shortcomings deals with racism from within the Asian American community. It is a very mature story in a lot of ways, but carries a punch that lasts until the bitter end. Another solid book.