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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
It's difficult to talk about this book without also talking about it's companion, [b:Saints|17210471|Saints (Boxers & Saints, #2)|Gene Luen Yang|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359199657s/17210471.jpg|23691810]. Each book presents a different perspective of the Boxer Rebellion, complete with Gene Luen Yang's signature use of myth and magic. Put together, the books give us a more complete picture of this conflict.
As I was reading these books I came to realize that I knew absolutely nothing about the Boxer Rebellion. I turned to my most readily available source - Wikipedia (bad librarian!) - just to quickly familiarize myself with the basics of this historic event. I fond that Boxers especially did a good job of showing us some of the main players and events of this conflict. It was also interesting to learn that much of the mysticism that Yang uses in this book (particularly Brother-Disciples' and Red Lanterns' ability to transform themselves into gods and gain powerful abilities) was based in actual rumor and myth of the time.
I thought that Little Bao was a supremely compelling character. Watching him transform from a noble, well-intentioned boy into someone who many would call a terrorist was fascinating. In fact, as the story progresses it's hard to know which side is the "good guys" and which side is the "bad guys," proving that a situation like this is seldom actually black and white.
As I was reading these books I came to realize that I knew absolutely nothing about the Boxer Rebellion. I turned to my most readily available source - Wikipedia (bad librarian!) - just to quickly familiarize myself with the basics of this historic event. I fond that Boxers especially did a good job of showing us some of the main players and events of this conflict. It was also interesting to learn that much of the mysticism that Yang uses in this book (particularly Brother-Disciples' and Red Lanterns' ability to transform themselves into gods and gain powerful abilities) was based in actual rumor and myth of the time.
I thought that Little Bao was a supremely compelling character. Watching him transform from a noble, well-intentioned boy into someone who many would call a terrorist was fascinating. In fact, as the story progresses it's hard to know which side is the "good guys" and which side is the "bad guys," proving that a situation like this is seldom actually black and white.
Yang’s artwork is what really drew me into this tale of the Boxer rebellion in China at the turn of the century. Bright and bold with strong lines - it reminds me of one of my favorite Shag prints, especially when the stylized magical realism kicks in and the Chinese opera gods spring to action.
I wish there’d been more historical background / an afterwards - been googling a lot about the battle of Peking and everything else this book portrayed ever since!
I wish there’d been more historical background / an afterwards - been googling a lot about the battle of Peking and everything else this book portrayed ever since!
So good but damn that ending murdered my fragile heart. Gotta do research on it noww
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
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:
No
I read Boxers and Saints immediately back to back. Correct choice, they really do belong together. Beautiful artwork and I learned more about the Boxer Rebellion than my somewhat disastrous making of modern China class in college.
Book Riot Read Harder #19: A book in which a character of color goes on a spiritual journey.
Book Riot Read Harder #19: A book in which a character of color goes on a spiritual journey.
Gene Luen Yang’s depiction of the Boxer Rebellion perfectly encapsulates the anger of the
oppressed while also expressing their humanness. The story starts with the affinity Lui Bei has
for spring. Spring is a time of renewal and a time to reconnect with the God’s of the past and to
honor them. The entrance of a foreign entity is unwarranted and unwanted. This is an intensely
readable book. Mr. Yang uses the elements of humor to draw the reader into a little know part
of history
oppressed while also expressing their humanness. The story starts with the affinity Lui Bei has
for spring. Spring is a time of renewal and a time to reconnect with the God’s of the past and to
honor them. The entrance of a foreign entity is unwarranted and unwanted. This is an intensely
readable book. Mr. Yang uses the elements of humor to draw the reader into a little know part
of history
It is very rare for me to read a book for class and be excited to read not just the other books in the series but other books written by the author. Little Bao is far from a perfect hero; it is many times that I wish he could hear me screaming at him, "What the f**k are you doing?!". The characters are not perfect; they mirror the realities of humanity in a very painful way. The story is painful but pinpricked by moments of humor and light. This book is just so human.
I can't wait to pick up Saints for my summer reading.
I can't wait to pick up Saints for my summer reading.
adventurous
dark
informative
tense
medium-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