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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I read A GREAT COUNTRY by Shilpi Somaya Gowda on the train from Boston to NYC, which was a pretty good setting for this story about racism, classism, immigration, and family. I was struck by how carefully interwoven all the threads of people’s lives were and it gave me a lot to think about. Highly recommend if you enjoyed books like Little Fires Everywhere or One Two Three.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the movie Crash but in a not as good book. interesting for sure, but not good. can get a little too teachy at points. an easy read and worth it if youre looking for a page turner
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
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:
Complicated
The Shah family has just moved into the coveted Pacific Hills neighborhood. When Ashok and Priya immigrated to the US, they could only dream of one day living in this gated community with their children. They have worked hard to get to this point. Their oldest daughter, Deepa, isn't happy with the move and has constant arguments with her parents who she considers close minded. Maya, the middle daughter, is desperate to fit into this new school and has even become close friends with the daughter of a wealthy family. When the youngest child, 12 year old Ajay, is arrested, the Shah's have to face some hard truths about themselves and their community.
I didnt just read this book, I FELT this book. The struggles of new immigrants, and raising children in this foreign country. Wanting to blend in yet hold on to your roots. I saw my parents while reading about the characters. As an adult, I have such a new appreciation for my parents and what they went through. As a child of immigrants, I also relate to the experiences of the children. This book brought about so many emotions within me.
This book takes the fear that every brown skinned immigrant tries so hard to hide, and shines a bright light on it. It is exhausting trying to assimilate, not bring unwanted attention to yourself, and still live a normal life, but nothing about a life like that is normal.
This was a pretty quick read, I almost wished it was longer because there seemed to be so much more to delve into, especially the other families in the book, particularly the Bakers and the Sharmas, as well as the police officers. I've enjoyed the author's other books as well and look forward to more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I didnt just read this book, I FELT this book. The struggles of new immigrants, and raising children in this foreign country. Wanting to blend in yet hold on to your roots. I saw my parents while reading about the characters. As an adult, I have such a new appreciation for my parents and what they went through. As a child of immigrants, I also relate to the experiences of the children. This book brought about so many emotions within me.
This book takes the fear that every brown skinned immigrant tries so hard to hide, and shines a bright light on it. It is exhausting trying to assimilate, not bring unwanted attention to yourself, and still live a normal life, but nothing about a life like that is normal.
This was a pretty quick read, I almost wished it was longer because there seemed to be so much more to delve into, especially the other families in the book, particularly the Bakers and the Sharmas, as well as the police officers. I've enjoyed the author's other books as well and look forward to more from her.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is for low IQ, basic bitch, virtue signaling morons.
Seriously.
The book is so jam packed with talking points and political agenda that there’s hardly a story. The characters are all flat, unlikable stereotypes that ALL just serve as something to keep on jamming even more agenda down your throat.
NOTHING about the book is realistic. Nothing.
If you are the type of person that gets your news from Instagram graphics this will feel like a novel that tackles “difficult issues” but for those of us with real brains this is just poorly conceived and poorly executed propaganda.
ESPECIALLY since my husband is both Muslim and “brown” and has faced none of the ridiculous scenarios imagined in this book. His Hindu Indian friends even LESS. This is oppression porn that lacks any and all nuance or meaningful discussion. Not that meaningful discussion can really be had with someone who’s so buried in victim mentality that they can’t even see the truth from the lies to begin with.
Everything about this book that was more of a lecture than a story- was ridiculous and contrived.
Also the author is Canadian- writing about “issues” in a country she chooses to live in. HUGE red flag.
Just skip every part of this crap.
Seriously.
The book is so jam packed with talking points and political agenda that there’s hardly a story. The characters are all flat, unlikable stereotypes that ALL just serve as something to keep on jamming even more agenda down your throat.
NOTHING about the book is realistic. Nothing.
If you are the type of person that gets your news from Instagram graphics this will feel like a novel that tackles “difficult issues” but for those of us with real brains this is just poorly conceived and poorly executed propaganda.
ESPECIALLY since my husband is both Muslim and “brown” and has faced none of the ridiculous scenarios imagined in this book. His Hindu Indian friends even LESS. This is oppression porn that lacks any and all nuance or meaningful discussion. Not that meaningful discussion can really be had with someone who’s so buried in victim mentality that they can’t even see the truth from the lies to begin with.
Everything about this book that was more of a lecture than a story- was ridiculous and contrived.
Also the author is Canadian- writing about “issues” in a country she chooses to live in. HUGE red flag.
Just skip every part of this crap.
the political commentary started off as heavy handed and then became more commentary than novel. I probably agree with all of the author’s politics! But this was more of that than a compelling narrative.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Very readable with interesting themes. I felt like it tried to touch on too many contemporary social issues though in a fairly short book so it felt a bit underdeveloped.