Reviews

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh

eboc2024's review against another edition

4.0

Wonderful story written by 12 Asian American authors, who each write interwoven chapters about the experiences of characters stuck in a Chicago airport at the same time. The story focuses on different AAPI identities, and highlights the anti-Asian racism that was heightened during COVID-19 and the Trump Administration.

svtiwari1's review against another edition

4.0

I really loved this book. The authors did a great job of showing a single day in an airport from different overlapping perspectives. The characters felt very well developed and dynamic. My only concern was that some plot points felt a bit too repetitive across chapters. I understand the shared experiences this anthology explores but still would have preferred a bit more variety. Also I read this mostly in an airport, which definitely enhanced the experience. Audiobook

thenextgenlib's review against another edition

5.0

Twelve Asian American authors collaborate on one amazing MG book!

bookishcb_21's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow, this was such a great book! This novel includes 12 stories from the perspective of young Asian Americans, all located at an airport where their paths cross with each passing chapter. There are so many authors I’ve read books by (or have books written by them on my TBR list) that contributed to this story 💜 This book provides so many truths and challenges that are worth reading about, so if you have seen this book at your local bookstore or in the library, please pick it up! 📚 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racial slurs and Racism

miszjeanie's review against another edition

5.0

You Are Here: Connecting Flights is an excellent collection of interconnected short stories about the wide range of the Asian-American experience. It explores the prejudice that people of Asian descent continue to experience. This is a stunning piece of literature that is accessible, informative, moving, and inspiring for kids and adults of all ages.

Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/you-are-here-connecting-flights-book-review/

shivana_soodeen's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

sci_mom's review

fast-paced

4.5

booksicle's review against another edition

5.0

This book has earned its way onto my favorite books of 2023, and it's no surprise why. Written by 12 asian-american authors about young asian-americans that intersect in one Chicago airport, this book is a wonderful and entertaining read that I think adults and middle grade readers alike are going to enjoy.

There's so much diversity in this book: autistic characters, Jewish characters, characters from all different background converging in 12 interlacing stories that deal with standing up for themselves, finding their voices, and above all: discovering what it means to be American. This book has many themes of racism and many of the characters struggle with fitting in. Whether this be because they became Americans when they were younger, or have lived here their entire lives and struggle with their identity. This is a wonderful parallel between each of them, and it shows the sense of community and understanding each of the characters have with each other throughout each one.

These 12 amazing writers came together to write an enticing short story collection that have so many themes that work beautifully together. Reading about the characters through their thoughts, and then seeing them viewed by another character in the next story is a treat I would love to see more of! The mention of Garretts, and the love and connection the last story created with it, made my Chicago heart so happy!

This is going to end up on my recommendations list for years to come!

aimzthereader's review

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

rubiojiayou23's review

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-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

5.0