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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reading this book was a similar emotional experience to reading Through the Arc of the Rainforest, also by Karen Tei Yamashita: I was thrown into a rapidly switching cast of characters at the beginning, but by the end knew each focal character personally. Written beautifully and like a soap opera, the novel explores globalism, technology usage in the late 1990s, and the southern border of the United States. One thing that bothered me was that the two focal female characters were the main victims of unprovoked violence. I understand that much of this novel is metaphor and satire, however, the violence these women faced seemed to uphold a trope of innocent women more than expose it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bonus points for a creative structure and theme that weaves a storyline around various characters across LA. Speaking as a former Angeleno of the 90s, the detail is exquisite. So much nostalgia to pull at your heart strings. You all remember the 'Mexicans are kidnapping people to steal your organs scare', right? But there's also a part of me that thinks if you're not an Angeleno, this book may seem ridiculous, that finding your lost child at a lucha match seems far-fetched when actually it does not. Because in the City of Angels with the epic golden light, satire and dreams live right alongside the homeless and the striving.
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
This one was slow getting started to the extent that I almost DNF’ed. But as soon as the magic made itself apparent, midway through Tuesday, I couldn’t put it down. The characters, formerly unconnected weirdos with no through line, suddenly came into focus. And of course the city of LA itself came into focus as a player in the story, about migration and immigration, home and homeless, humans and humanity. I’ll be processing this one for a while but definitely recommend, especially for anyone who has lived in LA.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
ending confused me but good
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I first read this book in college, 2005 or 2006. I’m glad I returned to it. Yamashita’s ahead of her time, is of the time. This is a book that celebrates language and culture and multitudinous mass that is humanity. It’s terrifying and insane and expansive. We’re all sleeping on Yamashita, which is a real shame because she deserves so much more attention.
Don't bother reading. One of the most confusing and difficult books I have ever read, with an undramatic ending. The whole book works up to a poor ending. Not worth anyone's time.
challenging
funny
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes