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A review by theuntitleddocument
Chinglish by Sue Cheung
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
This book had its highs and lows. Let's start with the highs: I'm a sucker for a diary format and an even bigger sucker for a diary format with illustrations. The illustrations are at times hilarious and definitely shows the age of the protagonist (this is a downfall however because at times the protagonist may sound quite young for their age!).
I think there is a solid family story in there and the story doesn't hinge on any big mystery to propel it forward. Jo is a funny character that many teens will be able to relate to - she hates her parents, obsessed with her looks, stubborn, and very well-rounded. But she's also vulnerable. It is those moments when she's most vulnerable that I connected with her. I would have really liked to have seen more of that but I do understand that this is a very personal piece for the author and as such they may not have wanted to give that part of them away.
My biggest issue with this novel is the treatment of the dad.
SPOILER FROM NOW ON
There is the issue of abuse which arises and it's not really dealt with in the novel. The abuse is horrifying and impacts not only Jo but also her sister, mother, and brother. But, again, this was during a time when abuse was overlooked and a personal matter to the author so fully respect how she's dealt with it and not tampering with the story just for the sake of it.
Overall: a wholesome story.
This book had its highs and lows. Let's start with the highs: I'm a sucker for a diary format and an even bigger sucker for a diary format with illustrations. The illustrations are at times hilarious and definitely shows the age of the protagonist (this is a downfall however because at times the protagonist may sound quite young for their age!).
I think there is a solid family story in there and the story doesn't hinge on any big mystery to propel it forward. Jo is a funny character that many teens will be able to relate to - she hates her parents, obsessed with her looks, stubborn, and very well-rounded. But she's also vulnerable. It is those moments when she's most vulnerable that I connected with her. I would have really liked to have seen more of that but I do understand that this is a very personal piece for the author and as such they may not have wanted to give that part of them away.
My biggest issue with this novel is the treatment of the dad.
SPOILER FROM NOW ON
There is the issue of abuse which arises and it's not really dealt with in the novel. The abuse is horrifying and impacts not only Jo but also her sister, mother, and brother. But, again, this was during a time when abuse was overlooked and a personal matter to the author so fully respect how she's dealt with it and not tampering with the story just for the sake of it.
Overall: a wholesome story.