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A review by jaec11
This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is the story of CJ, whose ancestors were Japanese who faces internment, and those same people run her town and want to buy her family business. CJ deals with family drama, romance and boys, and friendship issues while fighting from social justice
There are some fascinating and relatable points about racism and social justice, and the novel can be eye-opening and educational. As a 3rd gen Asian Canadian, I saw my own story in so many ways. However, it's hard to tackle social justice issues in a book, and I fought some of it to be forced and preach-y. Some of it felt a bit like an afterthought, a plot point added midway through, rather than a more cohesive theme. I thought it was bizarre that the first half of the book was focused on romance and friendship, then suddenly took on an anti-racism lens, which was the new focus.
I also found the main character to be obnoxious. She seemed to think herself an expert in racism and allyship, and made some very questionable decisions. I also just found her to be rude and illogical, making several hurtful and rude choices and then not apologizing for them. I understand the desire to have a complex and flawed character, but she was simply unlikable.
What I enjoyed most were the between chapter glimpses into the past, looking at family and personal history. I found this to be interesting, and told in a fun way. I also did appreciate the main love interest
PG-13 for swearing, talk of teen pregnancy and sex, and other heavy topics
There are some fascinating and relatable points about racism and social justice, and the novel can be eye-opening and educational. As a 3rd gen Asian Canadian, I saw my own story in so many ways. However, it's hard to tackle social justice issues in a book, and I fought some of it to be forced and preach-y. Some of it felt a bit like an afterthought, a plot point added midway through, rather than a more cohesive theme. I thought it was bizarre that the first half of the book was focused on romance and friendship, then suddenly took on an anti-racism lens, which was the new focus.
I also found the main character to be obnoxious. She seemed to think herself an expert in racism and allyship, and made some very questionable decisions. I also just found her to be rude and illogical, making several hurtful and rude choices and then not apologizing for them. I understand the desire to have a complex and flawed character, but she was simply unlikable.
What I enjoyed most were the between chapter glimpses into the past, looking at family and personal history. I found this to be interesting, and told in a fun way. I also did appreciate the main love interest
PG-13 for swearing, talk of teen pregnancy and sex, and other heavy topics
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy and Racism