A review by steel_city_peach
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim

emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Heart-rending

This book touched on some really heavy issues. Anna was running herself ragged trying to be the glue to hold her family together. She had no time to just be a teenager. Her mother’s mental illness was consuming. The entire family had to walk on eggshells. The depiction of her bouts with psychosis were heartbreaking, but accurate. The author also did a good job of capturing the dismal experience of visiting a psych ward. I thought it was interesting that Anna fell for a boy that battled with depression and suicidal ideations. There was a lot of focus on cultural expectations and prejudices. I appreciated all of the layers woven into the story. This book provided a realistic look into dealing with a loved one’s mental health battles.