A review by bibliomich
Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav

emotional 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

5.0

Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav is a book that I had never heard of until a friend recommended it to me, and I am so grateful that she did. I don’t think she could have picked a more perfect recommendation. A coming-of-age novel set in the 90s featuring an Asian-Australian protagonist? Say no more.

I can’t remember the last time a book made me *feel* this much. I was completely swept up in Ai’s story. When she fell in love, I was taken right back to my own high school relationship. As she grappled with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, I ached for her. When she experienced betrayal, I felt betrayed. When she grieved, I grieved. Lang Leav expertly unravels this story in a way that is unputdownable and keeps the reader on their toes.

I don’t want to say too much more, as I think this book is best appreciated with little to no knowledge going into it. But I hope that if you pick it up, you love it as much as I did.