calmchowder 's review for:

The Leavers by Lisa Ko

2.0

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I feel kind of bad saying that this book fell flat for me, but it definitely did. I'll definitely say that the parts narrated by Peilan were sad and dark and riveting, but unfortunately the other 75% was clumsy and slow. The characters were poorly developed; it felt like everyone was a carbon copy of an imperfect but well-meaning person just doing their best. I've read better narratives about identity and immigration. And the "just be yourself, to hell with the American dream!" narrative is trite. I wanted to love it!!