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acitygirlsthoughts's reviews
108 reviews
Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali
5.0
Our actions mirror a cause or belief we stand for, but do teens and tweens really understand what they stand for? In S.K. Ali's SAINTS AND MISFITS high school sophomore Janna Yusuf struggles with her Islamic rituals and rules. She falls in love for the first time to a non-Muslim boy, torn between wearing or ditching the burqa (headscarf conservative Muslim women wear), and facing her friend's cousin who sexually abused her. Its painful to read her fear and confusion (the all-to-familiar "It was my fault" self-blame) but as she grows emotionally stronger Ali weaves Janna's rising courage to face her abuser with her spiritual growth as she matures in her Islamic education.
The why - why she follows Islam, why she blames herself for her abuser's action - are discovered through others who hold a special place in her life: Mr. Ram, an elderly Indian man who follows Hinduism, her brother's fianceé Sarah, and her study-partner-turned-ally Sausun. Starting with Mr. Ram's philosophical quote in Chapter 4, "Why we do an action is what determines its quality. A quality action or not...when we just do things without a why we become husks. Easily crumpled, no fruit inside," Janna's bildungsroman sprouts; her actions begin to mirror her father's advice (sent via email) until Sausun's plan to expose Janna's abuser bring her back to Mr. Ram's abovementioned quote. She never really thought about her spiritual rituals, just doing them because of the basics such as praying 5 times a day to remember God, but after hearing why Sarah became a devout Muslim and Sausun's plan to expose fake-holy Muslim men (like her brother-in-law) Janna finally realizes her reason for following her beliefs. Ending with another quote from Mr. Ram (about self-love) Janna starts "anew" and vows to to love herself after confiding to her loved ones about her abuse.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a bildungsroman (growth of character) about a teen's spiritual journey. Even if you aren't Muslim (which, by the way, I'm not), teens will understand Janna's struggles, especially if you are raised in a religious environment, and in this era of #MeToo Ali's protagonist sends a powerful message to teenagers about standing up for yourself. However, Ali never told us what happens to Farooq, Janna's abuser. Except for sexual assault, other topics, such as religion and conservatism vs. liberalism weren't clearly elaborated in detail, probably because Janna doesn't really know where she stands on such matters.
The why - why she follows Islam, why she blames herself for her abuser's action - are discovered through others who hold a special place in her life: Mr. Ram, an elderly Indian man who follows Hinduism, her brother's fianceé Sarah, and her study-partner-turned-ally Sausun. Starting with Mr. Ram's philosophical quote in Chapter 4, "Why we do an action is what determines its quality. A quality action or not...when we just do things without a why we become husks. Easily crumpled, no fruit inside," Janna's bildungsroman sprouts; her actions begin to mirror her father's advice (sent via email) until Sausun's plan to expose Janna's abuser bring her back to Mr. Ram's abovementioned quote. She never really thought about her spiritual rituals, just doing them because of the basics such as praying 5 times a day to remember God, but after hearing why Sarah became a devout Muslim and Sausun's plan to expose fake-holy Muslim men (like her brother-in-law) Janna finally realizes her reason for following her beliefs. Ending with another quote from Mr. Ram (about self-love) Janna starts "anew" and vows to to love herself after confiding to her loved ones about her abuse.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a bildungsroman (growth of character) about a teen's spiritual journey. Even if you aren't Muslim (which, by the way, I'm not), teens will understand Janna's struggles, especially if you are raised in a religious environment, and in this era of #MeToo Ali's protagonist sends a powerful message to teenagers about standing up for yourself. However, Ali never told us what happens to Farooq, Janna's abuser. Except for sexual assault, other topics, such as religion and conservatism vs. liberalism weren't clearly elaborated in detail, probably because Janna doesn't really know where she stands on such matters.
The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs
5.0
At a glance I thought The Hamilton Affair was the inspiration for Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "Hamilton" but judging by the reviews this came out before the musical. Nevertheless, if you want to learn about Alexander Hamilton, or are a fan of the Broadway musical, this is the book for you.
Cobbs Hoffman primarily focused on Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's relationship, as well as his fight for honor and respect during the Revolutionary War. His mother divorced her first husband, then married Alexander's father. At that time it was illegal for a woman to remarry after divorce, so Alexander and his brother were considered illegitimate children, unworthy of inheritance and respect. This pushed him to attend college here in the U.S., where his writing earned him the chance to fight alongside George Washington. Rewarded with a military - later on a government - position, Hamilton finally earned the respect he wanted as a child in St. Croix, but his political enemies, as well as lust, will test him and Eliza for the rest of his life.
This is under the genre of historical fiction, just in case you thought this is nonfiction. The plot is easy to follow, but I was hoping Cobbs Hoffman would delve more into Alexander's political rivalry, since a lot of time is spent focusing on that topic, almost (in my opinion) more than his relationship with Eliza, but since this is the first time I'm reading a novel about Alexander Hamilton, I felt enough information was used to educate readers who have little to no knowledge about him.
Cobbs Hoffman primarily focused on Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's relationship, as well as his fight for honor and respect during the Revolutionary War. His mother divorced her first husband, then married Alexander's father. At that time it was illegal for a woman to remarry after divorce, so Alexander and his brother were considered illegitimate children, unworthy of inheritance and respect. This pushed him to attend college here in the U.S., where his writing earned him the chance to fight alongside George Washington. Rewarded with a military - later on a government - position, Hamilton finally earned the respect he wanted as a child in St. Croix, but his political enemies, as well as lust, will test him and Eliza for the rest of his life.
This is under the genre of historical fiction, just in case you thought this is nonfiction. The plot is easy to follow, but I was hoping Cobbs Hoffman would delve more into Alexander's political rivalry, since a lot of time is spent focusing on that topic, almost (in my opinion) more than his relationship with Eliza, but since this is the first time I'm reading a novel about Alexander Hamilton, I felt enough information was used to educate readers who have little to no knowledge about him.
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
5.0
Jessica Shattuck's novel The Women in the Castle is a bittersweet delve into the lives of three widows post-WWII as they reflect on their lives after the struggling years right after Germany was defeated. Told from an omnipresent point of view we learn of Marianne Von Lingenfels motivation to assist her husband Albrecht as an accomplice to take down Hitler and protect the wives of the men who are helping Mr. Von Lingenfels. Starting from the first chapter we are introduced to her unwavering commitment to be "The Commander of Wives and Children," bestowed on her by her friend Connie Fledermann. She took her job protecting widows and children of rebels like a strict principal overseeing the emotional and physical growth of her students and employees, reveling in her superior position. This isn't to say she's heartless, but too focused on upholding her boarders' to her morals that she forgets empathy and forgiveness until it's too late.
There were two types of Germans post-WWII: Nazi sympathizers and one's who felt ashamed of themselves and their nation. Marianne made sure her and the widows' children understood what their fathers' fought for, but little does she know not every widow - and their deceased husband - were a part of the movement she, Albrecht, and Connie fought for. As years go by she learns of the widows' secrets, which cause her to question whether she is ACTUALLY there for them as a friend.
Shattuck wants readers to understand "Life's Lessons" isn't black-and-white (a.k.a. good-or-bad), but how we deal with them can either make-or-break our relationships. The omnipresent view is perfect for this novel, since it would've been too confusing to understand multiple characters point-of-views. The only downside is the amount of characters I had to remember; it would've been helpful if their was a page listing every character and their occupation, but other than that this novel is great!
There were two types of Germans post-WWII: Nazi sympathizers and one's who felt ashamed of themselves and their nation. Marianne made sure her and the widows' children understood what their fathers' fought for, but little does she know not every widow - and their deceased husband - were a part of the movement she, Albrecht, and Connie fought for. As years go by she learns of the widows' secrets, which cause her to question whether she is ACTUALLY there for them as a friend.
Shattuck wants readers to understand "Life's Lessons" isn't black-and-white (a.k.a. good-or-bad), but how we deal with them can either make-or-break our relationships. The omnipresent view is perfect for this novel, since it would've been too confusing to understand multiple characters point-of-views. The only downside is the amount of characters I had to remember; it would've been helpful if their was a page listing every character and their occupation, but other than that this novel is great!
女人有錢真好 by Kevin Kwan
4.0
I wasn't impressed with Crazy Rich Asians (CRA) so I was sceptical about reading this book, but Kevin Kwan definitely improved this novel by adding mystery and a little bit of a thriller! Nick Young, one of Singapore's richest bachelors, finally marries his love Rachel Chu in California. His mom pops up at the last minute to announce she has found Rachel's dad; Rachel had tried to find her dad since the end of CRA but to no avail. She and Nick agree to meet him during their honeymoon in Shanghai, China, but soon discover they - especially Rachel - are in for another drama-filled adventure. Instead of focusing on the designer brands and homes competition of the rich, Kwan focuses on Rachel's dad, Bao Gaoling, his wife Shaoyen, and their son - Rachael half-brother - Carlton as they try to come-to-terms with their long-lost family member, and Carlton's sometimes-girlfriend Colette Bing, a rich fashion blogger who is jealous of Rachel for no reason. Kwan also keeps us up-to-date with Astrid, Nick's cousin, and her husband Michael, who were on rocky terms since the end of CRA. We also get a glimpse into Kitty and Bernard Tai's story: both tried so hard to become respected in the richest circles of Chinese aristocracy but failed terribly.
Kwan gives us a lesson about monetary obsession: anyone can be rich in China's - and Singapore's - current economy, so the "old money" people (whose wealth goes back through generations) will try to make it extra hard for "new money" people to have access to all the elite clubs of the powerful, therefore their voices are unimportant. Corinna Ko-Tung, a character who describes herself as an adviser to people "who want to secure a place among Asia's elite" says it best during her conversion with Kitty Tai: "Everyone is rich. Anyone can make a twenty-milling dollar donation if they really want to. To these people, having your pictures in the party pages all the time actually does more damage than good-it is seen as desperate...the real Hong Kong will always be closed to you...your children will never get into the best schools...you will never get to know any of the people who move the economy, who have the ear of the top politicians in Beijing, who affect culture. People who truly matter in Asia." This is not only true of the "new money rich" but also of Singapore's rich elite.
In conclusion, this book was better than Crazy Rich Asians👍🏽
Kwan gives us a lesson about monetary obsession: anyone can be rich in China's - and Singapore's - current economy, so the "old money" people (whose wealth goes back through generations) will try to make it extra hard for "new money" people to have access to all the elite clubs of the powerful, therefore their voices are unimportant. Corinna Ko-Tung, a character who describes herself as an adviser to people "who want to secure a place among Asia's elite" says it best during her conversion with Kitty Tai: "Everyone is rich. Anyone can make a twenty-milling dollar donation if they really want to. To these people, having your pictures in the party pages all the time actually does more damage than good-it is seen as desperate...the real Hong Kong will always be closed to you...your children will never get into the best schools...you will never get to know any of the people who move the economy, who have the ear of the top politicians in Beijing, who affect culture. People who truly matter in Asia." This is not only true of the "new money rich" but also of Singapore's rich elite.
In conclusion, this book was better than Crazy Rich Asians👍🏽
遺產爭奪戰 by Kevin Kwan
3.0
I'm glad authors are giving their characters, especially the villians, a fleshed-out backstory. Villians aren't born but made - especially by transgressions that could've been avoided. Many of the characters in Rich People Problems would have turned out different if they weren't raised to live up to the one percent's ideal social standard: More material goods, plus "old money" lineage (ex: royal ancestors) with a heap of misogyny do not equal happiness, but - as the saying goes - old habits die hard, thus increasing the amount of sorrow and pain each person carries. That doesn't excuse anyone for their wrongdoings but it does help us understand them better.
Overall this story was ok; Nick returns home to visit his dying grandmother Su Yi but is met by his gossipy relatives who are extremely annoying. While everyone is speculating on who will get what in Su Yi's Will, Kwan has us catch up on leftover drama from China Rich Girlfriend while tying up loose ends. The good ones receive a happy ending while the villians are either punished or change, but I felt their were too many stories being told while trying to tie them into the main plot, leaving some loose ends. A new character was introduced - and then dismissed - in the Prologue for no reason, never returning throughout the remainder of this novel, plus some relationships were either revealed at the last minute or left undisclosed. Regardless of the abovementioned (and the usual gossip these characters engage in) this novel ended with (almost) everyone looking towards life with a deeper commitment to personally understand others and not just worry about how much money, homes, cars, designer labels, and publicity they need to be "The current hottest topic."
Overall this story was ok; Nick returns home to visit his dying grandmother Su Yi but is met by his gossipy relatives who are extremely annoying. While everyone is speculating on who will get what in Su Yi's Will, Kwan has us catch up on leftover drama from China Rich Girlfriend while tying up loose ends. The good ones receive a happy ending while the villians are either punished or change, but I felt their were too many stories being told while trying to tie them into the main plot, leaving some loose ends. A new character was introduced - and then dismissed - in the Prologue for no reason, never returning throughout the remainder of this novel, plus some relationships were either revealed at the last minute or left undisclosed. Regardless of the abovementioned (and the usual gossip these characters engage in) this novel ended with (almost) everyone looking towards life with a deeper commitment to personally understand others and not just worry about how much money, homes, cars, designer labels, and publicity they need to be "The current hottest topic."
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
3.0
Have you ever read a book that, once finished, makes you ask, "Was there a moral to this story?" THIS novel is an example of that!
E. Lockhart takes us through Julietta "Jule" West William's criminal escapades around the world as she tries to flee the police. In the beginning she's busted, which leads Lockhart to tell us in reverse-chronological order what Jule has done. Her crimes revolve around her friend Melody Bacon, rechristened as Imogen "Immie" Sokoloff upon adoption, impersonating Immie - after she disappears - with her fortune to pay for disguises. Jule's sometimes delves into the philosophy of feminism in superhero stories (she views herself as a "superhero," constantly exercising and watching action movies), often questioning the lack of female heros or disbelief of evil women in real life, which is interesting and shows us the academic side of her, but Lockhart never tells us why Jule committed her first crime (murder - which is the reason she's on the run) nor what events during her life shaped her into the person she is today. It's an interesting read; Jule's plans and thoughts are well-written, including the lives of her friends, but I expected closure regarding WHY Jule is the way she is, which left me confused and frustrated.
E. Lockhart takes us through Julietta "Jule" West William's criminal escapades around the world as she tries to flee the police. In the beginning she's busted, which leads Lockhart to tell us in reverse-chronological order what Jule has done. Her crimes revolve around her friend Melody Bacon, rechristened as Imogen "Immie" Sokoloff upon adoption, impersonating Immie - after she disappears - with her fortune to pay for disguises. Jule's sometimes delves into the philosophy of feminism in superhero stories (she views herself as a "superhero," constantly exercising and watching action movies), often questioning the lack of female heros or disbelief of evil women in real life, which is interesting and shows us the academic side of her, but Lockhart never tells us why Jule committed her first crime (murder - which is the reason she's on the run) nor what events during her life shaped her into the person she is today. It's an interesting read; Jule's plans and thoughts are well-written, including the lives of her friends, but I expected closure regarding WHY Jule is the way she is, which left me confused and frustrated.
Crazy House by James Patterson
2.0
This is based on Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games Trilogy, but more confusing and nonsensical. We follow Cassandra (Cassie) Greenfield as she tries to find her missing twin sister Rebecca (Becca) while Becca was kidnapped and arrested, put in jail, beaten and starved, all because she is a part of the Outsiders, a rebel group against the United, America's government. But we don't know this until the end, which is pointless and left me confused while reading.
The United are rich people who control other Americans by forcing them to live in "cells," communities where they have to live and work a certain way. Each cell is governed by a provost (pretty much a mayor). When kids are kidnapped and missing Becca and Cassie's provost - Provost Allen - says they deserve it, but Cassie doesn't believe him. Along with his son Nate they continue searching for Becca until Cassie is kidnapped. Nate and another kid find out where Cassie and Becca are held, break in, and help them escape, but not without being abused.
James Patterson shouldn't have waited until the end to state why Becca and Cassie were kidnapped. I don't understand why Ms. Strepp, the head of the prison, kidnapped Outsiders, abused them, and starved them to prepare for war if she is an Outsider herself. This book emotionally pulled me in, and the escape scene gave me an adrenaline rush, but overall this book was not only confusing in plot and (some) characters, but had rushed scenes. I borrowed this because I've never read Patterson's works but heard positive remarks about him, so I decided to give this story a read. Frankly, I'm disappointed.
The United are rich people who control other Americans by forcing them to live in "cells," communities where they have to live and work a certain way. Each cell is governed by a provost (pretty much a mayor). When kids are kidnapped and missing Becca and Cassie's provost - Provost Allen - says they deserve it, but Cassie doesn't believe him. Along with his son Nate they continue searching for Becca until Cassie is kidnapped. Nate and another kid find out where Cassie and Becca are held, break in, and help them escape, but not without being abused.
James Patterson shouldn't have waited until the end to state why Becca and Cassie were kidnapped. I don't understand why Ms. Strepp, the head of the prison, kidnapped Outsiders, abused them, and starved them to prepare for war if she is an Outsider herself. This book emotionally pulled me in, and the escape scene gave me an adrenaline rush, but overall this book was not only confusing in plot and (some) characters, but had rushed scenes. I borrowed this because I've never read Patterson's works but heard positive remarks about him, so I decided to give this story a read. Frankly, I'm disappointed.