You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
hgullegrogan's Reviews (119)
I've read this book at least 3 times over. I absolutely adore the protagonist and the story.
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plimpton's short time working with the Boston Bruins gives insight into the rich underbelly of the NHL. Great read!
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kuang does a great job writing a dislikable, self-centered narrator. June is a character, that like many in real life, adamantly insists that she is not racist--that in fact she votes liberal. But, the reality is that June's internal voice and ideas about Asian people are ignorant and often offensive. She is racist. Kuang writes this cognitive dissonance through June's perspective well. Despite all that June experiences by the end of the book, she still leans on her whiteness and privilege to come out on top. At face value, Kuang seems to have written a story where a white woman wins, but I don't think this is true. June ~believes~ that she will end up the "winner" of this debate, because she's lived her life guarded by white privilege. But, I believe she will struggle to implement this plan, due to the legal nightmare and damaged reputation that a thieving, plagiarizing author represents.
I really like this book and the uncertainty of the ending; however, I don't like the use of Candice's character to act as June's ultimate downfall. The scene on the stairs is a bit outlandish and improbable. I would have preferred this bit be removed with the effects of June's behavior on Candice's and others' lives included in an epilogue (if at all). June's writing career and reputation have been demolished, she believes she can make a comeback with a confession memoir, she's troubled by the guilt of her actions, and she ultimately regrets what she's done (albeit for selfish reasons). The standoff with Candace on the stairs feels almost cheap compared with the rest of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel--I couldn't put it down. I love Kuang's prose and writing style. She created a rich, convincing universe to pose important, relevant questions about the intersection of literature and diversity.
Edit: I think it's worth noting that this is the first work of Kuang's that I have read, and I am not familiar with her personal ties to the racial commentary this book discusses.
I really like this book and the uncertainty of the ending; however, I don't like the use of Candice's character to act as June's ultimate downfall. The scene on the stairs is a bit outlandish and improbable. I would have preferred this bit be removed with the effects of June's behavior on Candice's and others' lives included in an epilogue (if at all). June's writing career and reputation have been demolished, she believes she can make a comeback with a confession memoir, she's troubled by the guilt of her actions, and she ultimately regrets what she's done (albeit for selfish reasons). The standoff with Candace on the stairs feels almost cheap compared with the rest of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel--I couldn't put it down. I love Kuang's prose and writing style. She created a rich, convincing universe to pose important, relevant questions about the intersection of literature and diversity.
Edit: I think it's worth noting that this is the first work of Kuang's that I have read, and I am not familiar with her personal ties to the racial commentary this book discusses.
Unfortunately, the final book in this series is a bit cliche and lackluster. Compared to the first two books, which I could not put down, Dust was far less interesting and engaging. I knew how the series would end as soon as the third book started.
Overall, I enjoyed the series and would recommend it, but the first 2 books far surpassed the third.
Overall, I enjoyed the series and would recommend it, but the first 2 books far surpassed the third.
I picked this book up at a shop because of its similarity to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (a favorite of mine). Because of this comparison, I had high hopes for this story, and it held up to them!
Despite the "disjointed" nature of small stories and memories coming together, RH's writing has a smooth, syntactical rhythm. For a relatively short novel, she crafts a rich universe and an immersive story.
I will absolutely read this again.
Despite the "disjointed" nature of small stories and memories coming together, RH's writing has a smooth, syntactical rhythm. For a relatively short novel, she crafts a rich universe and an immersive story.
I will absolutely read this again.
Kitchen is a 2 part story which wants to bring deep wisdom to the sordid loss of a loved one but fails to build characters to bear this weight.
The way OEB writes a romance between an 18 and 57 year old is very strange. In a matter of days, Bankole goes from disgust at Lauren's young age to asking for her hand in marriage. It's very weird and unnecessary.
In all, I feel that Lauren's age was a significant part of the story but her character's thinking and behavior (after leaving her gated community) wasn't in line with an 18 yo.
The story line was interesting at times, but I felt it was too on the nose with some of the commentary.
In all, I feel that Lauren's age was a significant part of the story but her character's thinking and behavior (after leaving her gated community) wasn't in line with an 18 yo.
The story line was interesting at times, but I felt it was too on the nose with some of the commentary.