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micareads123's reviews
271 reviews
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Went in to this with no expectations and ended up loving it. I even stayed up late to finish the second half.
This book follows Ingrid Yang, a 29-year-old PhD student working towards her dissertation on a canonical Chinese poet. When she stumbles upon a seemingly harmless note during her research, she falls upon a disorienting mess that upends all aspects of her life and calls into question the actions and morals of not only her educational institution but several other entities and corners of society.
The overarching theme in this book is internalized racism, not just among white people but among POC as well, and the author pulls this off beautifully. But in addition to that, the book looks at fetishization, “reverse racism,” yellowface, cultural appropriation and so much more.
I loved the witty and tight writing style, the realness of the characters and the relatability of some of the uglier parts of the book. This was well worth the read and a book I think I will be recommending widely.
This book follows Ingrid Yang, a 29-year-old PhD student working towards her dissertation on a canonical Chinese poet. When she stumbles upon a seemingly harmless note during her research, she falls upon a disorienting mess that upends all aspects of her life and calls into question the actions and morals of not only her educational institution but several other entities and corners of society.
The overarching theme in this book is internalized racism, not just among white people but among POC as well, and the author pulls this off beautifully. But in addition to that, the book looks at fetishization, “reverse racism,” yellowface, cultural appropriation and so much more.
I loved the witty and tight writing style, the realness of the characters and the relatability of some of the uglier parts of the book. This was well worth the read and a book I think I will be recommending widely.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So impressively crafted, well written and impactful. The author’s incorporation of true facts into the narrative of this story set in a dystopian America that is capitalizing on and gamifying the execution of its inmates really drives the messaging home.
It’s challenging, it’s devastating and it’s a very important read.
It’s challenging, it’s devastating and it’s a very important read.
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I loved this! It’s a perfectly spooky novella for this time of year. The format of the story was well done and the concept was really interesting.
I do think this could have been a really great full-length novel, too, but I can see why Rio wanted to keep it short and sweet. This one doesn’t hit has hard as If We Were Villains, but I still loved it. Definitely looking forward to whatever Rio comes up with next!
I do think this could have been a really great full-length novel, too, but I can see why Rio wanted to keep it short and sweet. This one doesn’t hit has hard as If We Were Villains, but I still loved it. Definitely looking forward to whatever Rio comes up with next!
Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality by Cindy Joseph, Bob Joseph
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This is a great companion book to 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Bob Joseph comes across as extremely knowledgeable on the topics of Indigenous history and relations lays down in plain language how we as descendants of settlers can establish respectful relationships with Indigenous people(s) moving forward.
This book offers a lot of great insight and can even serve as a useful guide. This is particularly true for chapter 8, which provides a detailed outline of how to establish respectful relations with Indigenous individuals or groups as a professional or organization. There is also a handy terminology guide in the back.
This and its predecessor, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, are absolutely required reading for all Canadians. I only regret not picking this one up sooner.
This book offers a lot of great insight and can even serve as a useful guide. This is particularly true for chapter 8, which provides a detailed outline of how to establish respectful relations with Indigenous individuals or groups as a professional or organization. There is also a handy terminology guide in the back.
This and its predecessor, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, are absolutely required reading for all Canadians. I only regret not picking this one up sooner.
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really interesting. It’s the story of Anisa, who translates Bollywood film subtitles. Feeling under accomplished in her career and wishing she were capable of “real translation” (literary translation), she is quick to jump on the opportunity to join a super-secret language school that guarantees total fluency in only ten days when it is presented to her.
I was totally hooked on the story and motivated to read it at every opportunity, and I (mostly) enjoyed the discussions of translation, literature and language. That said, I did not like any of the characters, but I think that may have been the point. Anisa comes across as a very shallow person who is willing to go to great lengths to become better known and more successful. And I don’t think you could create a plot like this using characters who are not at least morally grey, given that the concept of the language school itself is sketchy at best.
Even though I could see where the plot was leading, I enjoyed the lead-up and generally had a great time reading this. It was perfect to get me into the eerie fall vibe.
I was totally hooked on the story and motivated to read it at every opportunity, and I (mostly) enjoyed the discussions of translation, literature and language. That said, I did not like any of the characters, but I think that may have been the point. Anisa comes across as a very shallow person who is willing to go to great lengths to become better known and more successful. And I don’t think you could create a plot like this using characters who are not at least morally grey, given that the concept of the language school itself is sketchy at best.
Even though I could see where the plot was leading, I enjoyed the lead-up and generally had a great time reading this. It was perfect to get me into the eerie fall vibe.
Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
I loved this! For me it was even better than Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead. Enid’s story was captivating and had me on the edge of my seat. I did not expect the ending, but it left me feeling pretty warm and fuzzy. Just an all around enjoyable read.
The Future by Catherine Leroux
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Really interesting premise, but the execution left something to be desired for me. I wonder if I would find this book more impactful if I read the original French version.
The idea of a Detroit that remained under French Canadian rule is a cool concept. I love the explorations of the historical aspects of that and seeing the French influences the author sprinkled throughout the book. I would have liked to see more discourse around the Indigenous peoples of the area, though.
I also enjoyed the idea of a group of kids who have formed their own society, hidden within the city, to escape their lives riddled with neglect in this dystopian world.
Although the plot felt a little disjointed to me at times and I had a hard time staying focussed on the story, the book does ask some interesting questions and was worth the read.
The idea of a Detroit that remained under French Canadian rule is a cool concept. I love the explorations of the historical aspects of that and seeing the French influences the author sprinkled throughout the book. I would have liked to see more discourse around the Indigenous peoples of the area, though.
I also enjoyed the idea of a group of kids who have formed their own society, hidden within the city, to escape their lives riddled with neglect in this dystopian world.
Although the plot felt a little disjointed to me at times and I had a hard time staying focussed on the story, the book does ask some interesting questions and was worth the read.
Bliss Montage by Ling Ma
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love a good unhinged short story collection! This one had many stories I found great and a few I found okay. The first story, Los Angeles, has to be my favourite. It drew me in immediately and was everything I could want in a short story. Another highlight was Office Hours. The finally story, Tomorrow, took me a long time to finish and was definitely harder for me to digest.
I can definitely see myself revisiting at least some of these stories in the future.
I can definitely see myself revisiting at least some of these stories in the future.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
2.5
I really enjoyed the concept and setting of this book, but unfortunately the execution didn’t live up to my expectations. It was cute and engaging enough and I enjoyed some of the characters, but the magic system, the rivalry and the motives were all lacking clear definition. The plot kind of coasts on vibes.