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boswall_books's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pikapichu's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cmll's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
froghag's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
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
4.0
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
As always thank you for Netgalley, Penguin and Xixi Tian for giving me access to this book.
I will start by saying I gave in to something I rarely do and let the cover draw me in. It is stunningly beautiful and when I read the synopsis I was sure I would love this book. Thankfully I was not wrong.
This is a debut novel by Xixi Tian and what a debut it is. Following the Asian-American Flanagan sisters, Annalie and Margaret, seventeen and eighteen respectively as they deal with a horrible racist attack on their own property. Told through both Annalie’s and Margaret’s point of view we learn how these two sisters and the family all deal with the attack strikingly differently.
With such a vile, but unfortunately very prevalent, topic as racism Tian masterfully deals with this tough topic showing how each family member and those around them is affected differently. While racism is one of the driving factors in the novel that isn’t all the novel deals with, we have friendships, heartache, family and seeing two young adults not only navigate the normal ups and downs of life but trying to find their place with their communities and family as well.
In terms of the writing it is beautiful and easy to follow meaning you can easily lose yourself reading and falling into just one more chapter. The cast of characters are well created and grounded, each built up with their own flaws and virtues (well a few might not have virtues but I don’t want to spoil anything). I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it brought home how some people still wish to judge someone purely for their family or skin tone and reminds us that actions have consequences, as they should, although I feel like I would have liked more confirmation of what did happen to those responsible the ending wrapped everything up and I hope we have more novels from Xixi Tian in the future.
I will start by saying I gave in to something I rarely do and let the cover draw me in. It is stunningly beautiful and when I read the synopsis I was sure I would love this book. Thankfully I was not wrong.
This is a debut novel by Xixi Tian and what a debut it is. Following the Asian-American Flanagan sisters, Annalie and Margaret, seventeen and eighteen respectively as they deal with a horrible racist attack on their own property. Told through both Annalie’s and Margaret’s point of view we learn how these two sisters and the family all deal with the attack strikingly differently.
With such a vile, but unfortunately very prevalent, topic as racism Tian masterfully deals with this tough topic showing how each family member and those around them is affected differently. While racism is one of the driving factors in the novel that isn’t all the novel deals with, we have friendships, heartache, family and seeing two young adults not only navigate the normal ups and downs of life but trying to find their place with their communities and family as well.
In terms of the writing it is beautiful and easy to follow meaning you can easily lose yourself reading and falling into just one more chapter. The cast of characters are well created and grounded, each built up with their own flaws and virtues (well a few might not have virtues but I don’t want to spoil anything). I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it brought home how some people still wish to judge someone purely for their family or skin tone and reminds us that actions have consequences, as they should, although I feel like I would have liked more confirmation of what did happen to those responsible the ending wrapped everything up and I hope we have more novels from Xixi Tian in the future.
amanda9269's review against another edition
4.0
This Place Is Still Beautiful is a stunning contemporary on growing up and forming your own identity with a great commentary on racism against asians. A debut novel that blew me away. The writing was amazing and perfectly balanced between each sisters perspective, their relationships and their ideas surrounding the event. As an asian teen I felt so connected to this text and understand the clashing personalities of both. A perfect book and a must read for any contemporary fans.
beautyblob's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable read, I haven't read a lot of YA recently and this was very YA, I would have loved this about 15 years ago and really identified with parts of Annalie's personality and how unsure of herself she was, brought me back to my teenage years! The story focused more on the family relationships and in particular the relationship between the two sisters whose points of view the chapters flit between and narrates the difference in how they both deal with the hate crime that starts the novel. Interesting to read both points of view and see it from both sides of the story.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Children's UK and the author.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Children's UK and the author.
charharman's review against another edition
4.5
Wow, I flew through this book in just over a day. The juxtaposition of the sisters throughout this story was excellent, flipping from each sisters POV really tied everything together for me.
It highlights how making wrong decisions can still lead you to the right ones.
Such a sensitive topic handled in a beautiful way, crafted so well for the YA genre. I am so excited for what Xixi Tian writes next!
It highlights how making wrong decisions can still lead you to the right ones.
Such a sensitive topic handled in a beautiful way, crafted so well for the YA genre. I am so excited for what Xixi Tian writes next!
angiabeille's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
caitiep92's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0