gracexo7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
nicolejacobsen's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
shargeorge's review against another edition
5.0
Eye-opening. I feel like I just got a wake up call from the motherland
heroicandromache's review against another edition
4.0
THIS BOOK WRECKED ME.
I’m mixed (although non-Filipino, but half-Asian) and what Jay goes through really resonated with me.
This book is about coming back and finding yourself and defining yourself in terms of home and language and to be honest, I cried a little bit.
It also deals with some heavy themes, especially with Duterte’s regime and ties into what’s happening now with the Junk Terror bill, so I’d definitely give it a read! The ending and conclusion leaves a little bit to be desired, especially because how it’s handled in a sense, but very worthwhile.
I’ll leave you with this quote: “Surely the air your lungs first breathe matters. The language your ears first hear... Fuck anyone who tries to tell you who you are and where you belong.”
I’m mixed (although non-Filipino, but half-Asian) and what Jay goes through really resonated with me.
This book is about coming back and finding yourself and defining yourself in terms of home and language and to be honest, I cried a little bit.
It also deals with some heavy themes, especially with Duterte’s regime and ties into what’s happening now with the Junk Terror bill, so I’d definitely give it a read! The ending and conclusion leaves a little bit to be desired, especially because how it’s handled in a sense, but very worthwhile.
I’ll leave you with this quote: “Surely the air your lungs first breathe matters. The language your ears first hear... Fuck anyone who tries to tell you who you are and where you belong.”
jenna310's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
katreadsalot's review
5.0
Coming-of-age tales can be hit or miss for me, but this was a hit! I found this moving, and so beautifully written. I enjoyed learning about the Philippines (I had very little awareness of Duterte's drug war prior to reading this) and Jay's growth throughout the book which results in a deeper connection with his family, especially Grace. It was a little bit of a slow build but the mystery aspects kept me interested and I loved the resolution to that part of the story.
"Surely the air your lungs first breathe matters. The language your ears first year. The foods your nose first smells and your tongue first tastes. The soil you first crawl upon. My conscious brain might not remember, but something in me does." pg. 227
Really appreciated the Michigan connection!
"Surely the air your lungs first breathe matters. The language your ears first year. The foods your nose first smells and your tongue first tastes. The soil you first crawl upon. My conscious brain might not remember, but something in me does." pg. 227
Really appreciated the Michigan connection!
spoileralert's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.25
oohmaryannn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25