alivaster's review against another edition
I really wanted to enjoy this book, especially because the premise sounded fascinating, but after the first bunch of chapters of the book, I found myself becoming less interested and the book wasn't able to keep my interest anymore. Ultimately, after reading it over the span of three months and only make it about halfway through, I DNFed the book for now and may go back and look into it again in the future. It just wasn't working for me.
I will say that it does have a lot of Korean history and information so people may find that fascinating! The character's jumping back and forth was just jarring to me in a way that took me out of the story, but that clearly wasn't the case for the majority of readers.
Thank you to the publisher, Simon and Schuster, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
I will say that it does have a lot of Korean history and information so people may find that fascinating! The character's jumping back and forth was just jarring to me in a way that took me out of the story, but that clearly wasn't the case for the majority of readers.
Thank you to the publisher, Simon and Schuster, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
jpalba's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
catherinept's review against another edition
emotional
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
hayleyjb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
becsmars's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
zaychiki's review against another edition
5.0
One of my absolute favorite reads in a while.
There are so many points where I genuinely laughed out loud, and the humor of the book is warm and relatable.
It’s also a great satire on the throes of late stage capitalism in America. Partly hilarious, partly depressing, entirely on point because it’s what we live in. Dr. Kwak’s eyes are the perfect to view it from.
The chapters on his life in Korea are incredibly done. Somehow Lee manages to switch emotional gears effortlessly. In the 48 hours it took to read this book (I was addicted) I laughed and also wept. It’s not easy to write such nuanced emotions for both an individual character and an entire people and time.
As a first gen American, despite hailing from a different region, so much rang inevitably true of Kwak’s experience and monologues. And there’s a scene toward the end that I won’t spoil, but I howled with laughter and loved that Lee managed to show yet another facet of this fantastic hero of the story.
I know this isn’t a great review, as I’m having a hard time verbalizing all my thoughts on this fantastic read. But I will say: Read this. It’s truly a special, once in an era kind of read.
There are so many points where I genuinely laughed out loud, and the humor of the book is warm and relatable.
It’s also a great satire on the throes of late stage capitalism in America. Partly hilarious, partly depressing, entirely on point because it’s what we live in. Dr. Kwak’s eyes are the perfect to view it from.
The chapters on his life in Korea are incredibly done. Somehow Lee manages to switch emotional gears effortlessly. In the 48 hours it took to read this book (I was addicted) I laughed and also wept. It’s not easy to write such nuanced emotions for both an individual character and an entire people and time.
As a first gen American, despite hailing from a different region, so much rang inevitably true of Kwak’s experience and monologues. And there’s a scene toward the end that I won’t spoil, but I howled with laughter and loved that Lee managed to show yet another facet of this fantastic hero of the story.
I know this isn’t a great review, as I’m having a hard time verbalizing all my thoughts on this fantastic read. But I will say: Read this. It’s truly a special, once in an era kind of read.
aksharakannan's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
stilljennifer's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up. There was so much I loved about this book, particularly the flashback to the protagonist's youth in Korea, but what kept this from being a 5-star book was the unevenness of tone in places. While I understand the author likely wanted to throw in some levity, I thought some of the more farcical ideas (the medispa situation, for instance) really clashed with the seriousness of the rest of the novel. I really felt that whole section took me out of the story and I didn't really get into it until after that was over. I'm all for a bit of lightheartedness and even flippant social commentary, but I prefer it to be made in a linear way, whereas this flip-flopped between frivolous and heartbreaking.
That being said, it was a very good read in places, and another one I imagine will end up on many Best Of lists by the end of the year and into 2023. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
That being said, it was a very good read in places, and another one I imagine will end up on many Best Of lists by the end of the year and into 2023. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
booksintheirnaturalhabitat's review against another edition
4.0
The Evening Hero is a well-woven exploration of family dynamics, immigration, class and healthcare issues. I really appreciated how history-rich the two timelines were. Learning about Yungman’s experience growing up in Korea provided so much insight into his reactions and why he became a doctor.
This is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written, mainly because this book dives all the way in on some really relatable and complex issues. It’s one of those books that gives a clear picture of other viewpoints and really makes you think. In fact, I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
Really the most striking for me was both the evolution of healthcare while there being a big gap between basic care (like baby deliveries) versus those who nonchalantly do elective boutique procedures. The divide is so vast. It’s also concerning that hospitals are doing, in some cases, unnecessary procedures just to generate more money.
Overall, The Evening Hero is a really impactful exploration of so many issues that it’s sure to stick with you and really challenge your own perspectives.
A big thank you to @getredprbooks @simonandschuster and @mariemyungoklee for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinion.
This is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written, mainly because this book dives all the way in on some really relatable and complex issues. It’s one of those books that gives a clear picture of other viewpoints and really makes you think. In fact, I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
Really the most striking for me was both the evolution of healthcare while there being a big gap between basic care (like baby deliveries) versus those who nonchalantly do elective boutique procedures. The divide is so vast. It’s also concerning that hospitals are doing, in some cases, unnecessary procedures just to generate more money.
Overall, The Evening Hero is a really impactful exploration of so many issues that it’s sure to stick with you and really challenge your own perspectives.
A big thank you to @getredprbooks @simonandschuster and @mariemyungoklee for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinion.