Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou

34 reviews

frankieclc's review against another edition

4.0

There were descriptions in this book where it made me shiver because it felt too real, "I know that character, I've met them" kinda vibes. 

Went a lil off the rail in places and that's the only reason it wasn't a 5, the conversations made were incredible 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Cultural appropriation

Moderate: Violence, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Sexism

Minor: Fatphobia

beanmilkcantread's review against another edition

funny mysterious 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

this book made me want to read again. it was clever n funny n over the top n horrifying n ridiculous in a way that’s like ‘no but that actually WOULD happen in academia.’ this book could have made you want to shake the main character but instead u want to cheer her on. touches on the truly disturbing reality of academia n White Supremacy in a way that is scathing while retaining humor n joy! i loved it!!! can u tell??!!?!?? if i drop out of grad school it’s NOT bc of this book but…this book DID make me feel like if i did drop out that’d be an okay choice too. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Cultural appropriation

Moderate: Emotional abuse and Stalking

wenwanzhao's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.25

Elaine Hsieh Chou's writing is so sharp and precise. I felt physically uncomfortable at some points in the novel. Chou does not hold back at all. The most shameful and awkward parts of Asian Diaspora™ are laid bare in an excruciatingly honest way. I liked how Chou did not sanctify any of the characters. There is no one we are meant to see as truly good. Everyone exists on a gradient scale, some more flawed than others, but all kind of fucked up in some way. Great novel!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use and Drug abuse

Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Mental illness, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Suicide

Minor: Suicide attempt

literaried's review against another edition

challenging funny reflective tense 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Gaslighting, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Addiction, Cultural appropriation, Suicide attempt, Ableism, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Stalking and Sexual content

grimlo4's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gaslighting, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Violence and Blood

metaphorsandmisc's review

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Racism, and Sexism

Moderate: Body shaming, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Mental illness

olive_lol's review against another edition

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This novel's satire lends itself to sharp social commentary as the story ramps up in intensity and scope. It does a great job of utilizing humor and illustrates authentic themes through absurd scenarios. I loved Ingrid's development and how heartfelt it was. Overall, this book is great for someone looking for a funny book with a lot to say.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Racial slurs

Minor: Sexual content, Cursing, and Suicide attempt

cait_reads_and_drinks's review against another edition

funny reflective 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? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Cultural appropriation

Moderate: Gaslighting and Toxic relationship

blairlovesbooks's review against another edition

emotional funny informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Hilarious, a bit surreal, and very very honest. I was really impressed by the way Chou guided us through Ingrid's journey in a way that was very honest about her shortcomings but didn't look down on her as a character. Everyone felt real. I hated Stephen so, so much from the very beginning. A great read about the complications of being a "model minority."

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Racism, and Cultural appropriation

Minor: Toxic relationship

unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Racism, Xenophobia, and Sexism

Moderate: Violence