huliahoop's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
jhen's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
qomareads's review against another edition
5.0
I read this in one sitting as I cannot put it down. All the characters were so real to me, it seems I really fell in love with this book.
This story explores family bonds interweaving with past and present while finding bliss and peace of mind even in difficult times.
Family drama, friendship, an incurable disease and basically just life. It's actually pretty mundane, relatable and pretty mediocre as I read something similar like "Almond" but I just love this kind of story it makes my heart flutter and warm from the inside.
I think we could learn a lot from Areum perspectives where he celebrates the ordinary moments in life. Taking simplest thing in life as joy and happiness. Tragically melancholy.
I adore how Ae Ran putting this whole book together, the prologue, the ending, even the dragging emails with Seoha, the ordinary conversations with Grandpa Jang, the interview, the mundane routines of their life at the hospital and home, I adore it all. Her writing were subtle and devastatingly stunning.
Tidbits of "My Brilliant Life",
"Progeria is a fatal, rare disease that makes children age prematurely."
"I had heard about someone who learned Japanese by watching anime; he apparently spoke like an old man and a yakuza and a high school girl, all mixed together. That had made me laugh."
"Old age was something we could never cure; if we could, the world would be free of death."
"I liked everything composed of paper and print no matter the genre or thickness, from illustrated guides to insect, plant and marine life to collections of poetry that stomped all over my heart to social science tomes that slapped my mind awake."
This story explores family bonds interweaving with past and present while finding bliss and peace of mind even in difficult times.
Family drama, friendship, an incurable disease and basically just life. It's actually pretty mundane, relatable and pretty mediocre as I read something similar like "Almond" but I just love this kind of story it makes my heart flutter and warm from the inside.
I think we could learn a lot from Areum perspectives where he celebrates the ordinary moments in life. Taking simplest thing in life as joy and happiness. Tragically melancholy.
I adore how Ae Ran putting this whole book together, the prologue, the ending, even the dragging emails with Seoha, the ordinary conversations with Grandpa Jang, the interview, the mundane routines of their life at the hospital and home, I adore it all. Her writing were subtle and devastatingly stunning.
Tidbits of "My Brilliant Life",
"Progeria is a fatal, rare disease that makes children age prematurely."
"I had heard about someone who learned Japanese by watching anime; he apparently spoke like an old man and a yakuza and a high school girl, all mixed together. That had made me laugh."
"Old age was something we could never cure; if we could, the world would be free of death."
"I liked everything composed of paper and print no matter the genre or thickness, from illustrated guides to insect, plant and marine life to collections of poetry that stomped all over my heart to social science tomes that slapped my mind awake."
paeandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
The last paragraph shatters my heart and tear me to pieces.
leonachka's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
s_gaiadam's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This piece of literature is just as delicate as its characters and their story. My Brilliant Life depicts the life of Areum and his stream of consciousness as he faces adolescence while he appears to grow older than his peers, his parents, and his elderly friend. What I appreciate more in this narrative is the depth with which Ae-ran Kim tries to also share the story of the main protagonist's parents as they embark on a new territory as parents at such a young age—the struggle, tension, guilt, anticipation, and the unconditional love and indescribable feeling they felt as they saw the birth of a new life, not to mention all the sacrifices that comes for loving someone.
I find the story, especially the first parts of the novel, very endearing. As the story flows, we get to witness a lot more of Areum's train of thought and his love for books as his companion. Despite the knowledge he gains from books, the people around him, and his surroundings, we still see him face some hurdles in forming genuine relationships. Truly, this portrayal of different dynamics from the perspective of a boy whose mind is just as vibrant and active as his age is supposed to be is juxtaposed with his frail body.
Overall, this novel presents a great balance of drama, comedy, and the mundane. It has its lessons, and as for me, I'd say it hit me in the right spot enough to feel a connection among them, remember and honor what I had missed and appreciate what I have.
I find the story, especially the first parts of the novel, very endearing. As the story flows, we get to witness a lot more of Areum's train of thought and his love for books as his companion. Despite the knowledge he gains from books, the people around him, and his surroundings, we still see him face some hurdles in forming genuine relationships. Truly, this portrayal of different dynamics from the perspective of a boy whose mind is just as vibrant and active as his age is supposed to be is juxtaposed with his frail body.
Overall, this novel presents a great balance of drama, comedy, and the mundane. It has its lessons, and as for me, I'd say it hit me in the right spot enough to feel a connection among them, remember and honor what I had missed and appreciate what I have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Pregnancy
viii_'s review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
literadreams's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jireh's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This was surprisingly really good. 4.25/5