jessjarbinks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.0
courto875's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
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
3.75
bobagirl41's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
twirlingpages's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sonalipawar26's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Others were Emeralds by Lang Leav is a journey of racism and immigrant experience through the eyes of Ai and her friends. Ai's family migrated from Cambodia to a small town Australian town called Whitlam. This town mostly consists of people fleeing war-torn countries to rebuild their lives. As a result, Ai's tight-knit group of friends also have refugee stories and pain attached to them. In fine, this book is 'a coming of age narrative set against the backdrop of anti-Asian sentiment sweeping Australia in the late 90’s.'
From the spectrum of love to guilt and heartbreak, Leav's writing encapsulates the entire range of emotions that teenagers experience. I am so glad to come across YA books that deal with topics such as a racism, gen0cide, and living as POC in predominantly white societies. I was initially afraid that the book is going to be lyrical, but once the plot hit the twists and turns, I was fully invested. My only qualm was that the second part was a tad too short, and I would have loved to read more about the characters post the tragedy. Nevertheless, I suggest you to read this book.
Privileged are those who can turn to books to escape reality even for a bit, especially in these times. Although this is hardly escapist literature as it has its fair share of heartbreak, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to explore the narratives of young immigrants.
From the spectrum of love to guilt and heartbreak, Leav's writing encapsulates the entire range of emotions that teenagers experience. I am so glad to come across YA books that deal with topics such as a racism, gen0cide, and living as POC in predominantly white societies. I was initially afraid that the book is going to be lyrical, but once the plot hit the twists and turns, I was fully invested. My only qualm was that the second part was a tad too short, and I would have loved to read more about the characters post the tragedy. Nevertheless, I suggest you to read this book.
Privileged are those who can turn to books to escape reality even for a bit, especially in these times. Although this is hardly escapist literature as it has its fair share of heartbreak, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to explore the narratives of young immigrants.
lydiathedragon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
mel_thereadingaffair's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
cindeeduong's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Drug abuse and Racial slurs
chelsblackburn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
cherrythepie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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