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rubbercitykitten's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime
ashleyrich3825's review
5.0
I first picked up this book because I loved the cover and the concept sounded interesting. I've been trying to diversify my reading and learn about perspectives other than my own, and Messy Roots certainly delivered. It explored Laura's experiences as she grew up: cultural conflicts, familial expectations, identity, friendships, and to my surprise, queerness.
Messy Roots was a fantastic read that provided an ultimately heartwarming look into the life of a person who found it within themselves to embrace both parts of their heritage as they grew into their own person.
It was especially encouraging to read as someone who is about to go off to university to read about someone who didn't always have their life together and was still able to find their niche.
Absolutely give this incredible book a read.
(I've read it twice in the last two days)
Messy Roots was a fantastic read that provided an ultimately heartwarming look into the life of a person who found it within themselves to embrace both parts of their heritage as they grew into their own person.
It was especially encouraging to read as someone who is about to go off to university to read about someone who didn't always have their life together and was still able to find their niche.
Absolutely give this incredible book a read.
(I've read it twice in the last two days)
narrnaul's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
beepatriz's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
This was exactly what I expected and that’s a bit disappointing
astridquesther's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
bethany6788's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Laura Gao recounts her journey from childhood in Wuhan to navigating life as a Chinese immigrant in Texas, balancing cultural differences and personal growth. Through humor and insight, she explores her experiences with basketball, school, and her emerging feelings for girls.
I’ve been wanting to read this graphic novel for awhile and was so happy that it was available from the library! Funny and sweet, introspective and tense, beautiful and loving. I fully enjoyed seeing Laura’s experiences through their eyes. I adore the relationship with their younger brother (so cute and fun!) and how much they grew in high school and college.
She does an amazing job with both the story and illustrations. The art was beautiful! I fully recommend picking this one up - it is a beautiful memoir.
I’ve been wanting to read this graphic novel for awhile and was so happy that it was available from the library! Funny and sweet, introspective and tense, beautiful and loving. I fully enjoyed seeing Laura’s experiences through their eyes. I adore the relationship with their younger brother (so cute and fun!) and how much they grew in high school and college.
She does an amazing job with both the story and illustrations. The art was beautiful! I fully recommend picking this one up - it is a beautiful memoir.
booksrachelreads's review
5.0
A niche category of books I love is immigrant stories told in graphic novels. This one was no exception. Well-told story of identity, family, and belonging. Gorgeous art. Loved the unique aspects of how it was told (like the little inclusion of video game elements). Made me want to cry thinking about families and how we are all just wanting to do our best for each other but we’re broken