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weirdo_174's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The characters are most of the plot but I would say if you ever had mommy or daughter issues to read this book, especially if you’re Asian. The only reason the rating is not 5 stars is because it went a little slow for me but that is because I have been in a reading slump lately.
safiyamreads'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
5.0
alisarae's review against another edition
3.0
Heartwarming, interesting stories that come through the characters telling bits of their histories. MANY of the same themes are in Thousand Secret Senses and I enjoyed that book much more.
taylorfan's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
3.75
These stories are so meaningful — I think I would have to reread to grasp the full meaning.
emadsett's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
tennie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
blowp0p's review against another edition
3.0
Content warnings: Mentions of Second Sino Japanese War
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of this book. From the viewpoints of the elders and the children. And I like that all the viewpoints are from the women's point of view.
It's partially made me understand a little better why I've met some Chinese parents who seem very uptight (for lack of a better word). Had I gone through some of the things they did, I'd probably be the same way.
Some parts of this book were a little harder for me to get through than others. Some parts I flew by with no problems. All in all though, this was a good book. And I'm very glad that I never had to experience some of the things that were discussed in this book first hand.
I'm glad for the slightly better understanding of China in the 40s-50s. And for Northern California during that time and after as well. I mean I've read the dry text of history books about Chinese immigrants but it's not the same as either hearing someone tell their first hand account or reading someone's account (even if it's a fictional book based on people's first hand accounts). The difference being that history books tend to tell mostly just the facts and leave out the human issues. Whereas someone's account tells you the things that history doesn't tell you. Subtle acts of racism. The culture shock between America and China. And everything else (whether it be rich going to poor or not so rich or poor going to rich etc).
I definitely think that just about everyone should read this book (just about meaning that those who haven't should).
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of this book. From the viewpoints of the elders and the children. And I like that all the viewpoints are from the women's point of view.
It's partially made me understand a little better why I've met some Chinese parents who seem very uptight (for lack of a better word). Had I gone through some of the things they did, I'd probably be the same way.
Some parts of this book were a little harder for me to get through than others. Some parts I flew by with no problems. All in all though, this was a good book. And I'm very glad that I never had to experience some of the things that were discussed in this book first hand.
I'm glad for the slightly better understanding of China in the 40s-50s. And for Northern California during that time and after as well. I mean I've read the dry text of history books about Chinese immigrants but it's not the same as either hearing someone tell their first hand account or reading someone's account (even if it's a fictional book based on people's first hand accounts). The difference being that history books tend to tell mostly just the facts and leave out the human issues. Whereas someone's account tells you the things that history doesn't tell you. Subtle acts of racism. The culture shock between America and China. And everything else (whether it be rich going to poor or not so rich or poor going to rich etc).
I definitely think that just about everyone should read this book (just about meaning that those who haven't should).
edface's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
vail484mro's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many feelings for this book and these lovely and very imperfect characters, this book was soo good!! The storytelling is so warm and almost maternal in a weird way? so it’s very easy to get sucked right in. It helps that the stories themselves are also really interesting- true immigrant stories of struggle so that the next generation can live better.
My only complaint is that I wish the mothers and daughters had a big heart to heart at the end where everything ended happily and they understood each other perfectly.
Also screw Waverly she’s the worst
My only complaint is that I wish the mothers and daughters had a big heart to heart at the end where everything ended happily and they understood each other perfectly.
Also screw Waverly she’s the worst