karenchase's review against another edition
5.0
I don't often find myself reading the "it" book, and I suppose the buzz on this one has died away somewhat. But this is a beautiful book, and it deserves every accolade it has gotten. I'm not sure I've ever read a book whose narration is so supple, the perspective shifting so imperceptibly I wouldn't realize it had changed until I'd read several sentences. Or paragraphs. This is a story of parents and children, particularly mothers and daughters. As a mother and a daughter I can appreciate the passion, intimacy and subtlety of both sides of the relationship. This is also a story about convention and expectation, whether it is necessary to follow rules, or even, which rules should be followed. On the surface it is a classic "fish out of water" story, in which a pebble in invited into a still pond, and proves to be so quietly unruly that the waters might never be calm again. Subplots become momentous and weave together into something explosive, which ultimately dissolves into everyday life.
katymvt's review against another edition
4.0
2022 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge-Booktok recommendation.
This was the story of a perfect family who isn't so perfect. A story about what makes a mother a mother. What makes a family. What makes love.
This was the story of a perfect family who isn't so perfect. A story about what makes a mother a mother. What makes a family. What makes love.
merebear87's review against another edition
slow-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
4.0
shoelessmama's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this so much more than "Everything I Never Told You". My main gripe with EINTY was that I hated EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. The author could have overstepped the line with any of the characters in this book with the exception of Izzy and Mia, who she couldn't have ruined despite their flaws unless she had been untrue to their characters. She managed to make all of the other characters flawed with just enough redeeming qualities. As with her first book Ng starts with the climactic moment and then takes you back in time so that you can get to know the people intimately and understand more fully the outcome. I really enjoyed this technique in both books. Glad to have the characters back up the fascinating plot in her second effort.
traderjones_'s review against another edition
3.0
This has a satisfying ending, and some nice commentary on the body politic & racism.
kelsebelles's review against another edition
5.0
So good! I love the way this book touches on the themes motherhood, rules, and belonging, while also having an air of mystery/ suspense.
nicolethomp's review against another edition
5.0
Audiobook review. This is such a beautifully written and narrated book, and my favorite new work of fiction so far in 2017.
_ines's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
robertfinlayreads's review against another edition
5.0
I really fell in love with the cast of characters in this story primarily Mia, Pearl and Izzy. I really enjoyed their story and didn’t want it to end. The plot kept me gripped especially in the middle where usually there is a dip in pace.
I didn’t quite get a clear visual of a couple of characters and some of the art referenced. I was disappointed by how quickly the story wrapped up at the end leaving me feel like some of the characters were denied their ending.
All elements of the plot were cleverly connected and that was really impressive. I’m excited to see where Celeste Ng goes in her next novel. I’ll be eagerly anticipating it.
I didn’t quite get a clear visual of a couple of characters and some of the art referenced. I was disappointed by how quickly the story wrapped up at the end leaving me feel like some of the characters were denied their ending.
All elements of the plot were cleverly connected and that was really impressive. I’m excited to see where Celeste Ng goes in her next novel. I’ll be eagerly anticipating it.