Reviews tagging 'Miscarriage'

Parachutes by Kelly Yang

1 review

alliemikennareads's review against another edition

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challenging dark 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? Yes

4.5

When I picked this up for book club, I was not expecting it to be the most poignant book on debate culture that I have ever read- and that’s not even really the primary theme of the book. This book navigates many topics that I’m not an own voices reviewer for and don’t want to speak to the validity of (the international student experience especially).  But I think this is an extremely realistic depiction of high school life and drama. I usually hate split perspectives but it worked so well here. I felt at times the narrative voices could have been a little more distinct and the characters more developed, and their tone sometimes felt a little younger than they were. But overall this is a really well written book and I couldn’t put it down.

I didn’t expect to relate to this book in the way that I did. I felt sick to my stomach about 10% into the book when we first start getting to know Mr. Connelly because I had an inkling of where this was headed. It’s a story I’ve heard before. It’s a story that quite easily could have been my own. 

But debate culture is toxic for anyone that isn’t a white male. And it was at times for me. This book gets it 100% to a T. The absolute gaslighting. The lack of boundaries. The fear of confronting uncomfortable moments because you don’t want to make waves. The power imbalance that exists in most rooms you enter, and the discomfort along with it. 

I don’t know where I’m going with this except to say that this book resonated with me in ways I never expected it to. It will stick with me for a long time. 
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