ruinedbyreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
sometimes_ready's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
kent_alvarus's review against another edition
5.0
Such a light read but the chapters contained very significant weight. Tackled several out of many of the problems the Philippines is facing under Duterte's administration, and the Philippines in general. As a Filipino living in the Philippines, I can't believe that this book exists at this time and at this country. Modern fictional history at its best.
Jun's contentions as relayed by Grace sum up what the realities and the supposed ideals regarding the drug war:
"He always said that the administration was trying not to solve the problem, but only trying to make it seem like they were solving the problem. They used the poor to do this because the poor could not or did not know how to fight back."
"He said that those suffering from addiction needed to be helped, not to be arrested, because their addiction was as much genetics as it was a choice. And that those pushing needed to be employed, not to be killed, because most of them were only trying to survive. He also said that none of these drugs could even make their way into our country to begin with if not for the corrupt people in power—so they needed to be replaced, not re-elected."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jun's contentions as relayed by Grace sum up what the realities and the supposed ideals regarding the drug war:
"He always said that the administration was trying not to solve the problem, but only trying to make it seem like they were solving the problem. They used the poor to do this because the poor could not or did not know how to fight back."
"He said that those suffering from addiction needed to be helped, not to be arrested, because their addiction was as much genetics as it was a choice. And that those pushing needed to be employed, not to be killed, because most of them were only trying to survive. He also said that none of these drugs could even make their way into our country to begin with if not for the corrupt people in power—so they needed to be replaced, not re-elected."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
samango's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
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
5.0
seenamac's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This is easily the best book I’ve read in years. It spoke to me personally, as if I’d written it myself. Ribay’s portrayal of being Filipino and the Philippines’ landscape isn’t stereotypical, instead he uses small and honest details that made me feel as if I was reliving my own memories. The lessons that Jay learns made me reflect on my own thinking, and made me grateful for the connection I have with my family in the Philippines and my connection to my motherland. This book was also something I got to share with my mom, and sparked a handful of insightful and warm conversations.
lainieferree's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
heyitskai's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐
(I changed my rating because this book deserves the 5 stars)
(I changed my rating because this book deserves the 5 stars)