Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu
96 reviews
emma_b_rhodes's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
3.75
Enjoyable & inspiring listen
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
bkschwartz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.75
This is one of the best contemporary autobiographies I’ve read!
I enjoy reading the memoirs of people involved in the film and tv industry and being a Marvel fan was excited when I found this one by Simu Liu. I was in no way prepared for the brutal honesty and heart wrenching experiences he shares. His openness is inspiring.
I enjoy reading the memoirs of people involved in the film and tv industry and being a Marvel fan was excited when I found this one by Simu Liu. I was in no way prepared for the brutal honesty and heart wrenching experiences he shares. His openness is inspiring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism
coryprimka's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
amy_not_schumer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
teacupsandfirereads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
I saw a video where Simu shared some of his thoughts that I felt were really thoughtful. I can't say I've seen many of the shows, movies, etc. he's been in, and so I was not really familiar with his work. However, I saw his memoir on my library's page and thought I'd give it a go. The memoir, as with his video was very thoughtful and honest. He did not shy away from the hard things, but still approached them with attention and care. I found myself enjoying the first "act" the most and coming to understand a bit of the background of what brought him to where he is now. As the acts went on, I felt less interested an engaged. I felt some important storylines (such as the reconciliation with his parents) was not fully addressed. I absolutely understand that this is his story to tell, but it was a big part of the story and it felt unfinished. I still appreciated the journey he took us on and that he did not sugarcoat the hard parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Grief, Cultural appropriation, and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, and War
munuh490's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
brittneyk's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
Simu Liu's narration was the best part of this book, his pacing and engagement in reading the material made it a more enjoyable listen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Racism
rachelkwashe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
jlg1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Xenophobia
maybak's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I haven’t watched any of his films yet but I added this memoir to my TBR list a while ago. I listened to the audiobook version which he brilliantly narrated. The pace, the emotion, the tone… it’s well executed.
I didn’t know much about his personal story and I wasn’t expecting so much transparency in how he depicted his relationship with his parents. I’m not Chinese nor Asian but I’m also the daughter of immigrants. There was so much I could relate to despite us having completely different lives and roots. I like that he dedicated part of his memoir to setting the scene for us so we could understand what it was like growing up in China, being raised by his grandparents and how he ended up in Canada. It really helps paint a clear and informative picture about his cultural background, his parents’ work ethic, the challenges they faced throughout their lives and how that affected their relationship when he was a child, a teen, and a young adult.
I also enjoyed the parts where he discussed the importance of representation, of the celebration of his Chinese culture, the challenges faced by kids of Asian descent and how they rekindle with their motherland’s culture. It’s very interesting as I ponder the similarities with growing up as a diaspora kid with roots in Africa.
He seemed obnoxious and self-centered, at times, but I feel he has done his best to let us in into his world—qualities, flaws and all. In my book, that’s what a good memoir does. It helps you connect and understand who the author really is, and what experiences shaped their life.
I didn’t know much about his personal story and I wasn’t expecting so much transparency in how he depicted his relationship with his parents. I’m not Chinese nor Asian but I’m also the daughter of immigrants. There was so much I could relate to despite us having completely different lives and roots. I like that he dedicated part of his memoir to setting the scene for us so we could understand what it was like growing up in China, being raised by his grandparents and how he ended up in Canada. It really helps paint a clear and informative picture about his cultural background, his parents’ work ethic, the challenges they faced throughout their lives and how that affected their relationship when he was a child, a teen, and a young adult.
I also enjoyed the parts where he discussed the importance of representation, of the celebration of his Chinese culture, the challenges faced by kids of Asian descent and how they rekindle with their motherland’s culture. It’s very interesting as I ponder the similarities with growing up as a diaspora kid with roots in Africa.
He seemed obnoxious and self-centered, at times, but I feel he has done his best to let us in into his world—qualities, flaws and all. In my book, that’s what a good memoir does. It helps you connect and understand who the author really is, and what experiences shaped their life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Racism