Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu

4 reviews

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

marinajonesreads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Simu Liu was already a darling in my eyes as a Marvel dork but this just elevated him even more. What a heartbreaking story. What an inspiring story. Not only was he heroically open with us, he infused this book with authenticity and humor in all the right parts. When he got excited, I got excited. When he was on the verge of tears, I was already bawling. That takes not just a good story, but a fantastic storyteller. I feel like I just had a nice glass of wine with a friend on the couch in my living room and spent hours laughing and crying until that last triumphant “Action!” Although he said you could skip his parents’ origin stories at the start, you shouldn’t. The payoff is indeed great. His love for them and his grandparents was so loud and beautiful and I couldn’t get enough. Bravo. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Death

felofhe's review

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.75

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism

fromjuliereads's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

Usually I don't rate nonfiction but I really enjoyed this book! It was so interesting reading about Simu's past and family's story. Parts were so difficult to read but he mixes humour and serious life experiences so well. I can't wait to see what comes next for his career!

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Alcohol

Lots of Harry Potter references