Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

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

8 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.

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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

l1brarygirl's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia

Minor: Grief and Abandonment

mandaraffe's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Bullying, Xenophobia, and Abandonment

Minor: Racism and Grief

_inge's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0

Everything about this felt so genuine. Simu was so open about everything (with thanks to his parents for giving permission too), and in the audiobook expressed emotions through his voice in a really authentic way. He’s a good actor of course, but he couldn’t have faked laughing at some of his childhood memories or his voice shaking when expressing gratitude for those who are no longer with us. Usually if I read a celebrity memoire I just want them to give details about a film and spill the tea, but Simu made me genuinely interested in his personal life. This book taught me a lot about the immigrant experience and about the Chinese one in general, for which I’m very grateful. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Abandonment

imstephtacular's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Cursing, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Alcohol, and Classism

Minor: Bullying, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and War

yclepit's review against another edition

emotional funny informative reflective fast-paced

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse and Abandonment

daniellekat's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.75

Overall I was a little disappointed by this. The first Act of the book was by far my favourite. It was beautifully written and touching, but still maintained a lighthearted humour. 
The beginning of Act 2 was incredible and raw. The reader really got insight at how Simu’s formative years and experiences shaped him as a person (for better or worse). But by the end of Act 2, I was disengaged. Simu’s university days were described in so much detail and as a Canadian, I was annoyed by the constant use of words like “freshman, sophomore, etc.” Canadians don’t use that terminology and the “Americanization” of some of the language in the book just left it feeling inauthentic.
I have very mixed feelings about Act 3. I loved reading about Simu’s struggle and ownership of his identity as a minority, and I think that narrative could resonate with many readers (myself included). BUT the entire 3rd Act was just “I worked hard and this thing happened or I worked hard and I failed so I worked even harder.” Honestly it was just boring to get through. I missed reading the rawness of his relationship with his parents and how they worked on healing their relationship. 
Ultimately the writing was entertaining (I think it would have been even better in audio format) and if you’re a fan of Simu Liu I would recommend. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Abandonment

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Racial slurs

theespressoedition's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Abandonment

Moderate: Racism and Cultural appropriation

Minor: Cursing