Reviews

No-No Boy by John Okada

bigbookslilreads's review

3.0

RTC

brenbrown's review against another edition

Just couldn’t get into it

eym's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A really interesting and nuanced look at the Japanese American experience after WWII. The pace is fast and the language is easy to read. The characters all have different motivations and outcomes, which makes the story interesting to read.

chloek1m's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It was a pretty good book, but I got kind of tired near the end.

mochazur's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

meggg508's review against another edition

dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

alessandro_ajm's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nogayourbroga's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

melpomenestears's review against another edition

5.0

The history behind the No-No Boys goes back to World War II and the treatment of Japanese-Americans (No-No Boy refers to Japanese men who answered no twice on a survey managed by the US government).

I found at times the book made me feel a bit miserable. It discusses the struggle with identity and race and Ichiro is a fascinating protagonist. I found the themes to be relevant to this day, and although there were moments when the book made me emotional and sorrowful, it was still a wonderful read.

I highly recommend this beautifully written book.

atthehuskinbee's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5