samantha1960's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, War, Addiction, Death, Dementia, Colonisation, Violence, Grief, Mass/school shootings, and Mental illness
apeachy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Perfect read for: Someone looking for a fresh voice in 1st/2nd generation immigrant narratives without the pity of Oprah’s book club.
Moderate: Addiction, Genocide, and Mass/school shootings
goodolnicole's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Death, Mass/school shootings, and Sexual content
Minor: War, Genocide, Colonisation, and Addiction
martinatan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Moderate: Genocide, Drug use, Mass/school shootings, Alcohol, Death, Dementia, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Minor: Gun violence, Classism, Violence, Hate crime, Cancer, Drug abuse, War, Cursing, Colonisation, Excrement, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Racism
emmehooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
beautiful prose sharing glimpses into American Khmer existences, generational trauma, and queerness .
Graphic: Genocide, Violence, Addiction, War, and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Suicide and Drug use
Minor: Miscarriage and Vomit
onewoman_bookclub's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Genocide
Moderate: Mass/school shootings and Gun violence
Minor: Addiction and Suicide
kirstym25's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Genocide
Moderate: Mass/school shootings and Death
Minor: Addiction and Homophobia
woolgatherer's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Genocide, and Death
Minor: Homophobia, Addiction, and Suicide
karenreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Genocide
Minor: Addiction and Suicide
readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Anthony Veasna So has a really intimate way of describing human interactions that suggests he really understands the psyche of his characters. I could be wrong, but I got the sense that several of these stories were semi-autobiographical because some of the characters referred to the protagonist as Anthony (and the character's background matched what I know about the author).
This was a bittersweet read because the writing was excellent and really thought-provoking, but the author died before the collection was published, so I know I'll only get to read one more of his books (Songs on Endless Repeat, set to be published in 2023).
Graphic: Drug use and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Mass/school shootings, and Violence