Reviews

What Gives Us Our Names by Alvin Pang

bbrights's review

4.0

What Gives Us Our Names by Alvin Pang

Today’s *spoiler free* review is brought to you by YZ

katonthejellicoe's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

I didn't know what I was expecting getting into this book but it definitely wasn't this - a collection of short pieces (or stories, if you may) about personified virtues or traits. It was only 40+ pages but it was beautiful and poetic. I might check more of the author's work.

Favorite Stories:

• Beauty
• Service
• Courage
• Congruence

Note: I don't do numerical ratings on non-Filipino books.
Here's my tier ranking instead - A (HIGH)

irisangela's review

5.0

Cute and thought-provoking at the same time. Enjoyed it and felt like it’s a book I’d return to at some point.

jelundberg's review

4.0

A wonderful collection of Calvino-esque apotheotic short pieces which follow the personifications of various character traits (Success, Passion, Freedom, Failure, etc.). Pang imbues each piece with timeless universality, although Singaporean readers are sure to find added meaning.

elnechnntt's review

5.0

A short, sweet, easy read, personifying different emotional states. The premise is so pure and simple, yet peppered with pockets of profoundness.

Absolutely delightful to spend my morning coffee with.

indigoarden's review

reflective fast-paced

5.0

corks's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Kind of pretentious and I don't think it achieved what it was trying to do at all which from my perspective was to break down the identity of certain personalities, their flaws and strengths but also I could be completely off the mark because this book left me feeling confused af. 

inka333's review

1.0

I am not sure what was the point of this book? I'd give it an additional half a star for beautiful design/typesetting. And because I really like Math Paper Press and what they have been doing to promote Singaporean literature.

ethanoled's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

metavashti's review

5.0

Love this book