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bookluver88's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
swimmerj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nikkig0127's review against another edition
1.0
DNF - Didn’t love this one. I was hoping for it to be a more about the family and cultural dynamics of bringing a white fiancé home to meet the Chinese family, like every description suggests. But it wasn’t.
I think it was maybe written for a much younger audience than someone like me, in my late 30s. I couldn’t find myself relating to Audrey at all. Her behavior throughout most of the book was immature and selfish.
It was also irritating that part of the story was how she kept getting surprised to see people in her tiny hometown at home for Christmas. I’m from a small town and I’m surprised when I *don’t* run into an ex or at least 5 people from high school at Wal-Mart, let alone at church. Had no one involved in writing or editing this book ever been to a small town?
I just kept thinking to myself “but that’s not how it works in real life…” And well, that doesn’t make for good reading in my opinion…
I think it was maybe written for a much younger audience than someone like me, in my late 30s. I couldn’t find myself relating to Audrey at all. Her behavior throughout most of the book was immature and selfish.
It was also irritating that part of the story was how she kept getting surprised to see people in her tiny hometown at home for Christmas. I’m from a small town and I’m surprised when I *don’t* run into an ex or at least 5 people from high school at Wal-Mart, let alone at church. Had no one involved in writing or editing this book ever been to a small town?
I just kept thinking to myself “but that’s not how it works in real life…” And well, that doesn’t make for good reading in my opinion…
maryporto's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
chroniclerofcreepy's review against another edition
2.0
This was frustrating to say the least. I also have mommy issues and wanted to do desperately connect with Audrey Zhou's character, and I did at first when she was still in NY and giving examples of said mommy issues. But then they get to IL and Audrey's entitlement and self-centeredness is peak. It's amazing how genuinely horrible she was to everyone, no matter how kind and generous they were toward her. She had no respect for herself, her fiance, her old crush, parents, ex-best friend, etc.
Before the 75% mark I strongly felt the expression, "You make the bed you lie in."
To be clear, in this harsh rating and assessment I'm not saying that Audrey was never a victim of racism or abusive relationships. It's only slightly acknowledged how she was projecting similar behaviors as her mom. But to be 27 and be so amazingly self-/destructive, plus never treating your parents like people until then is just... I'm awestruck.
This seems to be a fictionalized autobiography, as the author grew up in the midwest, left for school, is a journalist, and lives in Brooklyn. I certainly hope this was a more dramatic rendition than reality.
Before the 75% mark I strongly felt the expression, "You make the bed you lie in."
To be clear, in this harsh rating and assessment I'm not saying that Audrey was never a victim of racism or abusive relationships. It's only slightly acknowledged how she was projecting similar behaviors as her mom. But to be 27 and be so amazingly self-/destructive, plus never treating your parents like people until then is just... I'm awestruck.
This seems to be a fictionalized autobiography, as the author grew up in the midwest, left for school, is a journalist, and lives in Brooklyn. I certainly hope this was a more dramatic rendition than reality.
shred's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
- 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
4.25
ciarafrances's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
laurapoulosky's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. The central IL (Peoria area) setting was interesting for me, since it's nearby. Sometimes I empathized with the main character; other times I found her snobby and ungrateful to her parents. The conclusion was pretty satisfying overall, though.