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alisarae's review against another edition
3.0
Heartwarming, interesting stories that come through the characters telling bits of their histories. MANY of the same themes are in Thousand Secret Senses and I enjoyed that book much more.
taylorfan's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
These stories are so meaningful — I think I would have to reread to grasp the full meaning.
emadsett's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
tennie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
blowp0p's review against another edition
3.0
Content warnings: Mentions of Second Sino Japanese War
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of this book. From the viewpoints of the elders and the children. And I like that all the viewpoints are from the women's point of view.
It's partially made me understand a little better why I've met some Chinese parents who seem very uptight (for lack of a better word). Had I gone through some of the things they did, I'd probably be the same way.
Some parts of this book were a little harder for me to get through than others. Some parts I flew by with no problems. All in all though, this was a good book. And I'm very glad that I never had to experience some of the things that were discussed in this book first hand.
I'm glad for the slightly better understanding of China in the 40s-50s. And for Northern California during that time and after as well. I mean I've read the dry text of history books about Chinese immigrants but it's not the same as either hearing someone tell their first hand account or reading someone's account (even if it's a fictional book based on people's first hand accounts). The difference being that history books tend to tell mostly just the facts and leave out the human issues. Whereas someone's account tells you the things that history doesn't tell you. Subtle acts of racism. The culture shock between America and China. And everything else (whether it be rich going to poor or not so rich or poor going to rich etc).
I definitely think that just about everyone should read this book (just about meaning that those who haven't should).
I enjoyed the different viewpoints of this book. From the viewpoints of the elders and the children. And I like that all the viewpoints are from the women's point of view.
It's partially made me understand a little better why I've met some Chinese parents who seem very uptight (for lack of a better word). Had I gone through some of the things they did, I'd probably be the same way.
Some parts of this book were a little harder for me to get through than others. Some parts I flew by with no problems. All in all though, this was a good book. And I'm very glad that I never had to experience some of the things that were discussed in this book first hand.
I'm glad for the slightly better understanding of China in the 40s-50s. And for Northern California during that time and after as well. I mean I've read the dry text of history books about Chinese immigrants but it's not the same as either hearing someone tell their first hand account or reading someone's account (even if it's a fictional book based on people's first hand accounts). The difference being that history books tend to tell mostly just the facts and leave out the human issues. Whereas someone's account tells you the things that history doesn't tell you. Subtle acts of racism. The culture shock between America and China. And everything else (whether it be rich going to poor or not so rich or poor going to rich etc).
I definitely think that just about everyone should read this book (just about meaning that those who haven't should).
edface's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
vail484mro's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many feelings for this book and these lovely and very imperfect characters, this book was soo good!! The storytelling is so warm and almost maternal in a weird way? so it’s very easy to get sucked right in. It helps that the stories themselves are also really interesting- true immigrant stories of struggle so that the next generation can live better.
My only complaint is that I wish the mothers and daughters had a big heart to heart at the end where everything ended happily and they understood each other perfectly.
Also screw Waverly she’s the worst
My only complaint is that I wish the mothers and daughters had a big heart to heart at the end where everything ended happily and they understood each other perfectly.
Also screw Waverly she’s the worst
soapgrace's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Mr. Peters for letting us read this instead of Steinbeck
lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for school. It was interesting.
Reread February 7th-March 31st, 2023
It was really interesting to revisit this book so many years after I first reread it and at a different point in my life. It was a very impactful read, full of layers and with complex characters that were oftentimes hard to like.
The mix of stories centering around the lives of four pairs of immigrant mothers and their Chinese-American daughters explored a variety of emotions: grief, shame, love, pride, joy, and anger, to name some of them. The stories jumped between the mothers' childhoods, marriages in China, and relationships with their daughters, both as children and adults. I particularly enjoyed reading about their lives in China, as they touched on several important historical events in the early twentieth century.
In general, I really enjoyed how rich and vibrant Tan's writing was throughout the story, whether she was writing about China or the U.S. I could clearly picture every scene and feel the characters' emotions. My favorite stories were The Red Candle, The Moon Lady, Two Kinds, Without Wood, Magpies, and A Pair of Tickets.
Overall, I'm very happy to have reread this book. It was much harder-hitting and impactful at this point in my life. I appreciated how it made me reexamine my own relationships, ideas, and conceptions. 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Reread February 7th-March 31st, 2023
It was really interesting to revisit this book so many years after I first reread it and at a different point in my life. It was a very impactful read, full of layers and with complex characters that were oftentimes hard to like.
The mix of stories centering around the lives of four pairs of immigrant mothers and their Chinese-American daughters explored a variety of emotions: grief, shame, love, pride, joy, and anger, to name some of them. The stories jumped between the mothers' childhoods, marriages in China, and relationships with their daughters, both as children and adults. I particularly enjoyed reading about their lives in China, as they touched on several important historical events in the early twentieth century.
In general, I really enjoyed how rich and vibrant Tan's writing was throughout the story, whether she was writing about China or the U.S. I could clearly picture every scene and feel the characters' emotions. My favorite stories were The Red Candle, The Moon Lady, Two Kinds, Without Wood, Magpies, and A Pair of Tickets.
Overall, I'm very happy to have reread this book. It was much harder-hitting and impactful at this point in my life. I appreciated how it made me reexamine my own relationships, ideas, and conceptions. 4 stars. Highly recommended.