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akemiwald's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel intertwines the story of a young teen coming out as gay to his Vietnamese refugee family living in the United States with the fantastical telling of fairy tales. There is intricate artwork for the fairy tale portions that people will love, especially if they appreciate fashion. The notes at the end provide a lot of extra insight, as well, about the inspiration and meaning behind the work.
captainshane's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
anthrophilus's review against another edition
4.0
As I made my way through this, I thought it was good but wasn’t wowed, but I found the ending really moving and also really appreciated all the things the author explained about his art and storytelling after the main part of the book was over. I think a second reading now, understanding more of the intent of the author, might even bump this up to five stars. Would definitely recommend.
andr901i's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Den var så god! Farverne brugt er minimale og så smukke og måden de er med til at fortælle historien er så smuk! Den rørte på flere forskellige emner der er så vigtige. Den var fantastisk. Kunne græde.
babytoadstool's review against another edition
4.0
Overview:
Tien (my computer won't let me put ề on the name without it looking weird.) is a boy who lives with his parents who are refugees and still learning English. Tien wants to come out to his parents but he doesn't know the right words in Vietnamese. Him and his mom regularly read fairy tales which has become more then just reading but also a way of communicating together.
Thoughts:
This book was deep and really thought out, more then I actually realized until the ending where the author actually took you through the story planning and the thought that went in to the book. I did find this book at one point triggering and hard to continue because I really enjoyed how the book didn't focus on one point of view but many. And how many of the characters had stories and struggles and you saw all of them.
I liked the adaptions to classic fairy tales in this book and how they didn't just focus on a happily ever after but the process of getting there. And the struggles that they went though. I felt that it really reflected life and the hard times we have to go through.
I also really loved the ending.
Overall this book was deep and at times dark but good!
Tien (my computer won't let me put ề on the name without it looking weird.) is a boy who lives with his parents who are refugees and still learning English. Tien wants to come out to his parents but he doesn't know the right words in Vietnamese. Him and his mom regularly read fairy tales which has become more then just reading but also a way of communicating together.
Thoughts:
This book was deep and really thought out, more then I actually realized until the ending where the author actually took you through the story planning and the thought that went in to the book. I did find this book at one point triggering and hard to continue because
Spoiler
at one point the school sends him to someone who actually tells him that being gay is wrong and that he is hurting people by being gay.I liked the adaptions to classic fairy tales in this book and how they didn't just focus on a happily ever after but the process of getting there. And the struggles that they went though. I felt that it really reflected life and the hard times we have to go through.
I also really loved the ending.
Spoiler
Fairy tales focus mainly on heterosexual romance and I enjoyed that the ending of one of the fairy tails didn't. And it also really shows that Tien and his mom communicate through storytelling.Overall this book was deep and at times dark but good!
librarianpeter's review against another edition
5.0
EXCELLENT. A great slice of life story with fairy tales thrown into the mix to help tell the story of coming out, being who you are, and family.
mlgardner1's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. Tells the story of a boy trying to communicate with his mother about his true identity. Utilizes fairy tales to explain the immigrant experience. Unexpectedly a bit gruesome at times!
starrynews's review against another edition
4.0
What a magical story! I loved how the main story line is interwoven with several fairy tales that work together gorgeously. Both the main story line and the fairy tales show some of the highs and lows of life, and despite some truly heart wrenching aspects, it has a sweet and hopeful ending. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, as well.
littlelibrarylady's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
A heartachingly beautiful story about a young boy and his complex family life and how the power of storytelling brings people together. I could not pull myself away from this book once I started it and by the end I had tears in my eyes. It really was a beautiful story and I am excited to purchase the book once it is published.
A heartachingly beautiful story about a young boy and his complex family life and how the power of storytelling brings people together. I could not pull myself away from this book once I started it and by the end I had tears in my eyes. It really was a beautiful story and I am excited to purchase the book once it is published.