sophiebhk's review
3.0
I read this book in 3rd or 4th grade and I remember liking this book, but liking Grace Lin's first book Year Of The Dog.
vintage_b's review
4.0
The second book in the Pacy Lin story finds us in the year of the rat where everything can change. It's the year we learn to embrace the change that may come. Pacy finds there are a lot of changes in store for her, and she is not sure she likes it all too much! Melody might be moving, the new Chinese boy at school keeps getting teased and everyone thinks they would be the perfect couple, and cousin Clifford is getting married. One thing Pacy does know for a fact is that she hates change. Will she be able to accept things she can't change? Will she be able to embrace the change not only around her but within herself? This was such a cute read, much like the first it was a breeze to get through and the humor within the family dynamic just made me smile. I was a bit sad there were not more of Mom's stories in this second book. I loved the lessons we learned from those stories and also felt they gave a good cultural background. I preferred the first to the second so far, but still think those who enjoyed the first should read this one. It was a lot of fun to see Pacy grow by the end of the novel and I am excited to read the third installment Dumpling Days!
ikuo1000's review
4.0
If I could, I'd give this book 4 1/2 stars. It's hard to bring myself to call a children's novel "amazing", so it's not quite 5 stars, but I do think it's even better than The Year of the Dog, which I gave 4 stars.
It's basically more of the same, very much like The Year of the Dog, but many of the issues encountered are more sensitive. The main character, Pacy/Grace, struggles with issues of identity in ways she hadn't before. Plus, a number of passages, including stories told by Pacy's mother, even made me cry, they were so touching.
It's basically more of the same, very much like The Year of the Dog, but many of the issues encountered are more sensitive. The main character, Pacy/Grace, struggles with issues of identity in ways she hadn't before. Plus, a number of passages, including stories told by Pacy's mother, even made me cry, they were so touching.
valjeanval's review
3.0
I liked the sequel a little better than the first one probably because there is a bit more conflict surrounding Grace/Pacy's life to which I think a lot of kids could relate. The range of that conflict stretches from "not quite fitting in and missing best friends" to "casual racism I suddenly realize I've been actively practicing as well as receiving." Lin delivers important messages in a clear, concise, and not at all patronizing way. She takes difficult concepts like Taiwanese school systems several decades in past, foot binding, and the political differences between Taiwan and China, and makes them if not understandable at least visible to younger readers. I'm thinking I might do this series as a read aloud in the next school year.
boris8556's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
abigailbat's review
4.0
In this sequel to Year of the Dog, Pacy Lin is facing another new year. The year of the rat is a year for changes and Pacy is not at all sure that she wants anything to change. When Pacy's best friend Melody moves to California, Pacy feels lost. Her other friends at school don't understand her the way Melody did. Worse still, a new family from China is renting Melody's house and Pacy's parents expect her to befriend the social outcast Dun Wei. Pacy's questioning her friendships and her talents (after she learns that being an artist is considered a "cold door"... a career that won't bring much wealth), but if she can make it through the year of the rat, she might find that she herself has changed for the better.
I liked this sequel, which is told in the same style as YOTD. Pacy's parents interject stories from their lives and from Chinese legend into the modern-day story of Pacy's life. Pacy's mother tells what it was like to be an immigrant in America, Pacy's father relates legends about Chinese New Year. Although it may be more satisfying if you've read the first book, this book could stand alone.
I liked this sequel, which is told in the same style as YOTD. Pacy's parents interject stories from their lives and from Chinese legend into the modern-day story of Pacy's life. Pacy's mother tells what it was like to be an immigrant in America, Pacy's father relates legends about Chinese New Year. Although it may be more satisfying if you've read the first book, this book could stand alone.
sean67's review
4.0
Second book in the Pacy series and second book by Grace Lin that I have read is another great read that takes you into the world that she has given us, all be it a lot based on personal experience, and told very well, with empathy and pathos. A great read in a great series. I can see myself becoming a Grace Lin fan!
earldizon's review against another edition
4.0
I loved getting to visit Pacy's world in this sequel to The Year of the Dog.
The Year of the Rat brings a lot of changes to Pacy's life including her best friend moving away to the opposite end of the country. Navigating all new scenarios through her lens seemed very realistic and relatable.
I can't wait to read the final book in the series eventually but already I know I'd want more to read about Pacy and her family and friends- maybe her and Melody would grow up to have a podcast together where they can talk about books and what's going on in their lives!
The Year of the Rat brings a lot of changes to Pacy's life including her best friend moving away to the opposite end of the country. Navigating all new scenarios through her lens seemed very realistic and relatable.
I can't wait to read the final book in the series eventually but already I know I'd want more to read about Pacy and her family and friends- maybe her and Melody would grow up to have a podcast together where they can talk about books and what's going on in their lives!
jennybeastie's review
4.0
Really charming story -- love the autobiographical nature, the gentle but realistic tone, the things that Pacy/Grace learns for herself as she matures. An enjoyable read!