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A review by foldingthepage_kayleigh
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Reading this book was like watching a soap opera. Every time one of the characters takes action, I would think there’s no way they’re making that decision, it just seems overdramatic and outside of reality. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it kept me wanting to see what would happen next, and where all these choices would lead.
There are also about 5 POVs in this book, and usually I like a multiple POV read, but unfortunately, this fell a bit short for me because we never really got beyond the surface level of each character, leaving me feeling a bit disconnected from the story.
I think the elements of this book that shone the most were:
- Debbie and Phil’s stories of being refugees from Vietnam
- Dustin and Mackenzie’s relationship
- Vietnamese culture
- Commentary on gentrification
Overall, I thought this one was somewhere between okay and good. I was expecting a lighthearted romcom, and what I got was a contemporary drama, so I think that influenced my enjoyment of this book a bit.
It’s not one that will stick with me, but it still would be worth picking up if any of these elements intrigue you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an digital advanced reading copy of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an digital advanced reading copy of this book.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Classism
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs, Grief, and War