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A review by genny
Parachutes by Kelly Yang
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The POV switching in the beginning made the story feel a bit disjointed - I would be just starting to get into Dani's or Claire's story when the chapter ends abruptly and we change to the other girl's POV. It smooths out in the second half as the girls become more connected.
Being Filipino myself, I was wary of the representation this offered me, but I think it succeeded in not tokenizing Dani. Her financial situation was presented almost matter-of-factly, without overwrought pity. The cast is mostly Asian, and their voices & personal issues were distinct enough to dispel the idea of a unified Asian-American experience. While the things that Dani and Claire went through made me feel sick, the book ends on a hopeful note.
Being Filipino myself, I was wary of the representation this offered me, but I think it succeeded in not tokenizing Dani. Her financial situation was presented almost matter-of-factly, without overwrought pity. The cast is mostly Asian, and their voices & personal issues were distinct enough to dispel the idea of a unified Asian-American experience. While the things that Dani and Claire went through made me feel sick, the book ends on a hopeful note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Minor: Cursing