An absolute no-brainer 5 ⭐️ read! The story was filled with subtle, enjoyable details that were so fun, but at the same time, the maturity and the wayAn absolute no-brainer 5 ⭐️ read! The story was filled with subtle, enjoyable details that were so fun, but at the same time, the maturity and the way the conversations flowed made it feel realistic. While reading it felt like there was a coming-of-age movie playing in my mind, and I felt nostalgic the entire time. Vi's tough and hostile exterior honestly drew me in; her journey to embrace vulnerability was incredibly relatable. I loved her sass and realness, even though she definitely would’ve made me cry had I been on the other end of her words ...more
This book spoke to me on multiple levels—as a teacher, an advocate for diverse children’s literature, and as the daughter of immigrants. It was truly This book spoke to me on multiple levels—as a teacher, an advocate for diverse children’s literature, and as the daughter of immigrants. It was truly everything my heart needed. Honestly, I picked it up for an extra credit book club, but it ended up being so much more.
Finally Seen discusses the importance of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance while also shedding light on the damaging effects of book bans and censorship on children. On top of that, through Lina's journey from China to America, it also tackles the challenges of assimilation and immigrantion. I especially loved Lina's resilience navigating her life despite so many ongoing struggles. Each character contributed some sort of added layer to the overall story and I appreciate the complexity Kelly Yang managed to intertwine through these stories despite this being a shorter middle grade book. I think each layer of the story showed that we might have a lot going on, but we are strong and capable enough to continue on and conquer these large challenges.
As someone completing their Masters in Elementary Education, with a focus on literacy and English language learners, I appreciated how Kelly Yang subtly referenced educational concepts like Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. It added authenticity not only to Lina's experiences but also to the educational aspect of the book. There a million and ten other reasons I admire what Kelly Yang did with this story, but I don’t want this to be 30 pages long!!
So, to wrap it up, I encourage everyone to read this because it truly is a story with a message that resonates regardless of age and experience....more
I know that a lot of people did not like this book or were disappointed in it, but I absolutely loved it??
More than anything this book felt like4.5 ⭐️
I know that a lot of people did not like this book or were disappointed in it, but I absolutely loved it??
More than anything this book felt like a mind game. The whole time I felt like I was battling with myself because despite how I saw Coriolanus as a boy I’m reminded of who he ultimately became. It’s like an internal battle as I remember that he IS an evil character no matter how much I want him to make better choices. I have so many deeper thoughts and “what if” feelings (like how would he have turned out if he wasn’t “groomed” or “manipulated” to have a specific way of thinking?, how could exposure have positively influenced his ignorance?, etc.) but I won’t go into too much detail.
I think there is some similarity in how Collins writes her characters within this world. Similar to Katniss, Coriolanus struggles between that boundary of good and evil. However, unlike Katniss you can see how he is more in tune with that evil and corrupt side. He’s selfish, self-centered, insecure, and most importantly, a narcissist (he’s crazy!). But, at the same time he shows inklings of some sort of morality (albeit usually motivated by selfish reasons). It’s an interesting dynamic, especially since you already know his outcome. Another thing I found interesting was the interactions between capitol student mentors and the tributes. It was a dynamic that we didn’t see in the original hunger games.
I felt like this was such an interesting story and made me teeter between the lines like Katniss and Snow. It was something new of sorts. In my opinion, Collins managed to take a concept/storyline we’re all familiar with and make it deeper and more complex....more
There’s just something so captivating with Abigail Hing Wen’s characters. They feel so personable and realistic. They go through problems I could see There’s just something so captivating with Abigail Hing Wen’s characters. They feel so personable and realistic. They go through problems I could see myself, my friends, or anyone going through. I find myself living through these characters.
Sophie, admittedly and deservedly, was not my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei, BUT, in Loveboat Reunion she becomes someone entirely new while still keeping the characteristics that make her, her. She discovers that you can fall in love and be interested in dating while also girl bossing in order to have the life you envision. I think this topic is relevant for women today especially with the new Barbie movie and the controversy surrounding the new Snow White movie. You can have both or one or neither and you’re still equally as badass.
Xavier was my favorite character in Loveboat Taipei and he continues to be my favorite in Loveboat Reunion. Maybe it’s that bad boy aura coupled with the fact he is just such a sweet heart. He is not a 2D male character/love interest, but someone who has such a complexity it’s hard for me to put it into words.
Loveboat Reunion is such an amazing experience. It’s more than a romance story, but a story about discovering your abilities and accepting yourself when the world seems to be against you....more
Talk about Korean drama level dramatic! I mean that love square, the family drama, main lead second lead WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE? I loved it lol I was appTalk about Korean drama level dramatic! I mean that love square, the family drama, main lead second lead WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE? I loved it lol I was apprehensive at first because I saw a lot of low ratings, but this just proves I’ve got to stop relying on Goodreads reviews & make my own choices lol (ironically)
Does this book have its faults? Yes. There are topics that could’ve been addressed better and there were definitely some uncomfortable situations. But, the whole concept was *chefs kiss*. Really this is the epitome of teenage young adults figuring out who they are and where they wanna go in life. I love how Abigail Hing Wen adds in the struggles Asian and Asian-American youth face. Talking with my sister about the characters we both realized these issues are relevant to our lives and to others apart of the Asian and Asian-American community. Some say things like Ever’s parents wanting her to be a doctor because her dad couldn’t achieve that dream is “dramatic”, but that IS the real life for so many immigrant children ...more
Yes, the characters are flawed (I’m talking to you Benedict), but at the same time we have to remember the era and, I think, we have to acknowledge thYes, the characters are flawed (I’m talking to you Benedict), but at the same time we have to remember the era and, I think, we have to acknowledge the growth. Sure, Benedict was teetering between manipulative and respectable, but he was also someone who saw his faults, understood his wrongs, and tried to right them.
Beyond that, the story was just so fun. I loved the Cinderella parallel, the banter between Benedict & Sophie was cute and had me kicking my feet and squealing at my walls, Violet Bridgerton & her daughters were such a joy to read about, and Sophie was honestly a bit of fresh air. Sophie was strong, but at the same time a little insecure. She was strong in her morals & beliefs, but also faltered (because she’s human). She was independent and could take care of herself, but she was also a woman in love (and sometimes that involved wanting to be saved my a man ...more
**spoiler alert** Honestly, this book made me re-evaluate how I am in my own relationship. I read another review that said this book was honestly life**spoiler alert** Honestly, this book made me re-evaluate how I am in my own relationship. I read another review that said this book was honestly life changing and in a weird non-over dramatic not literally life changing kind of way it kind of was? lol
The mutual respect and understanding Dani & Zafir had for each other was so important and so special. The topics about growth, second chances, and hope were prominent and well developed (in my opinion). I also felt their relationship escalated in a more natural way compared to Chloe & Red (yes, despite the fake dating concept lol). Maybe because the book started with them already having some sort of friendship/acquaintance it felt less rushed? I don’t know if it’s just a me thing but I struggle to really get into books that start with immediate random feelings for each other BUT whatever the case is… this didn’t feel like that!
Anyway, I was genuinely surprised how much I really liked the entire book. While the characters from Chloe’s story stuck with me for days, the emotion and the lessons from Dani’s story will stick with me for a long time.
This is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book and the writing is absolutely so beautifully addicting. The characters were dimensional and complex, they weThis is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book and the writing is absolutely so beautifully addicting. The characters were dimensional and complex, they were neither good nor bad, but simply human. It felt so put together, so powerful, so well executed… I don’t know. I wish I could make my feelings really show themselves through writing.
I don’t even know where to start. I was addicted right from the first couple chapters. It’s so crazy to know how immersed I was in this fake Hollywood actress and her life. Evelyn Hugo’s life felt so crazy, so raw, so outrageous you think “absolutely not real”, yet here I am eating up every word and wholeheartedly believing she is a real person while doing it. Her life is just so complex. It’s quite sad to think about it though… her circumstances and what she had to do to achieve what she thought she wanted her whole life only to realize she was fighting for the wrong thing while losing absolutely everyone she loved in the process.
Monique… I think I related to her in many ways. Like, in her desire to please everybody even if it doesn’t benefit her and while to an extent that’s a great quality to have, Evelyn brought out a stronger and more authoritative side in her. A side that advocates and fights for herself. I also relate to Monique’s feelings towards Evelyn at the end, which if you’ve read it you’d understand the complexity of it. I don’t think I’ll ever have one set of settled feelings about this book....more
What a magical read! Seriously, I felt like I was on some psychedelic trip, kind of like Alice in Wonderland meets The Truman Show?? Once the games stWhat a magical read! Seriously, I felt like I was on some psychedelic trip, kind of like Alice in Wonderland meets The Truman Show?? Once the games started, I was running on pure adrenaline, don’t ask me for minor details! The beginning was a bit slow and honestly I wasn’t following at all, but I eventually fell in love with the the story and the characters. Every person, every detail, and every word uttered had me so skeptical. I trusted absolutely no one! I’m not sure how Scarlett got through it; I was constantly afraid she was being deceived by everything around her. They say to remember it’s a game and to differentiate reality from fiction, but I was struggling. If I were there instead of Scarlett, I would’ve forgotten it was a game, it would’ve been over for me.
I don’t have anything profound to say other than this was such a magical, intense, jaw-dropping, wall-gasping, talking-aloud-to-no-one, creative story. Julian and Scarlett absolutely took my heart, stomped on it, and buried it 20 feet under. I’ll never recover from the trip this book took me on. If you’ve been on the fence about reading this, like I was, this is your sign to go for it....more