ambershelf's reviews
1295 reviews

At 30, Ro is stuck in a dead-end job working at a mall aquarium, estranged from her mother, alienated from her best friend, and her boyfriend just left her for a mission to Mars. Ro spends her days caring for a giant Pacific octopus, Dolores, who happens to be Ro's remaining link to her missing father. But when a wealthy investor decides to buy Dolores and moves her into a private aquarium, Ro finds herself on the precipice of self-destruction. Is this her last chance to locate her father? A final opportunity to come to terms with her childhood trauma?

SEA CHANGE is all vibes and little plot. It's a story that alternates between the present & the past, and explores love, complex family dynamics, and relationships through Ro's sometimes questionable actions

Life is tough for Tamsyn and Ed, with their money problems, long work hours, and rebellious daughter, Scarlet. But when a tragic accident leaves Scarlet comatose and little chance of recovery, Tamsyn and Ed find themselves in a bind: do they keep Scarlet on life support until their health insurance runs out in two weeks or enroll her in a medical trial? This seemingly easy decision soon escalates into something bigger and more complicated than ever imagined, and Tamsyn & Ed must do everything they can to save their family.

What I love about this type of sci-fi isn't necessarily how fancy the technology is (even though that is still pretty freaking cool), but the moments when tech urges me to think about humanity and those "what would I do?" moments. In THE NEW ONE, Tamsyn and Ed face such junctures of using technology to "save" their daughter in desperation while not knowing much about the underlying science.

As someone working in biotech developing drugs for cancer patients, THE NEW ONE also urges me to consider the ethics behind experimental treatments. I can confidently say that THE NEW ONE dramatizes how patients are usually enrolled in clinical trials. Nonetheless, it always reminds me of how my work affects actual human beings and should help patients rather than just answer interesting science questions.

THE NEW ONE has similar settings to Kazuo Ishiguro's NEVER LET YOU GO & KLARA AND THE SUN, but it's more fast-paced that doesn't have too much science jargon in it. This book is perfect for those seeking a thrilling read and who don't want to spend too much time figuring out the science.

Thank you to Berkley for the gifted copy

In 1435 China under Mongol rule in a famine-stricken village, a young girl named Zhu assumes her dead brother's identity to join a monastery. But when her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to further claim her destiny and her brother's fated yet abandoned greatness.

BECAME THE SUN is an epic and captivating tale that transported me to 14th-century China. With a Mulan-esque plot, the novel explores the limitations of being a woman during tumultuous times, which, unfortunately, still ring true for some even today.

I adore how Parker-Chan contrasted Zhu's experiences dressed as a man with the experiences of other women in the novel. Through Zhu's journey, we see how women were expected to move through the world–as invisible caretakers and grateful wives–and how these expectations differ vastly from those of men. BECAME THE SUN is a fascinating exploration of gender & identity that made me think deeply about the limitations placed on individuals based on their gender.

On top of the comprehensive world-building & captivating plots, what stood out to me was the scheming! The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself rooting for Zhu and her allies as they navigated the complex political landscape. In this sense, BECAME THE SUN reminds me of GAME OF THRONES, and I would love to see this on screen (even though I'm squeamish and probably won't be able to stomach the gorier scenes

When Vivek starts experiencing disorienting blackouts, he finds solace in friendships with the daughters of the Nigerwives. Nonetheless, his closest confidant and cousin, Osita, struggles to understand Vivek's crisis. As his disconnection between self and surroundings escalates, Vivek's life is brutally cut short. Can his friends and family find the courage to peel back the layers behind his death?

VIVEK OJI s a poignant and heart-wrenching novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and grief. Set in Nigeria, the story follows the life and untimely death of Vivek, a young person struggling to come to terms with their gender and sexuality.

This novel is so powerful because it sheds light on the painful reality of slowly dying because you're not seen. We often think of death as a one-and-done thing, but for Vivek, the lack of acceptance and understanding from those closest to him leads to a slow deterioration of his spirit. It's a painful and heartbreaking process that is all too common for those trying to find their true selves.

VIVEK OJI also explores the theme of family and how it can both provide comfort and cause harm. Vivek's relationship with his parents is particularly tragic as they fail to understand and accept him for who he is. It's a painful reminder of how difficult it can be for those who don't fit into societal norms and how even those supposed to love and support us unconditionally can sometimes fail us.

VIVEK OJI is a beautifully written and incredibly moving novel that tackles important themes with grace and sensitivity. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the struggles faced by those who don't fit into traditional gender and sexuality norms. However, it's important to note that this book deals with sensitive and potentially triggering topics, so please check the trigger warnings before reading and take care of yourself