ambershelf's reviews
1295 reviews

In this outstanding memoir/essay, Lee explores questions of being Asian in America and how we can dismantle the structure of white supremacy. Covering her Korean parents' struggles immigrating and establishing themselves in America, her childhood growing up in LA, and the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Lee discusses how Asians can be both victims and accomplices to white supremacy.

I deeply appreciate Lee's examination of the history of Black-Asian conflict/relations, the contrasting narratives of model minority vs. problem minority, and the idea of zero-sum games in social justice issues. She analyzes the false notions behind these ideas, and why white supremacy is always the ultimate beneficiary behind pitting different marginalized groups against one another.

Furthermore, BITING provides a thought-provoking examination of filial piety, drawing comparisons to the dynamics of "master" vs. "children" in the contexts of slavery and colonialism. Lee brilliantly explores acts of violence/service/love between parents and children. The unconditional yet all-consuming nature of these relationships is both heartwarming and oppressive, showcasing the complexities of familial ties and their impacts on individual growth.

Throughout BITING, Lee emphasizes the concept of generational trauma, highlighting how it acts as a divide between parents and children. However, she offers a glimmer of hope by exploring intergenerational healing, which presents a pathway toward breaking free from these cycles and fostering positive change.

BITING is a remarkable book that confronts challenging themes with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. For fans of MINOR FEELINGS (Cathy Park Hong), BITING THE HAND is a phenomenal pairing

This a review of the whole trilogy but doesn't contain spoilers for any books!

When Rin gets the top score on a national exam in her province, she can't wait to leave her adoptive parents, who just want to marry her. Upon arriving at Sinegard, the elite military school, Rin is shunted by her wealthy & pale-skinned schoolmates. But Rin won't give up. She just has to study harder & fight stronger, for pain is power, and when you have power, you have options. Right?

Kuang's talent lies in crafting imperfect characters who feel undeniably real with depth and layers, evoking a strong emotional connection. As with Robin in BABEL and Athena in YELLOWFACE, Rin's several (if not most?) decisions had me pulling my hair out

While she works as a bartender, struggling screenwriter Advika Srinivasan meets Julian Zelding, an Oscar-winning producer. Despite their four-decade age difference, Advika falls in love and marries Julian, promising not to dig into his past. But when Julian’s first wife passes and offers to pay Advika 1 million to divorce Julian, the young bride must secretly investigate her husband through his exes’ lenses.

WIVES is a captivating read for those interested in the messiness behind Hollywood glamor. Ramisetti weaves her background in media into the dynamics between rich/famous stars and working-class people trying to make it in the industry. I can almost picture the scenes when reading WIVES, and I think it’ll make an engaging series as the readers peer into Julian’s failed marriages. WIVES make an excellent alternative for fans of THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO (Taylor Jenkin Reids).

Advika is a deeply flawed character. At times I want to shake her and tell her how ridiculous her blind trust in Julian is. But maybe that’s the point Ramisetti is making. When there’s a profound power imbalance in a relationship, do we tend to blame women for their naïveté rather than the older men who have shown a pattern of exploiting young individuals?

The ending has a trope that isn’t my personal favorite, but it adds more drama to the story, which I think is part of the “written for screen” books geared more commercially. Overall, ADVIKA AND THE HOLLYWOOD WIVES is an entertaining & lighter read that explores power inequality in relationships.

When Harriet and Wyn find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been the annual getaway for their friend group, they regret not informing their friends of THE big news: they broke up six months ago. With this weekend being the last time the group can use the cottage before its impending sale, Harriet and Wyn must pretend they're still together. Except it doesn't always feel like pretending when they desperately still want each other.

I adore the focus on friendship & found family in HAPPY PLACE. I love how Henry explores the evolution of close friendships and how the deep connections we build when we're young don't have to end as our paths diverge. Even though there's nothing wrong with growing old & apart, the profound relationships described in HAPPY PLACE put me in such a happy place (sorry I had to

Born into a fishing village in Singapore in the 20th century, Ah Boon is a gentle boy not much interested in fishing and drawn to his outspoken classmate Siok Mei. But with the invasion of the Japanese army, the rise of leftist resistance, and the pursuit of modernization, Ah Boon must decide what he wants to do, where he wants to go, and most importantly, who he's taking with him vs. leaving behind.

GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautiful story that delves into westernization, modernization, and the complexities of change. Heng's expansive yet immersive writing style effortlessly transports me into the historical setting and leaves me with a profound sense of introspection. Heng's writing shines through the pages, painting vivid images and immersive scenes in the rich cultural tapestry of the story. The descriptive power of her words creates a sensory experience that enhances the reading journey.

Through the lens of the characters, GREAT RECLAMATION examines the complexities of societal transformation, shedding light on what is gained and lost in the pursuit of progress. Heng invites readers to ponder the significance of heritage, culture, and history, and provides introspections on the profound impact of modernization on individual and collective identities.

I particularly love the open ending. Heng leaves room for interpretation, allowing me to contemplate Ah Boon & Siok Mei's futures & the broader implications of their choices.

GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautifully written novel that prompts the readers to reflect on the challenges and rewards of embracing change and its impact on identity and heritage.

Drawing upon her experience immigrating to Canada as an Iranian woman and teaching about racism in majority white spaces, Dashtgard beautifully explores the themes of belonging, purpose, and community in this memoir/essay.

Organized in short passages not ordered chronologically, BELONGING is perfect for when you don’t have stretches of uninterrupted reading time. I enjoyed Dashtgard’s heartfelt writing and resonated deeply with her quest to foster a community without losing her own identity.

One aspect that particularly struck me was the exploration of anger and its purposeful use in addressing racism. Dashtgard’s mindful approach to utilizing rage in her line of work to educate people about racism is both inspiring and empowering.

Another passage that stood out to me was the survival strategies non-white immigrants adopt when moving to white-dominant countries. I deeply related to these patterns and reflected on how this survival mode has impacted various aspects of my life, including relationships and marriages. This passage was truly thought-provoking, introspective, and poignant.

BELONGING is a book that goes beyond the surface level of the pandemic anxiety and delves deeper into the themes of finding purpose & building community. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a meaningful exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of unity in a divided world.

Thank you to BiblioLifestyle & Dundurn Press for the gifted copy