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ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
An unnamed man returns home to sub-Saharan Africa after 26 years in America. He ponders the unrecognizable country and people through a series of seemingly random and offbeat encounters and conversations.
HANGMAN is the kind of book that hits me with sarcasm and humor so sharp it's like a literary dagger straight to the funny bone. The precision in every line makes me both laugh and wince, especially as someone who is part of the diaspora. It's a gut punch delivered with a smirk.
As our unnamed MC navigates the maze of returning home, Binyam takes us on a rollercoaster of what's new and shiny versus what's deteriorated and crumbling. It's like a hilarious tour through the absurdity of change, or lack thereof. The narrative style is a masterpiece—reading like a string of random conversations and encounters, but the execution is brilliant. Even though HANGMAN is more vibes than plot, the dark humor and sarcasm keep me hooked.
Binyam's exploration of modernization and who's actually reaping the benefits is delivered with a touch of self-doubt, adding layers to the already rich narrative. Through peculiar conversations with taxi drivers and cousins, the author poses the crucial question: how much is really changed, and how much of history is just on a loop?
The ending hits a chord that resonates with anyone who has left their "home." What do we lose in the process, and what can we regain when we return? As someone who's ventured far from my roots, Hangman stirred up a cocktail of complex emotions, making me ponder deeply about my own concept of "home." It's a vibe-heavy exploration that, despite the lack of a straightforward plot, manages to leave a lasting impression.
HANGMAN is the kind of book that hits me with sarcasm and humor so sharp it's like a literary dagger straight to the funny bone. The precision in every line makes me both laugh and wince, especially as someone who is part of the diaspora. It's a gut punch delivered with a smirk.
As our unnamed MC navigates the maze of returning home, Binyam takes us on a rollercoaster of what's new and shiny versus what's deteriorated and crumbling. It's like a hilarious tour through the absurdity of change, or lack thereof. The narrative style is a masterpiece—reading like a string of random conversations and encounters, but the execution is brilliant. Even though HANGMAN is more vibes than plot, the dark humor and sarcasm keep me hooked.
Binyam's exploration of modernization and who's actually reaping the benefits is delivered with a touch of self-doubt, adding layers to the already rich narrative. Through peculiar conversations with taxi drivers and cousins, the author poses the crucial question: how much is really changed, and how much of history is just on a loop?
The ending hits a chord that resonates with anyone who has left their "home." What do we lose in the process, and what can we regain when we return? As someone who's ventured far from my roots, Hangman stirred up a cocktail of complex emotions, making me ponder deeply about my own concept of "home." It's a vibe-heavy exploration that, despite the lack of a straightforward plot, manages to leave a lasting impression.
As a biracial & unenrolled tribal member, Daunis Fontaine has never fit in in her hometown & on the Ojibwe reservation. After witnessing a murder that thrusts her into the heart of an investigation, Daunis is faced with an impossible choice. How far will she go to protect her "own"?
I loved everything about DAUGHTER—the mystery component, impeccable pacing, and examination of the Ojibew culture. These elements make DAUGHTER a unique and memorable YA vastly different from others in the genre and is a perfect start for those who don't read YA regularly.
DAUGHTER explores essential issues like one's indigeneity, drug addiction ravaging the Native communities, and the intricacies of tribal laws. The ending is especially heartbreaking yet offers invaluable insights into law enforcement's limitations. I was eager to start Boulley's next book after finishing DAUGHTER.
I loved everything about DAUGHTER—the mystery component, impeccable pacing, and examination of the Ojibew culture. These elements make DAUGHTER a unique and memorable YA vastly different from others in the genre and is a perfect start for those who don't read YA regularly.
DAUGHTER explores essential issues like one's indigeneity, drug addiction ravaging the Native communities, and the intricacies of tribal laws. The ending is especially heartbreaking yet offers invaluable insights into law enforcement's limitations. I was eager to start Boulley's next book after finishing DAUGHTER.
When Perry Firekeeper-Birch learns about the "Warrior Girl," an ancestor whose bones are stored in a local university, Perry is determined to return the Warrior Girl to her tribe. Together with her friends, they devise a heist to bring back the stolen artifacts, only to realize there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye.
Like her first book, GIRL is a fast-paced and unputdownable book I finished in one day
Like her first book, GIRL is a fast-paced and unputdownable book I finished in one day
On the eve of the return of Hong Kong as a British colony to China in 1997, Tobie asks her great aunt Violet about the Japanese occupation during WW2. What ensues is a tragic and hidden family history and a rare chance for Tobie to learn about her grandmother, Emily.
In LOST CENTURY, Lai takes readers on a captivating journey through the little-known history of Hong Kong, skillfully weaving an oral history that feels both expansive and intimate. Brace yourself for a plethora of characters in the beginning & consider keeping a note of names to navigate the intricate connections of each character!
The backdrop of LOST CENTURY spans from the juncture of the civil war between Nationalists and Communists to WW2 during the Japanese occupation, providing a rich historical tapestry of Hong Kong's history that isn't always widely known or commonly written. Lai's meticulous research shines through, grounding the narrative in the gritty reality of the time.
What sets this historical fiction apart is the remarkable voice of Violet. Her straightforward narrative style uniquely blends wit and raw emotion, even when delving into profoundly traumatic moments. It's a refreshing and sometimes unsettling approach that gives me all the feels and keeps me engaged.
While Violet's perspective is compelling, I wish Emily had a more substantial presence in the story. The narrative focuses on the aftermath of the Japanese occupation, leaving me curious about Emily's healing process and how the pervasive violence from the colonizers & men in her own community has impacted the sisters.
I'm blown away by LOST CENTURY, and I highly recommend that those who want to read more about Asian history pick up this severely underhyped gem. Lai's careful craftsmanship and Violet's captivating voice make it a worthwhile journey through a pivotal period in Hong Kong's past.
In LOST CENTURY, Lai takes readers on a captivating journey through the little-known history of Hong Kong, skillfully weaving an oral history that feels both expansive and intimate. Brace yourself for a plethora of characters in the beginning & consider keeping a note of names to navigate the intricate connections of each character!
The backdrop of LOST CENTURY spans from the juncture of the civil war between Nationalists and Communists to WW2 during the Japanese occupation, providing a rich historical tapestry of Hong Kong's history that isn't always widely known or commonly written. Lai's meticulous research shines through, grounding the narrative in the gritty reality of the time.
What sets this historical fiction apart is the remarkable voice of Violet. Her straightforward narrative style uniquely blends wit and raw emotion, even when delving into profoundly traumatic moments. It's a refreshing and sometimes unsettling approach that gives me all the feels and keeps me engaged.
While Violet's perspective is compelling, I wish Emily had a more substantial presence in the story. The narrative focuses on the aftermath of the Japanese occupation, leaving me curious about Emily's healing process and how the pervasive violence from the colonizers & men in her own community has impacted the sisters.
I'm blown away by LOST CENTURY, and I highly recommend that those who want to read more about Asian history pick up this severely underhyped gem. Lai's careful craftsmanship and Violet's captivating voice make it a worthwhile journey through a pivotal period in Hong Kong's past.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC
Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor who believes in hard work and keeping her head down. But when a vengeful man rips away her peaceful life, Lin Chong gets recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan, a group of outlaws who proclaim a belief in justice. Will Lin Chong find a new home with this group of bandits?
Inspired by the Chinese classic WATER MARGIN (Shi Nai'an), OUTLAWS is a gender-spun retelling featuring women bandits from all walks of life. It's an exhilarating journey into a world rich with wuxia elements. From the first page, I was drawn into a captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together the mystique of martial arts and the allure of the fantastical.
One of the standout features is the diverse cast of women, each with unique personalities that add depth and dynamism to the story. From the fiercely loyal to the cunningly greedy, the variety among the characters is a refreshing take on female representation in the genre.
OUTLAWS is a fabulous reading experience that I found utterly unputdownable. It combines well-developed world-building and political intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor who believes in hard work and keeping her head down. But when a vengeful man rips away her peaceful life, Lin Chong gets recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan, a group of outlaws who proclaim a belief in justice. Will Lin Chong find a new home with this group of bandits?
Inspired by the Chinese classic WATER MARGIN (Shi Nai'an), OUTLAWS is a gender-spun retelling featuring women bandits from all walks of life. It's an exhilarating journey into a world rich with wuxia elements. From the first page, I was drawn into a captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together the mystique of martial arts and the allure of the fantastical.
One of the standout features is the diverse cast of women, each with unique personalities that add depth and dynamism to the story. From the fiercely loyal to the cunningly greedy, the variety among the characters is a refreshing take on female representation in the genre.
OUTLAWS is a fabulous reading experience that I found utterly unputdownable. It combines well-developed world-building and political intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to provide for her family. When she ventures into the capital to complete her imperial exams, she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. What will Zilan sacrifice for her dreams?
SCARLET is a captivating blend of visceral body gore descriptions and a world rich in alchemical wonders. While it delves into heavy topics like socioeconomic divide and corruption, what sets this book apart is the unexpected humor that peppers the narrative, especially in the delightful scenes featuring the "pet" ducks (IYKYK, lol).
The world-building in SCARLET is nothing short of exceptional. It drew me in with echoes of FULL METAL ALCHEMIST (Hiromu Arakawa). The intricacies of this world contribute to the overall immersive experience, making it a treat for fans of complex and well-developed settings.
SCARLET is a must-read for fans of Chole Gong and Sue Lynn Tan. It seamlessly blends gore, humor, and intricate world-building, offering a unique and enthralling journey.
SCARLET is a captivating blend of visceral body gore descriptions and a world rich in alchemical wonders. While it delves into heavy topics like socioeconomic divide and corruption, what sets this book apart is the unexpected humor that peppers the narrative, especially in the delightful scenes featuring the "pet" ducks (IYKYK, lol).
The world-building in SCARLET is nothing short of exceptional. It drew me in with echoes of FULL METAL ALCHEMIST (Hiromu Arakawa). The intricacies of this world contribute to the overall immersive experience, making it a treat for fans of complex and well-developed settings.
SCARLET is a must-read for fans of Chole Gong and Sue Lynn Tan. It seamlessly blends gore, humor, and intricate world-building, offering a unique and enthralling journey.
Thank you to @bibliolifestyle & Mariner Books for the gifted copy
In this unique, original, and imaginative speculative memoir, Lin blends Japanese myth, Taiwanese folklore, family history, and personal experience to shift the cultural narrative around mental illness and grief.
While it took a moment to acclimate to the writing style, I found myself captivated by Lin's narrative. By the end, I was utterly enamored with this unique exploration of life with bipolar disorder.
"Upstairs, the girls told each other why we should live. If we could not believe it for ourselves, we believed it for each other."
Lin's candidness about her battles with bipolar, particularly during her tumultuous teenage years, moved me to tears. The visceral portrayal of her yearning for the pain to cease evoked a profound empathy for young Lin. The emotional journey she shares is both raw and enlightening.
The relationships depicted in NIGHT PARADE add layers of warmth and complexity, especially her special bond with her father. The illustrations by her younger sister contribute a personal touch, reinforcing the theme of family love that permeates the book. Lin's explanation of bipolar disorder to her daughter, reminiscent of ALL THE LITTLE BIRD-HEARTS (Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow), showcases the delicate balance between honesty and compassion.
"I tell so many stories without fully understanding what lies beneath the surface. This is the limit of my present knowledge, the way I connect the dots at this single moment."
The exploration of Lin's ancestral history, from Taiwanese descendants surviving Japanese colonization to her mother's side experiencing Japanese concentration camps during World War II, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. These sobering histories resonate not only with Lin but with any Asian Americans whose families endured the unimaginable.
"There is a nagging feeling that I should only tell the stories received orally from my ancestors instead of those I find in books. I think this is a common diaspora anguish, for those of us fractured from places, narratives. "And yet without research, without looking beyond, we would be hamstrung only by what our ancestors shared. We can treasure what they gifted us, while also acknowledging that in certain cases they did not tell us enough, or that what they said was wrong, or was right for that time and place but needs to change now."
The Night Parade is a moving tribute to ancestors who defied the odds, faced unthinkable hardships, and whose stories can only be reconstructed through tales passed down through generations.
"So maybe this isn't a story about ghosts, but a story about telling a story about ghosts. About how to remember while moving forward. You are drawn to these myths because they change."
For those who appreciate experimental writing, vibe-heavy and plot-light narratives, and speculative memoirs, NIGHT PARADE is a must-read. It spoke to me on a personal level, and its impact will linger in my thoughts for a long time.
In this unique, original, and imaginative speculative memoir, Lin blends Japanese myth, Taiwanese folklore, family history, and personal experience to shift the cultural narrative around mental illness and grief.
While it took a moment to acclimate to the writing style, I found myself captivated by Lin's narrative. By the end, I was utterly enamored with this unique exploration of life with bipolar disorder.
"Upstairs, the girls told each other why we should live. If we could not believe it for ourselves, we believed it for each other."
Lin's candidness about her battles with bipolar, particularly during her tumultuous teenage years, moved me to tears. The visceral portrayal of her yearning for the pain to cease evoked a profound empathy for young Lin. The emotional journey she shares is both raw and enlightening.
The relationships depicted in NIGHT PARADE add layers of warmth and complexity, especially her special bond with her father. The illustrations by her younger sister contribute a personal touch, reinforcing the theme of family love that permeates the book. Lin's explanation of bipolar disorder to her daughter, reminiscent of ALL THE LITTLE BIRD-HEARTS (Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow), showcases the delicate balance between honesty and compassion.
"I tell so many stories without fully understanding what lies beneath the surface. This is the limit of my present knowledge, the way I connect the dots at this single moment."
The exploration of Lin's ancestral history, from Taiwanese descendants surviving Japanese colonization to her mother's side experiencing Japanese concentration camps during World War II, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. These sobering histories resonate not only with Lin but with any Asian Americans whose families endured the unimaginable.
"There is a nagging feeling that I should only tell the stories received orally from my ancestors instead of those I find in books. I think this is a common diaspora anguish, for those of us fractured from places, narratives. "And yet without research, without looking beyond, we would be hamstrung only by what our ancestors shared. We can treasure what they gifted us, while also acknowledging that in certain cases they did not tell us enough, or that what they said was wrong, or was right for that time and place but needs to change now."
The Night Parade is a moving tribute to ancestors who defied the odds, faced unthinkable hardships, and whose stories can only be reconstructed through tales passed down through generations.
"So maybe this isn't a story about ghosts, but a story about telling a story about ghosts. About how to remember while moving forward. You are drawn to these myths because they change."
For those who appreciate experimental writing, vibe-heavy and plot-light narratives, and speculative memoirs, NIGHT PARADE is a must-read. It spoke to me on a personal level, and its impact will linger in my thoughts for a long time.
