ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)

Finished copy by the publisher & ALC from @prhaudio

In this mesmerizing tale, Tang explores the different shades of love woven through the intertwined lives of its complex characters. From tender care to passionate desire, from confusion to jealousy, and even to the brink of destruction, CINEMA LOVE reminds us that no one is entirely innocent or evil—it's the choices we make and the burdens we carry that shape our destinies. 

With its multi-POV narrative, which delves not only into the perspectives of closeted gay men in China but also into the lives of their wives, Tang skilfully paints a vivid and authentic portrait of imperfect yet relatable characters. As the story unfolds across different timelines, Tang effortlessly navigates the complexities of love, grief, and guilt, culminating in a finale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

CINEMA LOVE is a powerful reminder that love defies simple categorization or expectations; it is as diverse and multifaced as the individuals who experience it. Amidst all the complexities and challenges, love remains a guiding force, inspiring acts of compassion and understanding.

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rtc. But amazing writing and a very refreshing look about closeted gay men and their wives. I can’t believe this is a debut

Gifted by the publisher

AMGR is a delightful read that seamlessly blends humor, social commentary, and a touch of magic into a fast-paced and engaging narrative. Despite tackling heavy themes such as climate change, depression, and sexism, the story maintains a light-hearted tone, making it a refreshing and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Hur's translation is straightforward and earnest, perfectly complementing the tone of the novel. His notes provide valuable context into the story, further enriching my reading experience. I'm so thankful books that don't take themselves too seriously exist! 

AMGR resonated with me on a personal level, evoking nostalgia for animes featuring fearless and magical girls on a mission to save the world. The stunning illustrations added an extra layer of charm to the reading experience, making it a whimsical tale that I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of SAILOR MOON!

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So fun

ARC gifted by the publisher

TGATG is a charming romantasy inspired by Korean mythology offering readers a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, humor, and mystery. From the moment I started reading, I was immediately transported into a world brimming with tension and intrigue, reminiscent of K-drama vibes.

I particularly enjoyed the irresistible chemistry between the trickster God Seokga and the elusive nine-tailed fox Hani. Their enemies-to-lover dynamic, filled with accusations and banters, kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I really enjoyed the tension and pining. 

At times, Hani & Seokga's interactions read a bit YA, and TGATG feels contemporary despite its setting in 1992. Nonetheless, these small imperfections didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I recommend TGATG to lovers of Korean mythology and fans of K-dramas. I can't wait for the sequel, and I'd love to see this delightful story come to life on screen!

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What I liked:
-female friendships
-three Asian girls from different socioeconomic backgrounds with very different personalities
-reminds me of QUEENS OF NEW YORK
-I love the message of “taking up space” YES especially for Asian girls ❤️‍

What I liked:
-non toxic mother daughter relationship
-the discussions of how to build a resistance to take down school bullying is great. And weaving historical anti colonial movements/revolutions is very interesting (even though it’s odd to me to reference George Washington so much as an Asian girl who’s experiencing extreme racism at her HS

A very comprehensive overview that covers the history & politics of “latino/a/x”

I also love that the author interspersed her research with personal stories from her family and other acquaintances.

For readers who enjoyed OUR MIGRANT SOULS but wanted more historical context and intimate personal stories, LATINOLAND is a great pick! I haven’t read that many history books on this subject and think LATINOLAND a great introductory read.

And I learned that Jeff Bezos has Cuban & Mexican heritage

4.5/5. Read in mandarin

-Wu is probably the closest Taiwanese author to Murakami Haruki (and I’m glad the forward mentioned this too so I’m not delusional

ALC gifted by NetGalley

Reminds me a lot of TOWN OF BABYLON. If you like more vignettes autofiction infused with humor, sarcasm, and political commentary (sometimes at the expense of plot), then you’d love this!

I really love the discussions of how the MC’s gender, class, and adjacency to whiteness seems to protect him from white supremacy initially, until it doesn’t.

Lots of Spanish too! I had no idea what those dialogues are about on audio but it didn’t affect my reading experience at all. If anything, it made me want to pick up a physical copy and Google translate them. Based on the context I think there will be a lot of Easter eggs

One of those books that is more focused on filling in the historical context and sacrifices character development. I’m especially not a huge fan of the one dimensional characters where some are extremely evil vs pure.

I think it’s still a great read for those unfamiliar with Taiwanese history!