btwnprintedpgs's Reviews (1.3k)

Why is no one talking about this book?? I get that it's a backlist read, but if you liked The Hate U Give, you'll definitely want to pick up The Weight of Our Sky.

Full disclosure: I'm Chinese Canadian and never learned about May 13, 1969, or the tension between Malays and Chinese people within Malaysia, which led to various race riots through the 60s. A big part of this is likely due to the fact that the number of deaths and injuries that occurred on this day were thought to be fudged to the media, with suspected casualties being over 300 more than the reported 196. Saying that this moment in history wasn't important enough to teach because there weren't enough reported bodies is a heartbreaking fact, but it's also likely due to the race of the parties involved. Either way, thanks to this book, I am now more educated on this historical event, and the present conflicts that still exist (though it's a lot more peaceful nowadays, obviously). Additionally, I am not OCD so I cannot speak to the representation of the illness in this book.

The Weight of Our Sky is a phenomenal story about Melati Ahmad, who has OCD and imagines her mom dying in hundreds of colourful ways, which can only be countered by counting through multiples of 3 (she believes her OCD is a djinn that's taken over her life - it's 1969, and Malaysia is a Muslim state so proper mental health assessments weren't really a thing at the time). When the Chinese-Malay riots begin, she finds herself stranded without a way back to her mother. A Malay herself, she's surprised when a Chinese Auntie takes her home to her family and takes care of her - a kindness during a moment so full of violence and death. As Melati tries to find her way back to her mother, she learns more about the way words can dole out friction and be a poison to the heart, but also be the way to bridge people together.

I can't emphasize enough how amazingly this book was written. The message is really brought home as Melati sees varying perspectives regarding race, hurt, and healing - how it really is the hate and othering of people, whether by race, skin colour, or something else, that really leaves the deepest wounds.

Not only does Melati see the way people react to racism, but we also get to see how people alienate her due to her OCD. In particular, Melati experiences counting compulsions, and that leads to a need to tap her fingers or count out tiles or mutter numbers to herself, especially in times of great distress. She tries to hide it from those around her as she attempts to get through the city because she doesn't want her companions to think she's possessed, or crazy, or to come to any conclusion that makes them think it'd be best if she be left behind.

I am so glad I picked up this book - it was fantastically written and brought to light an event of racism and violence that hasn't made it into our history books (at least, not here in Canada). Definitely recommend, all the stars.

"We bit our tongues when people whispered things behind our backs, or made those sharp little comments to our faces, or even spit on our door [...] But Frankie was so sensitive. He took all those little sharp pokes and kept them in his heart. He started talking back. He started getting into fights. He let them make him bitter."

TW: Racism, multiple scenarios of death (Melati's OCD), grief, descriptions of wounds and injuries

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5

Not me just INHALING this entire book in less than 8 hours.

I literally could not stop smiling through this book. Okay, when the main conflict occurred, less smiling, obviously, but overall the whole book was so much fun and the banter and wit the characters had was spot on and so relatable.

Liv is a mess of a human being, and I loved her. She is the unluckiest human on earth, but is still absolute sunshine. Her overall bright demeanour and optimism, despite her setbacks, just made me so happy and she is such a strong person. She doesn't let the world or other people bring her down for more than a minute, and she keeps persevering no matter who tries to bring her down.

The romance was super steamy, but not super explicit. The tension though was *chef's kiss* This was a brothers-best-friend and haters-to-lovers rolled into one and I was living for it. Also, you know where all the movies are like, "I see you," and it's some revelation. Colin just gets that moment right and I love him for it. 

Also, we love a book that's not overly dramatic. Reactions felt so human and so normal that it really added to the overall satisfaction I had with this book.

Mr. Wrong Number is charting as one of my favourite romances ever. I don't think I've ever smiled so much reading a book. I just couldn't stop!

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5

eARC gifted by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.