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Read for book club Jan 2016.
I had heard of the Chilean miners, but knew nothing about their experiences. This book did a wonderful job telling their stories, from the miners, to their families, to the government officials and experts who got them out. It read like a newspaper article at times, but mostly it told a story of the 33 men. The names and places were a bit overwhelming at first, but I got to know the big personalities and the quiet men both. A Google search and Youtube also helped, which I would highly recommend doing as you read, especially a diagram of the San Jose mine. Really gave me perspective on how deep the men were and how they escaped into the Refuge.
But mostly the book seemed like a study of human resilience, including how the men made different choices for good or not and their idiosyncrasies that helped their personalities stand out. I enjoyed the contrast between the days with no contact aboveground and the days after the drill broke through. It was fascinating to read about the men's solidarity, as well as their division. As with any non-fiction, I asked myself what I would have done. A great story about hope, survival, and also surprisingly, of fame and its consequences.
I had heard of the Chilean miners, but knew nothing about their experiences. This book did a wonderful job telling their stories, from the miners, to their families, to the government officials and experts who got them out. It read like a newspaper article at times, but mostly it told a story of the 33 men. The names and places were a bit overwhelming at first, but I got to know the big personalities and the quiet men both. A Google search and Youtube also helped, which I would highly recommend doing as you read, especially a diagram of the San Jose mine. Really gave me perspective on how deep the men were and how they escaped into the Refuge.
But mostly the book seemed like a study of human resilience, including how the men made different choices for good or not and their idiosyncrasies that helped their personalities stand out. I enjoyed the contrast between the days with no contact aboveground and the days after the drill broke through. It was fascinating to read about the men's solidarity, as well as their division. As with any non-fiction, I asked myself what I would have done. A great story about hope, survival, and also surprisingly, of fame and its consequences.
I read this as part of my "Asian subcultures" study. I couldn't figure out how much of this book is fact or fiction, but many parts of it were humorous, even if they seemed exaggerated (the scene with Eddie and his crew vs. the neighborhood bullies). Eddie Huang is a self-made, cocky upstart. If you don't like that vibe, you probably shouldn't read this book. But if shenanigans and rule-breakers and mouth-watering descriptions of food is what you enjoy, go for it.
I'm one of those people who is fascinated by subcultures, but this one slowly fizzled away into nothing, like can of pop that has been sitting out for too long. The writing is awfully juvenile, with quotes that sound like they're from a teenage girl's diary. Its a soap opera of the rich, richer, and richest. Read it like its a joke. Then you'll probably enjoy it.
Compared to The Graveyard Book which is quite similar in the themes of friendship and isolation, this book really hit on both points in a moving way. Its a quick YA read, with some fun illustrations that show the realistic thoughts of a teenage boy - a Native American boy no less. Also similar to Wonder for its pursuit of acceptance despite difference.
Sentimental, warm, funny at times, touching. If you're familiar with brain injuries, special education, and first generation immigrants, you'll relate to this book.
I agree with other reviewers - this book is a simplistic portrait. But its also a feel-good story of people who love America, people who still feel awe and amazement at all the freedoms we have here. There is nothing too dark or jaded in this book. Just sincere writing.
I agree with other reviewers - this book is a simplistic portrait. But its also a feel-good story of people who love America, people who still feel awe and amazement at all the freedoms we have here. There is nothing too dark or jaded in this book. Just sincere writing.
