randi_jo's Reviews (420)

After taking the time to process the shorts in this book, I have to say that I love the continuity of the stories, how they both follow and don't the previous ones. They tell a meandering story of Cambodian Americans, the children of refugees, and how they have to shoulder the burdens of the sacrifices that their parents and grandparents made in order to survive the genocide. It also asks the questions of how much should your family/race/community define your identity, and also why people should stay together. 

Thought provoking and lovely.

Hmmm ok so I know some people are like yay a book on autism or like boo this isn't by an autistic author! But I kinda enjoyed it in a way that wasn't like "I want to read about life as an autistic" but was more into the mystery/drama of the family relations lol. I do have to say I liked Christopher as a MC, not because he was relatable but because he had such resolute boundaries on good and bad, but then also had dreams that made him happy where everyone else in the world is dead

Hi, hello. This book shattered any expectation I had when I first picked it up. I immediately want more. It's described as intricate, but I feel like it might go even deeper than that. Each sentence is connected, somehow, to a past, present, a future - I can't even fathom what's going to happen next. 

The narrative itself is deceptively simple and I think it takes a masterful hand - and mind - to hide that complexity as well as Jemisin did. Just wow! The last chapter just pops it all into focus and leaves you stunned for a moment. I am in love.

Highly recommend. Gunna grab book 2 soon. :D