Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 25
September 10, 2018
#BookReview: Binti: The Night Masquerade
“This is the year when ingenuity stands high on the list.”
Let me start by summarizing: The Binti series is amazing! You should really go out and read it.
I absolutely loved the first book, Binti. You can read my five-star review on Goodreads here.
The conclusion to the series, Binti: The Night Masquerade, also didn’t disappoint. Okorafor wraps everything up with ease. You want more details?
5 stars
Genre: Science fiction
Pros:
A diverse protagonist with an affinity for math to really root for
Exciting interstellar world-building and customs
Honest examination of identity, along with the values of family, friendship, and home
Cons:
None (unless you’re not into SF; would also recommend reading the books in order)
The whole Binti series is absolutely amazing. I really find the world-building fascinating. Of course, having the vast expanses of space to explore provides a lot of material to create fascinating creatures. I love how the idea of different cultures and preconceived prejudices gets challenged in all of the books.
The concluding book wraps up all that comes before it through interesting twists. I also like how Okorafor doesn’t make it easy for Binti to succeed. After all, she is a young girl with a heavy responsibility of mediation. I also appreciated how the ending wasn’t very predictable.
A unique read that bridges the wonderment of future and space, while helping us dig deep into our own beliefs and ideas in the contemporary world. Excellent!
Find more of my book ratings and reviews here.
September 5, 2018
August 30, 2018
Book Deal!!
Hey, readers. Here’s some fabulous news. I have a book deal with Penguin Random House (Berkley imprint)!! Color me crazy excited.
I started really focusing on my writing in 2008 . . . and here I am a decade later. I’m sure you have some questions for me, but I’ll give you a cheat sheet first:
What’s this new book about?
It’ll be the start of a fun contemporary cozy mystery series. Yes, it will have a female (*woot*) Asian American protagonist.
When will it be available?
Probably the summer of 2020.
How did this happen?
After reading Seniors Sleuth, an editor approached me! This has been a whirlwind blessing of getting a contract with a large publisher and also securing representation with Jessica Faust at BookEnds (she’s been amazing in handling the book deal details!).
Let me know if you have any more questions in the comments section.
August 20, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians!
“You will soon be honored by someone you respect.”
Yes, I watched “Crazy Rich Asians” and LOVED it! It’s a super charming romantic comedy.
Constance Wu really nailed the leading lady role. The interactions between the different generations and classes were exquisitely played out. I also really liked the side characters of Peik Lin and Oliver—hilarious!
I did the read the book as well. The movie isn’t able to showcase the lavish details of the uber rich that well (because it’s visual versus descriptive), but I think the film condensed the plot down better, using a more intense timeline. (They did cut out a big side story involving Astrid, but it was easier to focus on one main couple.) However, I did miss the fun and informative footnotes about Singapore that existed in the book but couldn’t transfer over.
My one qualm is that I felt Nick and Rachel had too perfect of a relationship. Nick, particularly, wasn’t a fleshed out character. However, I still enjoyed the romance (especially Rachel holding her own at the wedding)…and this gorgeous song:
I still can’t believe this Asian-led cast made it to the big screen. Let’s not wait another 25 years!
A giant thumb’s up from me!
Fun fact: I’m in this video (near the end) from Jon M. Chu!
A post shared by Jon M Chu (@jonmchu) on Aug 18, 2018 at 1:41pm PDT
August 17, 2018
Foodie Friday: Green Tea Croissant
Green tea croissant: classic crescent bun with matcha cream inside
It was between this or an almond croissant at the bakery. The cute matcha sprinkles won me over.
I’ve tried breaded goodies with green tea before, but not in this form. A croissant is an exquisite European delicacy. What could go wrong?
I think it is an inspired Frasian (perhaps I just made up that word = French-Asian) combo. Somehow the multiple layers of a croissant didn’t work with the cream, though. I think it has to do with the difficulty of reaching the middle—takes too much work, which hinders the taste process. There’s also a tad too much crunchiness on the edges of the bread, and the texture contrasts negatively with the green tea creaminess.
I guess I’ll just stick with the cream puff version next time!
August 6, 2018
Crystal Cave
“A much needed vacation will bring a great deal of enjoyment.”
We wanted to cool down for the summer. What better way to do that than to go caving?
Crystal Cave is a marble cavern located in the Sequoia National Park. It’s a guided tour, and there’s a half-mile trail down to the cave entrance. The walk is beautiful, though, and there are a number of trees and even some water trickles to admire along the way.
Near the cave entrance, there’s a nice waterfall area. It’s like a two-for-one nature tour: majestic outdoors and a mysterious cavern.
Crystal Cave features an amazing spiderweb entrance door (the better to set the mood!). It also offers a cool fifty-degree temperature inside. Hooray for natural cooling!
As expected from a cave, there are numerous stalagmite and stalactite sightings. All sorts of shapes can be made out from the formations, including a dragon and even Jabba the Hutt. Mostly, the path is pretty wide, but in one portion, it requires squeezing sideways to get to a more open area. Near the end of the tour, everyone in the group stood in complete darkness (utter blackness) and listened to the silence.
I really liked this tour experience. It’s an easy walk that’s educational and family-friendly.
Thumb’s up from me!
Fun fact: The web doorway was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps!
August 1, 2018
July 27, 2018
Foodie Friday: Tlayuda
Tried out this tasty Oaxacan dish recently…
Tlayuda: giant toasted tortilla with lots of fixings
This was not your average tortilla. A large crisp circle, it spanned the size of a personal pizza. I loved the different colors offered up by the black beans, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and avocados.
The winning culinary flavors, though, belonged to the meats: cecina, tasajo, and chorizo. Cecina tasted a bit too dry, but after all, it’s a partially dried meat (typically beef or pork). Tasajo turned out to be a nice grilled but bland beef. The chorizo, though, took center stage by winning over my taste buds with a juicy center and loads of spices.
Fun fact: People also call it Mexican pizza!
July 13, 2018
BookEnds Author Interview
Hi readers,
Please drop by the BookEnds website to check out my interview. It’s a nice welcoming gesture on behalf of my new literary agency!
July 9, 2018
The Getty Villa
“A pleasant surprise is in store for you.”
The Getty Villa
Located in the Pacific Palisades, the Getty Villa boasts beautiful views of the nearby Malibu coastline. Its architecture, though, remains strictly ancient Greece and Rome. (The villa is not to be confused with its sister site, the Getty Center, which houses more modern acquisitions.)
Meant to emulate a Roman-style villa, the museum was inspired by the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum. The Getty Villa first opened in 1974. Its Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities can date all the way back to 6,500 BC.
Admission is free, but timed entry tickets are needed to visit the museum. Make sure to reserve in advance!
Here are highlights from my trip:
Savor the elegant columned hallways
Admire the immense outside pool
Delight in the inner fountain area
Walk along the herb garden
Check out the marbled walls
Examine the detailed ceilings
Find ancient treasures (my favorite was this beggar girl coin bank, a Roman piece from AD 25-50)
