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What Members Thought

I know with my 3-1/2 rating that I am in the minority but here goes:
I think the author is a very talented writer. That said... this book took me a while to get into and at times I forced myself to continue reading it. There was wonderful, albeit slow, character development on the four children, their parents, Mia, and her daughter Pearl. And I loved Mia and Pearl. I think I actually liked the movie a lot better than the book because of the actors in it, especially the amazing Kerry Washington.
So ...more
I think the author is a very talented writer. That said... this book took me a while to get into and at times I forced myself to continue reading it. There was wonderful, albeit slow, character development on the four children, their parents, Mia, and her daughter Pearl. And I loved Mia and Pearl. I think I actually liked the movie a lot better than the book because of the actors in it, especially the amazing Kerry Washington.
So ...more

I wanted to like this book so much, I tried so hard to find amazing things in this book. I mean, the writing style is still great (Celeste Ng, right?), but to tell you the truth, I found this book a bit dull, very very predictable, with characters that the writer seemed having her own judgment already and tried to convince the reader to follow her opinion.
If Celeste Ng didn't try so hard to make Mia as a very likable, cool, free as a bird and understanding parent - maybe I could have some time t ...more
If Celeste Ng didn't try so hard to make Mia as a very likable, cool, free as a bird and understanding parent - maybe I could have some time t ...more

A well-written book about the complexities of motherhood, parenting, and the existential question of the paths not taken. How much of life can be planned? How do we know when a decision is the right one? What does it mean to be a mother or a parent? A great portrayal of the frustrations of finding ourselves out of sync with those around us. I also feel like I gained new perspectives on photography, which was an added bonus. Frustrating but well done characters who somehow manage to begin as ster
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eh! What in the world ... slow, boring ... had heard this was a great read. Oh well, not for me. 3/C

Dec 08, 2017
Scott Flicker
marked it as to-read

Dec 22, 2017
Patrick
marked it as to-read

Dec 26, 2017
Vesra (When She Reads)
marked it as to-read

Jan 02, 2018
ChristineElizabeth
marked it as to-read

Mar 03, 2018
Jennifer Eklund
marked it as to-read

Jun 06, 2018
Mirja
marked it as to-read

Oct 28, 2018
Monica W.
marked it as to-read

Jun 06, 2019
Jackie Wayment
marked it as to-read


Nov 20, 2019
Amanda
added it