Book Review: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Title: Yellowface

Author: R.F. Kuang

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Literary Fiction

Pages: 319

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Authors Juniper Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. But Athena is a literary darling while June is a nobody. Who wants stories about basic white girls? June thinks. So when June witnesses Athena's death in a freak accident, she acts on impulse, stealing Athena's just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I.

So what if June edits Athena's novel and sends it to her agent as her own work? So what if she lets her new publisher rebrand her as Juniper Song- complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo? The piece of history deserve to be told, whoever the teller. That is what June believes, and The New York Times bestseller list agrees. 

But June cannot escape Athena's shadow, and emerging evidence threatens her stolen success. As she races to protect her secret she discovers exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves."

My Rating: 4/5

This is an important read. Being knowledgeable about where our stories come from, and thinking about how different perspectives come into play. This book brings up a lot of conversation pieces for readers, writers, and other people who engage with literature. The only aspect I didn't like was our main character. I know the purpose was that she is unlikable, but it was to the point where I sometimes didn't want to pick up the book because I knew that June was going to be a rough character to read from. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu

Title: We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

Author: Simu Liu

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 320

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Marvel's newest recruit shares his own inspiring and unexpected origin story, from China to the bright lights of Hollywood. An immigrant who battles everything from paternal expectations to cultural stereotypes, Simu Liu struggles to forge a path for himself, rising from the ashes of a failed accounting career (yes, you read that right) to become Shang-Chi."

My Rating: 3/5

I could have written the whole summary of this book from GoodReads, but then I feel like the whole book and its contents are given away. I did like this book, but I wasn't expecting it to end when it did. I think that Simu Liu brings up so many important social issues and has given a spotlight to those who can relate to his experiences as a second-generation family member. I'm glad I read it and the audiobook was read by the author which is always a great experience. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Title: The Rose Code

Author: Kate Quinn

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 624

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything- beauty, wealth and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses- but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a more than society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of East-End London poverty, works the legendary code-breaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park's few female cryptanalyses. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends- turned- enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter- the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship='[-;/0 and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab and Beth must resurrect their old alliance, and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code bring danger- and their true enemy- closer..."

My Rating: 5/5

This book was so much more than I had at first assumed it would be. I thought that this would be a fun girl power historical fiction, as much as one can be when it's based in England during, WWII. But this was more than that. It told the stories of so many people who helped fight the war in a totally different way. I knew that there had been code breakers, but I had no idea that Bletchley Park existed. I can't imagine having to keep everyone, family, friends and neighbours so in the dark about what you are doing while knowing you are doing your part in the war effort as much as others. I think the main characters were so well written, and the interpersonal relationships felt real. I loved the writing style and the audiobook was a great way to consume this story. I would strongly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Title: Never Have I Ever

Author: Joshilyn Jackson

Series/Standalone:Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook 

"Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasure that come with it- teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirit fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant song. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy's sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it's naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way- and a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they're alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn't give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she's going to make Amy party for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she's built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can't beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson's trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgression of our past come back with a vengeance."

My Rating: 2/5

This thriller was just fine, it wasn't anything mind blowing, or anything that threw me for a loop. There were twists her and there I wasn't fully expecting, but things that I had guessed at. I was intrigued by our main character and would have liked to hear more about her years before meeting Charlotte, even though we did see glimpses of it. It was also interesting to see the middle class drama in this community. It doesn't quite live up to rich people drama in thrillers, but it was interesting. I would read more from this author in the future, but I'm not in a rush to do so.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny