If I have learnt anything this year, it's that I will devour and enjoy anything that R.F. Kuang writes.
I'm going to be as vague as possible whilst still giving my thoughts because I don't like writing spoilers or anything in particular detailed for reviews, especially when it comes to books that aren't released to the public yet.
Yellowface covered important topics that are not often highlighted in books, especially when it comes to the publishing world. Racism, plagiarism, microaggressions and cultural appropriation are just some of the things that were portrayed in this book. This book was the definition of meta and satire and I loved every minute of it.
June was a protagonist that you didn't want to root for and that's something that you don't see often in books but I think it speaks volumes about how there are many people in the real world, in all types of workplaces and life in general like June who take advantage of the disadvantages of marginalised groups for their own benefit. I found myself so angry reading this at June's blatant disrespect, racism and self-righteous actions throughout the book. Just to name one out of many was when June was annoyed by others rightfully saying that many issues arise when it comes to white people writing stories from the point of view of marginalised groups, a point of view that white people will never experience or understand.
This was so unlike anything that Kuang has written and I'm excited to see what she writes next. I know that I will eat up anything that she publishes.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“People who are considered normal enjoy putting those who aren't on trial.”
I think this is the perfect book for anyone who has felt like they needed to change just to fit the mould that society has made for them.
I think I chose to read this at the perfect time as a twenty-three-year-old who is trying to learn how to navigate through life. As an autistic person, this book spoke to me in the way of always feeling like a person on the outside looking in. The constant feeling that something is wrong with you because you know you act and see things differently than others is overwhelming and I believe it was the same for Keiko.
This was a quick, easy read and I enjoyed it.
”Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”
When I was younger, we were made to watch The Outsiders at school and I had loved it. I don't know why it's taken me so long to finally pick up the book.
The characters are so well written. I loved reading Darry, Soda and Ponyboy's story and their love for one another was visible on paper. This is such a found family story, especially when it comes to the Greaser gang.
“Can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?”“Real good.”“You can see it good from the East Side, too.”
I believe this book teaches an important lesson about how we all can be different but still be the same. I think any person, regardless of what background you have, can emphasise or feel something when reading this.
This is one of those books that it doesn't matter how old you are or when you read this, it will still have the same impact on you.
This is the perfect book to read if you're looking for something that will make you feel something but aren't in the mood to read a large book. This is also a great read if you are wanting to begin reading or smash out those yearly reading goals.
“When you have a purpose that doesn't involve hurting someone else, it changes the way you walk.”
It will never cease to amaze me when I read a book that is under 200 pages but manages to have such a powerful and impactful message behind it in just a small amount of pages.
I mentioned in my review for Open Water that as white people we will never understand how it feels to be in the shoes of Bipoc. I think Riot Baby gave another great light to shine on some of the issues that they face due to racism, systematic racism, police brutality and many more.
Riot Baby might be a quick read but there are so many things to enjoy and love about it.
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