Thank you NetGalley for this review copy of the book.
I wasn’t a fan of this book as it was a little brash and inane for my liking.

DNF 45%

As some others have said, I struggled with this one, both with some of the storylines and the lack of nuance/examination of the racism.

Talking with someone who read it when it was 1st issued, it was obvious this is largely an issue with how society has changed meanwhile.

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

I was sent this eARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Books in exchange for an honest review.

I was quite excited to read this book, but I found myself struggling to stay with it. There are a couple of stories in there that intertwine with each other. But even each individual story in my opinion, didn't really flow. So I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and empathise with them.

Overall nice art style but I wish the stories flowed more and the characters showed more personality in a way that you could really connect with them.

I think when it came out in 2006, it must have been pretty groundreaking: a reflection on racism with an American Asian lens, cleverly executed through three seemingly unrelated narratives — but nearly 20 years later it leaves a feeling of wanting more. Less caricature, more nuance, less of a very American teenage boy, perhaps? I found this interesting but not as resonant as other graphic novels on immigrant experience.

Despite being neither YA or a graphic novel reader usually, I found this to be an insightful book into the experience of a young man who struggles with his identity. This was topical with a lot of racism throughout which may turn readers off but without it, I don't think it would have felt such a true representation of the character's experience. Clever how the 3 stories weave together, I didn't see how they would connect but all of a sudden it wraps up neatly. Artwork is clean but feels quite 90's for a nostalgic feel.

disclaimer, i've never known this graphic novel before, nor the TV series. I thought this was the usual diaspora Asian struggle-type of story, but I was wrong

there's seemed to be 3 different stories at the beginning but at the end it's all connected. not gonna lie it's kinda fun. but it doesn't leave an impressive mark for me

I loved this graphic novel! Before making any consideration you need to know this was first published in 2006, so it's a graphic novel with such merit for having dealt with topics of racism, belonging, self-acceptance and identity. Really loved how all the plots converged as well.

An interesting deep dive into identity, racism and being a teenager. I liked the interwoven stories, but found it a bit jarring at times! I did enjoy this though.