Overall Take:
Such a great and enjoyable read
Star Rating:
5 Stars
Genre:
Young Adult Historical Fiction
Synopsis:
This book is told from the perspectives of four different men starting with in 1930 and ending with 2020. It begins in the fields of California from Francisco’s point of view. Next, we go to Stockton California and get the perspective of Emil, who refuses to follow in the footsteps of his dad. In 1983 we are transported to Denver and hear from Chris whose dad, Emil, is overbearing. Chris yearns to learn more about his Filipino history but meets reluctance from his dad. And the last perspective is Enzo in Philadelphia, who is forced to deal with the pandemic while his abrasive grandfather moves in.
Thoughts:
Wow. I have never quite read a book exactly like this. Yes, I have read generational contemporary fiction, but never about fathers, which was a spin I didn’t realize I was missing. Of course, there are many similarities to this book to other generational trauma books I’ve read, but this was such a great one. This book follows four generations of a Filipino American family going back to the 1930’s. I listened to this one on audio, and it was amazing. Each of the four men was read by a different voice actor, and they were all fabulous. The story isn’t necessarily told in a linear fashion as it jumps from character to character, and we are brought to their timeframe. In other words, the story was nicely interwoven. I thought I would get confused without the visual markers on the page, but that was not the case at all, so extra kudos to the author for writing a clear roadmap, and the narrators for bringing it to light in a clear way.
While this book is slated as a YA, it did read more mature. I do think that it will appeal to a YA audience, but that YA label should not deter those who normally shy away from the genre for it being too “young”. It’s very well written and a highly enjoyable read.
I think that this series is going to appeal to YA readers and those who enjoy the genre. It really is a fun and enjoyable read.
Publication Date:
August 27, 2024
Author:
Randy Ribay
Page Length:
288 pages
Publisher:
Kokila @penguinteen
Thank you to:
Thank you to @penguinteen. All thoughts are my own.
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