Gregory Barbee

Awesome Narration

Revisado: 07-31-24

An excellent continuation of the Avatar series started by F.C. Yee. Nancy Wu’s inestimable talent shone through yet again and had my rapt attention from the start.

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Poetic Prose from a Preeminent Poet!

Revisado: 06-03-23

Jane Wong’s history as a poet (if you’ve not read her two poetry books, you are denying yourself a treat) shows through in this heartfelt, lyrical memoir. Having her narrate her own work was icing on the icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed this read/listen.

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Captivating and Compelling

Revisado: 02-15-23

I had not read/listened to the first Book of Tea novel (A Magic Steeped in Poison), but picked up A Venom Dark and Sweet based in part on reviews and my appreciation for Nancy Wu's talents. I was not disappointed. She masterfully conveys Judy Lin's prose into a captivating and compelling narrative. All in all, well worth the listen, and I'm eager to pick up more by Judy.

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Great read, outstanding narration

Revisado: 10-27-22

I had not read an Avatar series book before this one, and now I feel that I've been missing out. F.C. Yee does a tremendous job at creating a compelling storyline, all while also interweaving explanations for those of us new to the series. Moreover, the audiobook narration by Nancy Wu is second to none. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

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Be prepared to listen straight through!

Revisado: 09-26-20

The combination of Zen Cho’s poetic prose, Nancy Wu’s tremendous narration and this compelling story led to a desire, actually a need, to listen to this entire novella in one sitting. I loved The True Queen and Sorcerer to the Crown, so I was expecting excellence, and Zen fulfills that yet again. And Nancy’s story-telling acumen is second to none.

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Well worth the listen/read; a great debut

Revisado: 07-13-20

I don’t know that comparing this novel to Crazy Rich Asians does it any good — Lauren Ho’s debut novel is better, more tightly paced and absolutely hilarious. As a lawyer, I thoroughly enjoyed Andrea’s inner dialogue and comportment in her work relationships and settings. As a human, I appreciated the representation of Singaporean society and culture (not to mention Kuala Lumpur, India, the UK, etc.), as well as the shout-out to graphic novels prevalent throughout. As a reader, I am so very much looking forward to Lauren’s next writing, whatever she chooses. It will undoubtedly impress, as Last Tang Standing did (and does).

Finally, a note on the audiobook — Catherine Ho is a consummate professional and impressively embodies and conveys the hilarity of this novel. She’s an Earphones Award winner, and her talents shine while she relays Lauren’s humor, humanity and heart. In short, read and/or listen to this book.

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Incredible first English language novel

Revisado: 03-23-20

I adore this novel. The subject matter, the endurance, perseverance, redemption, triumphs and tribulations of a Vietnamese family from the 1930s to the near present, challenged me in ways I admire. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's talent as a poet shines through in this needed historical novel. The novel, which Quế Mai took 7 years (and a lifetime of experience) to write, evokes strong, heart wrenching emotions while beautifully supplying a context within which the two main characters (Trần Diệu Lan, the indomitable grandmother, and Hương, her granddaughter) navigate trial after trial to their country, their family and their lives. The book is a fast read given the well-developed characters and the pacing, but I found myself slowing down to relish the story.

I wish I could give this book 6 stars. It is that beautifully written and that important. I cared enough for the Trần family that serval vignettes brought literal tears to my eyes. I wanted to MEET these people and hug them and help them and know them even more.

To that end, I found myself wanting a sequel!! Hương in the present day world and her further journey toward self-realization? The parallel story of HươNg’s father? I just want MORE of these characters/family/writing. (This even prompted me to order one of Quế Mai’s books of poetry, The Secret of Hoa Sen.)

This wonderful novel, its family and its depiction of Vietnam will stay with me for a long time. The book has garnered copious rave reviews and awards, and all are so very well deserved.

Finally, a note on the audiobook (I purchased it as well, so I could continue with the story during my daily commute): Quyen Ngo takes Quế Mai’s poetic prose and renders it lyrical. I found myself wanting to revisit portions of the book I had already read so that I could savor Quyen’s narration. I hope she narrates more, because I would buy a book on the strength of her involvement alone.

In short: buy this book (in any format). I loved it so much, I’ve already bought multiple copies as gifts for others. It is THAT incredible.

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Loved it.

Revisado: 02-26-20

So, I’ve been long overdue on writing this review, and I’m actually glad. My esteem for this book and Tiffany Tsao’s writing, considerable at the time I finished The Majesties, has only grown over the intervening few weeks, as I’ve found myself thinking of/remembering Gwendolyn and Estella.

I’d go so far as to venture that you not read any reviews of this book (including mine!) and take it for what it is, a great story about the Sulinado family and its pressures, influences, experiences and rancor. Going in with any preconceived notions of books to which it is or is not akin does a disservice to The Majesties, the comparison books and the reading itself.

Tiffany deftly paints a portrait of not only the families at issue, but her spot-on description (of at least the California locations and milieus) brings the story to life in vivid color. I thoroughly enjoyed those aspects, which served to add rich context and propel the novel. (Short aside, a propos of nothing: shout out to Tiffany Tsao for referring to Interstate 405 as “the 405,” as any Southern Californian would.)

Finally, a note on the audiobook. I’ve listened to Nancy Wu narrate multiple great books, and she is a consummate pro. As I wrote following my experience listening to her narrate this great roller-coaster mystery, “I can unequivocally say that I would listen to Nancy Wu narrate anything. Sign me up for crop reports & weather patterns, it doesn't matter. She is THAT good.” Nancy is the exceptional narrator that you will search out and buy books that she narrates BECAUSE she narrates them. Putting works of art like The Majesties (pun intended) into her hands just heightens the awesomeness.

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A Magnanimous Memoir

Revisado: 01-09-20

Magnanimity. It has been several years since a book compelled me to stay awake into the wee hours of the morning finishing it, and yet E.J. Koh’s extraordinary, magnanimous memoir, The Magical Language of Others, did just that. Eun Ji’s recounting of her relationship with her mother and family over the last 20 or so years exhibits power and grace in poetic (not surprising, given her experience and success as a poet) prose.

I particularly enjoyed the description of Eun Ji’s recounting of her experiences persevering, coming of age, and ultimately triumphing. Her journey to forgiveness is a paradigm of magnanimity. Even more riveting, the parallels raised by her description of the lives of her grandmothers brought to mind the incredible writing and stories of Min Jin Lee (Pachinko), Krys Lee (Drifting House) and Crystal Hana Kim (If You Leave Me). I could not offer higher praise.

One of Eun Ji’s mother’s letters offers the advice that “[w]hat we see changes according to what we look for.” In The Magical Language of Others, I was looking for a moving story. The book beautifully offers that and then some. It will undoubtedly touch common elements in each reader’s experience, while at the same time providing a poignant context of one woman’s (and one family’s) history, experience, love and compassion.

Finally, a note on the audiobook (I so wanted to finish the book to see what became of the Koh family that I purchased it as well): E.J. Koh’s reading of her own memoir is heartbreaking at times, calming at others, and riveting throughout. Highly recommend, and I’m overjoyed that this was my first read of 2020.

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