Different, Hunting, Beautiful!

This book had it all in a wonderful mixture, in a different way, telling a quiet but impactful story about different families, ways to grow up, to live your life and throughout it all having a discussion about "Is there a right way?"

This is a story that will stick with you. For better or for worse -its not a book you will read and forget about in a day.

is that good? Is it bad?
No idea. Read it and decide for yourself!


The writing was fantastic!
It had the perfect mixture of aloofness to tell the different POVs and very different stories in a way that the switches of POV and very different story lines made complete sense - because while we where told the stories from a specific persons/characters point of view, the way it was written/told it felt more like where are simply an observer. If that makes sense? I guess not really, i hope anyone understand what i am trying to say!

It actually felt like we are being told a story or are reading a story instead of actually being inside the story.

And i think for this type of story the book tells that was PERFECT!

We don't need to be directly inside the head of every character, feel their emotions and feelings and get told their every thought to understand why they are doing something or decide to make that decision.
We do get details, explanations, and snippets of thoughts but not every little thing. And that is not necessary.

I just love the writing - its not for everyone! But it was for me, so i am really happy!


The story itself?

It was great!

Its not a unique story. I have read a good amount of other family based stories that tell a similar if not the same plot itself BUT the author makes it unique in the way that she actually really showcases all those different types and options and shares all different opinions on it all. And she does it without it feeling as if she clearly pushing one view point or option or opinion unto the reader.

And that is something not a lot of authors can actually do!
Most books, most authors, do clearly showcase their own opinion on especially family matters very clearly throughout there books. what they think of adoption, how they think kids should be brought up, or how a family should live their life. It might not be something the author plans to clearly showcase -how he/she thinks about the topic- many of them clearly try very hard NOT to show that but they still do with how they word things, how they showcase specific moments throughout the story.

In this book? NON OF THAT!

And i really appreciated that.

I also loved that we see really all types of family.
Those that choose to leave, those that choose to stay, those that actually choose their type of family, those that expect way to much, those that don't have any expectations at all and basically everything in between.

Its lovely to see actual variety in families.


I also LOVED the discussion about adoption, what a family makes, what a mother makes and at which point a child becomes your child.

Celeste Ng had all the important points, talked about it from basically every side and also showed how difficult it can be to actually KNOW what is right or wrong -or if there even is such a thing especially in regards to a child.

If there really is a specific standard that should be meet, or if anyone can actually know what the standard is.

It was just a very lovely experience to see an actual discussion about that topic in a book that is real and open and honest but without pushing towards one specific opinion but actually showing that there might not be this one real right/perfect.


The ending.

Now that is one think that i KNOW a few people will complain about.

For me it fitted the book perfectly.

This type of book... there is never a really great way to end it. Someone will always have a different option, want more answers, wants to know more details... so how can this type of story actually end any differently than this book did?

Life is just like that. even if one specific part ends, it just keeps on going rather seamlessly.

Sometimes you get all the answers you want and expect to get.
Most of the time you won't. Most of the time you are left sitting with more questions than you started the entire journey out with.

So for me this ending? PERFECT for the story.
Still know a lot of other reviewers will complain about it. a lot i am sure.

I still enjoyed it and think it was really well done.


All in all?

This book was great!
I enjoyed the entire thing, i loved moments, i didn't agree with others, i appreciated the entire thing!


Also as a little side note: The audiobook was done VERY WELL, so if you are looking for a nicely read book? Highly recommend that version as well! (since i read half the book myself and than switched to the audiobook i got through the libraries overdrive system)

*Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*