A review by krystalicia_
This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian

medium-paced

4.0

This book had no business being so relatable but I appreciate that it did. A couple of key take always before going into a full review:
  1. Never trust a Thom with an H. Got bad vibes off the name alone.
  2. Complex family relationships, are especially strained relationships between sisters and mother/daughter will always be my kryptonite. Major bonus points if it’s an immigrant mother.
  3. Stories about people of color in predominantly white spaces (especially high schools!!!) causes an amount of introspection I never ask for but need deeply

I really enjoyed this book. I think it was super topical, relatable, and a book that really makes you think from so many different perspectives. It begs the question of how would you react when adversity strikes and is there a singular right way to handle it. I also appreciate that we get to see how these sisters navigate the very white space they live in: one who is very clearly Chinese and one who is constantly told that she’s not Asian enough since she took after her father and how those very physical features impact how they deal with things. It’s an interesting conversation on white privilege, white passing privilege, and how some people react when assimilation can be pushed on children of immigrants. Also, I’m kind of glad that she touched how people of color can still be racist because!!!! That truly needs to be called out. Loved this and excited to read more from Tian!