zoeferry's reviews
635 reviews

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I found that the first half was too slow and by the end I found myself just wanting the book to end. Not a bad book but not one that I would pick up again. 

“Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You” by Candice Chung is a reflective and intimate memoir that captures a pivotal year in her life. Set in the months leading up to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chung explores the deep connections between food and the relationships that shape her world. Now that some time has passed since the pandemic started, it’s fascinating to read personal accounts of that period and how it reshaped people’s lives.

While the book explores her relationship with her parents, much of the focus shifts to the romantic relationship that develops during those months. Sometimes, her parents feel like background characters when they could have played a more central role. That said, I enjoyed Chung’s memoir. Her lyrical writing style pulls you right into her experiences, and the way she weaves food into the narrative is beautifully done—it often takes center stage in the best way.

I’d recommend this to anyone looking to explore more Asian writers and their nuanced takes on relationships, identity, and family.

I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical going in—an exclusive retreat on a private island, a mysterious host, and a group of guests with secrets to hide. The premise can easily veer into cliché if not handled well. But Pliego delivers, crafting a tense, suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you hooked while exploring how far people will go to protect their past. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced mystery or love Glass Onion, this one’s worth picking up!