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Showing posts from June, 2023

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang: A Bold Satire on the Publishing Industry's Shallow Pursuit of Diversity

In Yellowface Kuang skillfully delves into the publishing industry's often superficial attempts to appear inclusive and diverse. With biting satire and sharp wit, Kuang examines the industry's obsession with tokenism, represented through the character of Athena Liu, a talented writer of color who becomes the latest sensation. She delivers a thought-provoking and incisive exploration of the publishing industry's problematic dynamics, cultural appropriation, and the struggles faced by minority writers. Kuang delves into the complexities of identity, representation, and the demands placed on authors of color in a thought-provoking novel that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism, cultural appropriation, and the lengths some individuals will go for personal gain. At the heart of the story is June Hayward, our unreliable narrator. June is an aspiring writer struggling to break into the publishing world. Her character serves as a vessel for Kuang to explor...

The Grisha Trilogy

Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy, consisting of Shadow and Bone , Siege and Storm , and Ruin and Rising , is a captivating and immersive fantasy series that combines a strong female protagonist, Alina Starkov, with a richly developed Russian-inspired world. Bardugo weaves a tale of magic, political intrigue, and personal growth that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. One of the standout features of this trilogy is Alina Starkov, the central character. Alina is a refreshingly strong and complex female protagonist. At the beginning of the series, she is portrayed as a meek and overlooked orphan, but as the story progresses, she discovers her extraordinary power as a Sun Summoner and evolves into a determined and resilient leader. Alina's journey of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her unique abilities and assert her place in a world dominated by the Grisha elite,  is empowering and inspiring. Bardugo deftly portrays Alina's internal struggles, doubts, and fears...