Emotional damage, but beautifully done.

I want to immediately reread it, but I think I’d have to be euthanized after.

Imagine the future. Dystopian. Not because of terrible virus, not because of environmental collaps, not because of the earth is unlivable anymore. It still does, but only to some people. The dystopian future described in this book is already here. Hashtags like #StopAsianHate, #BlackLivesMatter already circulating on social media, especially after incidents, assaults to person of foreign origins in today’s America, more and more often. This book tells the story of what America would be if it grows more xenophobic than it already is, if civil unrests, riots and crimes toward minorities. It tells the story about racist America, where people are beaten down on the street, children removed from their homes and noone would bat an eyelid. It’s a scary story that hits a little too close to home

3.75/5

Nice concept, poor execution.

Our Missing Hearts does an important job of shedding light on how societal biases can escalate from misguided perceptions into acts of violence. Ng’s exploration of this theme is powerful, bringing much-needed awareness to the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

This was the third and most recent Celeste Ng’s book I read. And unfortunately, I have to say that this is my least favorite. Celeste Ng’s previous books are set in 1970s and 1990s, which I personally think the charm of her novels. This one though, it’s set in a dystopian America. I thought I wouldn’t have a hard time adjusting to the ‘time difference’ but I kind of feel detached with Our Missing Hearts and it was probably because of this dystopian setting.

The premise itself is interesting: Bird is trying to find her mother, who’s wanted by the government as she’s seen as a rebel. It should be fun and adventurous, with a hint of emotional family drama – which is not unusual for Celeste Ng’s works. But I don’t know, something is deeply missing from this one. I think I didn’t have the time to develop deep connections with Bird and his family because I was too focused on the world-building, on how this ‘alternate America’ works. The story also felt a bit dragged and too slow for me.

For me, this book feels too ambitious for its own good. Maybe would probably be better if it was written as a historical fiction, but maybe this is an experimental work – which is somewhat great because it means Ng’s getting out of her comfort zone. But it didn’t really work for me.

10/22/22: took some thought and i'm forcing myself to like this so much but it was honestly disappointing compared to her past two books ----- 1/20 - looking forward to a 3/3 5-star from one of my favorite authors! immediately my most anticipated book of the year

Our Missing Hearts: 3/5 The premise of this book had such promise but it failed with execution. OMH is haunting with a not-so-dystopian setting where children have been ripped away from their parents due to people practicing "un-American culture". Current society is presented all throughout the book which is what makes the book all the more believable & incredible. That being said, there are numerous reasons why this was not a knockout read for me. The pacing throughout the book is extremely slow without the deep dive into characterization I was hoping for. Halfway through the book the point of view switches and it feels as though the reader is robbed of the full characterization of Bird that we originally fell in love with. Since it's such a short book, I was disappointed that neither of the two characters felt entirely finished. Furthermore, the entire book felt like I was waiting for a climax that never arrived. The end of the book feels lacking without any conclusion (which is part of the point I understand) but I wish it felt more like an ending rather than the end of a chapter. Largely, OMH evokes unfinished. If we were given more character depth and development I think it could have shined incredibly well, but I was left disappointed.

3.5 ⭐️ I wanted more character development and more emotion. This book delved into several heavy themes and topics but still seemed so shallow. However, I still liked the book and would recommend if you like dystopian worlds.

Don’t read unless you want to sob your eyes out

I love the themes of this book, so important and timely, it just didn't pull it off for me totally in the end

Really enjoyed this, I enjoy dystopian literature

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my personal opinions.

I’d like to call this book a modern 1984. This is my first Celeste Ng novel and it sure won’t be the last (Little Fires Everywhere you’re next).

I absolutely loved how Ng tackled the dystopian theme; eerily lifelike and ominously fictional. This is one of those books that you’ll think about long after you’ve read it. It does make you feel like you’re looking into a dark future, asking when and not if things will turn out like that.

Ng has the impeccable ability to build meaning through clever structure of words, her preferred style it seems is a mix between personification and metaphors with a healthy dose of irony.

Do I recommend? Easily one of the top fiction books you could read.

Wow