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There are currently 28 member reviews
for Next Time Will Be Our Turn
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Alisa C. (Louisville, KY)
Emotional, but feel good story
This book reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo with the LGBTQ themes and the older woman reflecting back on her life stories to a younger person. However, the past timeline was set primarily in the 90s, and the present timeline was set in the near future (although it feels more like the present, and is not really important). Additionally, there are heavy Chinese-Indonesian themes, and the asian cultural background of the characters is important to the story. It was beautifully written, and a diversion from what I love to read by the author (namely, both of her cozy mystery series). The development of the characters was sweet, and the feminist message was strong and important to our times. I loved, loved, loved this book.
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Linda S. (Castle Pines, CO)
Oh my!
This is the first book I have read by the author but it will not be my last. Where to start? I will not detail the story of the book itself but rather my response to it. Next Time Will Be Our Turn brought to mind many of the decisions I have made through my life and the results of them that can only be understood in reflection. Granted, I am neither Indonesian nor gay but that doesn't matter when looking at Magnolia's life choices as a whole. We, as women, can all identify with many of the aspects of her journey. The ending brought me to tears for a life that which ultimately, was one well-lived. Please read this. You will not be disappointed.
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Susan U. (Waukesha, WI)
Pleasant surprise
When Grandma Nainai admits to her grand daughter that she's gay, "Tulip", as her granddaughter will later be called, Nainai begins to share her life story. Of love lost and found, of love for her husband of many years and the joy she finds now in her partner and her family. This is a lovely story. Touching. Funny but also a bit sad. I loved it.
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Borderlass, Belmont, MA
Enjoyable and Enlightening
This is polished and assured storytelling at its best. My initial reluctance to engage in reading an "in your face" tale about a young person discovering her "alternative sexuality" was quickly put asunder by the author's skill and sensitivity. Any misgivings I had evaporated as I became thoroughly engrossed in the unfolding tale featuring relatable characters that transcend or adapt to traditional boundaries. I found the minimal love scenes both tasteful and written with spare but contextually appropriate words. Regarding the rest of the book, there is much there for women's book club discussions.
Readers - from young adult to older readers - should find this book both enjoyable and enlightening, especially as one can relate to such thoughts and possible paths that confront adults as they encounter real life challenges.
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Theresa P. (Arkport, NY)
Grandma tells it all
The connection between the grandmother and granddaughter is the heart of this story. A heart beating strongly, I should add. The open dialogue between the two was beautifully told, and while surprising to the granddaughter, it was also a blessing of being understood.
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Amber H. (Asheville, NC)
Fantastic Book!
I really enjoyed this book! The first chapter or two were a bit slow - it started reading more as a young adult book, which may have been intentional to match the granddaughter's age.
This book quickly worked up speed for me. I really enjoyed the author's focus on gender and cultural roles.
I enjoyed the book's portrayal of the intricate, often restrictive, expectations placed on the Indonesian-Chinese female characters. Sutanto captures the pressure to conform, to be a good daughter & wife, and to uphold family honor, all while navigating personal desires and modern sensibilities.
I found this book to be heart breaking, inspiring, educational and I highly recommend it to any reader!
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Jennifer B. (Oviedo, FL)
Next Time
Next Time Will Be Our Turn is an unfortunate and clunky title for a very refreshing book. That is my only criticism, however. Jesse Q. Sutanto is a heck of a story teller. Having read some of her other series books, I was eager to read a book that departed from her quirky, humorous chic dramas. There were so many surprises and twists to this story that it kept my attention throughout. She is one of the few writers who can pen a romance that doesn't make me cringe. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about family traditions in other cultures. This one is about Indonesia. It would also be great for an open-minded book club.
