Like Spilled Water

By Jennie Liu

Nineteen-year-old Na has always lived in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao, her parents' cherished son. Years ago, Na's parents left her in the countryside and went to work in the city, bringing Bao-bao along and committing everything to his education.

But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really kill himself because of a low score on China's all-important college entrance exam? Na learns that Bao-bao had many secrets and that his death may not be what it seems. Na's parents expect her to quit her vocational school and go to work, forcing Na to confront traditional expectations for and pressures on young women.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781541599321

Jennie Liu

Jennie Liu is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. She has been fascinated by the attitudes, social policies, and changes in China each time she visits. Her young adult novels have won honors including a Freeman Book Award Honorable Mention and an In the Margins: Best Books for Teens award. She lives in North Carolina with her family.

Reviews for Like Spilled Water

[vanessa_menez-453497 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank You to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for this ARC!!

Set in China, Nineteen-year-old Na has always lived in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao. But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really kill himself because of a low score on China's all-important college entrance exam? Na learns that Bao-bao had many secrets and that his death may not be what it seems.

This book was an interesting and simple read about the life in China, especially through the eyes of a young teenage girl. It deals with the topics such as one-child policy, the gaokao exams and the differences in lifestyle in urban and rural China.

The main character of the book, Na, was well written. It was enjoyable to read her journey discovering her desires and goals in life, while understanding the complexity of family relationships and expectations.

Overall I enjoyed this book since I could learn some new things about the Chinese culture and life.