Review of Journey To The Heartland

[Carole Kendall]

Thank you for such a well written review. I always enjoy books about other cultures and countries, and this one has the added dimension of a young boy being initiated into a gay lifestyle by his gay father. Would the boy have grown up to be gay without his father’s tutelage? Guess I’ll have to read the book to see.

[Habeer Na]

Actually it is not their choice to become different but it is moulded environment, his family situation all of this have influence and the struggle he faced everything is truly described

[rusyalana]

Although LGBTQ+ is not my topic the book sounds pretty interesting and emotional. Gay people face a lot of criticism in a lot of countries and I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for a person with a different sexual orientation in a strictly traditional society. I'm sure the book will find its reader. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

[Kelvin Omollo]

Though we might differ in norms and the way we see things, I know Hanwei's journey is a reflection of real society struggles. I hope the suitable audience finds the inspiration in the book.

[Amos Osinya]

Am excited to read about Hanwei. Am just happy that I already have this book in my custody. I will read it. I will follow along with the gay journey of Hanwei and learn more about how times have changed. Indeed, it must be an interesting story

[Nusrat Jahan 45]

I wonder if reading a book on a gay man's experiences would help those who are prejudiced. It appears as though the book would follow the experience of a Chinese individual who is gay and has sentiments and emotions just like everyone else. Writing a book like this, in my opinion, might encourage tolerance and acceptance among certain people.

[Magdalyne chebet]

"Journey to the Heartland" by Xiaolong Huang follows Hanwei, a Chinese tech genius, as he navigates his sexuality, family struggles, and societal challenges. The novel explores themes of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural expectations, discrimination, and resilience in a changing world. Congrats BOTD!

[Natalie MT]

I love that you take time for analysis in your book. I also like that you point out how integral the LGBTQ narrative is to this story. This was a really great review!

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

I have known Chinese children that had a lot of problems with their parents due to their overly strict natures. The fact that the protagonist is gay would not prevent me from wanting to learn more about Hanwei. Thanks for the review!

[Blue N Sky]

I appreciate that the author is gay and in interracial relationships throughout his life. It's refreshing to have such diverse books such as this one as BOTD.

[Alice Fu]

I appreciate the inside depth of this review. However, I disagree with the point about homophobic people avoiding this story. I would actually argue that people who are homophobic should all the more explore the events and direction of the story because it would lead them to have deeper insight into a community that they don't understand and then hopefully develop a sense of empathy/ further understanding over them

[Wokoma Izubundu Benedicta]

This is a powerful story about identity, family, and self-discovery. It follows Hanwei, a gay Chinese immigrant, as he navigates personal struggles, cultural expectations, and the search for belonging. The novel explores themes of sexuality, immigration, and interracial relationships in a heartfelt and thought-provoking way. Huang’s storytelling is engaging and insightful, making this a meaningful read on identity and acceptance.

[Mereline Nki]

It is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of identity,culture and social justice. I like it

[Joe Alex 2]

Hanwei’s journey sounds deeply emotional and intriguing. It’s interesting how the story goes beyond just sexuality, going into family struggles, cultural expectations, and societal prejudices. A powerful read that highlights both personal and social challenges.

[Gayatri Tripathi]

This review does a fantastic job of highlighting the depth of Journey To The Heartland beyond just Hanwei’s sexuality. I appreciate that the book delves into family dynamics, cultural expectations, and societal struggles, making it a multi-layered narrative. Hanwei’s experiences with his father’s abusive behavior and sense of entitlement sound particularly thought-provoking, especially in the context of traditional Chinese family structures. The discussion on racial and sexual discrimination through Jay’s experiences as a Black marine also adds an important layer of social commentary. Based on this review, it seems like the book provides an insightful look at identity, relationships, and perseverance. I’m glad to see stories like this being shared, and I look forward to reading it.