Tag: #howwefallapart

Haikus based on How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao.

Appearance was perfect 
Nothing left, a Web of lies 
Alone yet never 

Nobody knew it 
Unknown, everyone struggling  
Mentally harmful 

Betray or study
Completed both, almost died 
Forgiven at last

I wrote these Haikus a while ago and I realised I never posted them on my blog. The simple format of haikus really lets you understand the basic message and sometimes simple is best. There is beauty to be found in the bare and of course my first book based poems had to be on How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao.

My favourite Books of 2021, part seven [last part]. How we fall apart by Katie Zhao.

HOW WE FALL APART BY KATIE ZHAO

How we fall apart is a dark academia novel focusing on Asian American characters and the experiences of these people going through a prestigious high school while their secrets are being exposed and the murder of the queen bee. This novel displays the pressure many immigrant families and children feel as well as the hardship and the reality of always being seen as a perfect student. Not only is this book a murder mystery but it shows the world of many Asian Americans [not limited to] especially students. I loved this novel because of how much I related to the main characters, I have never felt so seen or understand from a piece of incredible writing. From the backhanded complaints rooted in racism to each character on the brink of breaking down, this novel is perfect for anyone who is Asian and wants to relate to any other who wants to learn about the experiences many Asians’ face to maybe even relating to the hard-working students with dark secrets hiding in plain sight hoping to never be caught.

Fortunately, a trigger warning was provided by the author but here’s a condensed down one: mental illness, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, racism, parental neglect, violence, drug use, an inappropriate teacher and student relationship.