Parachutes

by Kelly Yang
Parachutes cover
Good Books rating 4.43
Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 7528
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780062941138
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2020-05-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Parachutes is a compelling novel that delves into the lives of Claire Wang and Dani De La Cruz, two girls who find their paths intertwined in unexpected ways. Claire, a privileged teenager from Shanghai, is sent to live with a host family in California, where she experiences both the freedom and challenges of a new life. Meanwhile, Dani, a driven and ambitious student, struggles with the pressures of earning her way into Yale while dealing with the complexities of her host sister's arrival. As their stories unfold, the novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the impact of wealth and power on young lives. The author, Kelly Yang, brings a unique perspective to the narrative, drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant and offering a fresh take on the immigrant story in contemporary America.

Reviews
Drizzle & Hurricane Books · 2022-07-15
impactful 4.50

The book is emotionally challenging but ultimately rewarding, breaking hearts while delivering a crucial message. It is highly recommended for its impactful storytelling.

This is not an easy book to read, as it tackles some very heavy and emotional topics. The narrative is raw and honest, which makes it all the more powerful. The author doesn't shy away from the difficult subjects, which gives the story a sense of authenticity and urgency. While it may break your heart at times, the message it delivers is crucial and important. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are portrayed with such depth that it's impossible not to be moved by their experiences. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    Honestly, I'd recommend Parachutes to everyone. It's not an easy book to read, at times, dare I say it broke my heart a little bit, as well, but ...

    This is the kind of book where if I had an entire day to myself I could have EASILY read this entire book in 1 sitting.

    Kelly Yang's powerful tale about immigration, privilege, and rape culture is a must-read for teens. Yang draws on her own experience with sexual ...

Common Sense Media · Amanda Nojadera · 2020-05-26
necessary 4.80

The book is a must-read for teens, drawing on the author's personal experiences to highlight issues of immigration, privilege, and rape culture. It is a powerful and necessary story.

This book is a compelling and necessary read, especially for young adults. The author's personal experiences add a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative, making it all the more impactful. The story tackles some very important and often overlooked issues, providing a crucial perspective on the experiences of immigrants and the systemic challenges they face. The characters are well-crafted, and their journeys are portrayed with such honesty and vulnerability that it's impossible not to be moved by their struggles. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, sparking important conversations and reflections.

Quick quotes

    Kelly Yang's powerful tale about immigration, privilege, and rape culture is a must-read for teens.

    Yang draws on her own experience with sexual assault to create a narrative that is both personal and universal.

    This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, sparking important conversations and reflections.

Readlogy · 2020-05-21
powerful 4.00

The book is a powerful exploration of modern immigrant experiences, tackling themes of love, trauma, and systemic corruption. It highlights the importance of speaking out against injustice.

This book is a deeply moving narrative that weaves together the complexities of immigrant life in a modern setting. The author delves into the harsh realities of trauma and systemic corruption, providing a poignant commentary on the power of speaking out. The story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering a stark reminder of the resilience required to navigate such challenges. The characters' journeys are portrayed with such authenticity that it's impossible not to feel a deep connection to their struggles and triumphs.

Quick quotes

    Award-winning author Kelly Yang weaves together an unforgettable modern immigrant story about love, trauma, family, corruption, and the power of speaking out.

    The book is continually eye opening throughout as Yang delves into class, perceptions, race, systems of oppression, and more.

    It's a powerful story of two girls who have more in common than they think that discusses sexual assault, racism and privilege.

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