Official Review: Best Evidence by Mark S. Osaki

Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 25 Jun 2018, 17:31

Your paragraph about the negative representation of women in these poems reminded me of something I recently read. It was not nearly so blatant, but it was as if the writer had no idea he was implying sexist ideas. It's almost like it was subconscious and therefore unintentional, but its subtly destructive nonetheless. Thanks for another great review!

kprince7 · Post by **kprince7** » 25 Jun 2018, 19:34

well beautiful write up but why the negative shade in women?

teeflow1982 · Post by **teeflow1982** » 25 Jun 2018, 23:03

wrote a fantastic review on a book that doesn't seem to be for the faint of heart. I dislike the negative few of woman but the psychological effects of war has me so intrigued. You perfectly brought out Best Evidence

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Jun 2018, 23:16

JR Mercier wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 12:20 I've never been this into a review. You wrote a fantastic review on a book that doesn't seem to be for the faint of heart. I dislike the negative few of woman but the psychological effects of war has me so intrigued. You perfectly brought out Best Evidence. (I'm clapping hands.)

Thank you for your kind comments! The book definitely hits hard, so if you decide to pick it up, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Jun 2018, 23:16

AWANDO OGUTU wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 13:43 I'm opined that the theme of war is the predominant theme. The book highlights the effects of war to the society.

Indeed. Thank you for the kind comments!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Jun 2018, 23:35

Catevanne22 wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 17:03 The Asian culture is definitely a fascinating one, and one that I know little about. I have enjoyed prose poetry in the past, and I might like this book as well. I think the representation of women in a negative light is a part of Asian culture in that time period, and as such I don't believe in turning away from reading about it. Isn't that one of the problems of our PC culture as it is? We don't seem to want to know about anything we disagree with, so I would not forego reading this book just because of the way women are portrayed. Why not look at it as an educational experience; one that we can hopefully change for the better?

Definitely, the book is still worth reading - there are many things that we can learn from it. I totally agree with you that people usually tend to not want to learn more about the things they disagree with, which leads to misunderstanding/miscommunication. If everyone were more open-minded, the world would be a better place. Thank you for taking the time to read the review, I appreciate your comments!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 25 Jun 2018, 23:38

SamSim wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 17:31 Your paragraph about the negative representation of women in these poems reminded me of something I recently read. It was not nearly so blatant, but it was as if the writer had no idea he was implying sexist ideas. It's almost like it was subconscious and therefore unintentional, but its subtly destructive nonetheless. Thanks for another great review!

I agree about its subtle destructiveness - I find that much of society (no matter the ethnicity) tends to place women in an inferior position. It's something that we have to change, hopefully sooner rather than later! Thank you for your kind comments as always, SamSim!

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 26 Jun 2018, 01:35

I know as much about poetry as I do about performing surgery on ducks. I loved your review though - maybe his blatant sexism is due to a crazy mother/wife/other important female in his life? Still doesn't make it right...

Thanks for the great review!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 26 Jun 2018, 01:58

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑26 Jun 2018, 01:35 I know as much about poetry as I do about performing surgery on ducks. I loved your review though - maybe his blatant sexism is due to a crazy mother/wife/other important female in his life? Still doesn't make it right...
Thanks for the great review!

I know right?

But to be fair, I would say that it is hovering somewhere in between 'blatant' and 'subtle' (LOL). Thank you for your kind comments as always, Bianka!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 26 Jun 2018, 03:17

kprince7 wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 19:34 well beautiful write up but why the negative shade in women?

I’m not sure either, but it seems like the author himself is not aware of it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 26 Jun 2018, 03:21

my1life6 wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 12:58 This is a fantastic review. Makes me want to read the book and better understand the culture.

Thank you very much for your kind comments! I hope that you enjoy it. (:

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 26 Jun 2018, 03:22

Pedromac wrote: ↑25 Jun 2018, 17:23 This review really got my attention..

Though ah dont really have Great interest in poetry but this was nice.. getting to know about about the asians cause there's really alot to know...

Nice review

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 Jun 2018, 07:35

I'm not a huge fan of poetry to begin with. Plus add in the fact that it's prose and doesn't have the best view of women, and I'm pretty much out. I'm glad that you were able to appreciate the author's experience as an Asian American, though. Thanks for the review.

Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 26 Jun 2018, 09:10

This sounds like a good read and I think I can relate with the author being Asian-American. I'm not American obviously, but I do know how is it feel like being an Asian in a country predominantly with the whites. I cringed at the implied sexist part but I will risk reading this because someone has reminded me that a few weeks ago that "every book deserves a chance." By the way, good review!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 26 Jun 2018, 09:44

kandscreeley wrote: ↑26 Jun 2018, 07:35 I'm not a huge fan of poetry to begin with. Plus add in the fact that it's prose and doesn't have the best view of women, and I'm pretty much out. I'm glad that you were able to appreciate the author's experience as an Asian American, though. Thanks for the review.

Thank you for taking the time to read and to leave a comment, Kandscreeley! Despite its somewhat problematic views of women, I did still enjoy the rest of of his works, indeed.