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Member Reviews

This book was unique. It was part family generational saga and part magical realism. The story in the past and present came intertwined seamlessly. The character development was excellent as well. All of the characters were compelling. This was an unforgettable read and I highly recommend it to all lovers of inter generational sagas.

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This heartwarming story with multiple POVs details the rich lives of a grandmother and her granddaughter. Through love, heartbreak, and war, we relive tough times and happy times through diary entries, while reflecting on the past, present, and future.

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This ASTOUNDED me. I’m not really a magical realism reader but this might have changed that. The dual perspectives worked so well & I loved all the themes in the book from the threat of war and surveillance through to data ownership and queer discovery. I thought the characters were really well written and in particular loved Monica’s relationship with her grandparents. Just phenomenal. One of the best things I’ve read all year.

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I enjoyed this dual timeline debut that has a unique take on a Chinese American family history during the Japanese occupation, a moving Sapphic romance and a fun magical realism situation in which pencils can be manipulated to send messages across time. Really unique and good on audio. Would definitely recommend it and made for a good Pride month pick from the Reese Book Club. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I was a bit nervous going into this because I can be very picky about historical fiction books, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. It’s a very unique premise for a book and grabbed me right away. I also liked the structure quite a bit - the different POVs were well balanced and the journal entries never read too passive, which can be hard to accomplish.

Additionally, I enjoyed the exploration of different types of relationships, from familial to romantic, which really drove this story. However, while I enjoyed the romance itself depicted, I didn’t like the sex aspect in the context of the story, particularly the reforging. While not getting into spoilers, I thought it was a bizarre choice because a) the mechanics of how it worked were confusing, and b) ultimately it didn’t really add anything to the story.

Other than that, though, I quite liked this book. It was interesting and compelling, and I learned a lot about Chinese history and culture. Definitely check it out!

Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for this ARC. The Phoenix Pencil Company is out today!

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This debut novel did not disappoint. I love how she blended a story with modern day and the past into the grandparent’s and granddaughter’s POVs. We are taken on path of self-discovery while unraveling family secrets during times of war internally and externally in both their perspective. At the same time, they are seeking forgiveness and trying to heal a long lost connection. The blend of generational stories and magical realism held me captivated to turn each page to find out the family secrets, betrayals, and surviving war. If you are looking for a heavy read with magical realism, sapphic romance, and attachment healing. Check it out!

‼️trigger warnings: grief, war, SA, self-injury

Thank you so much William Morrow for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved the book!

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The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King is a beautifully layered blend of historical literary fiction and magical realism, a genre combination I not only enjoy but genuinely love. This story delivers on the promise of uniqueness, weaving in themes of sisterhood, family legacy, and memory with a magical twist.

Monica, the protagonist, is raised by her grandparents, who harbor painful, untold memories from their youth. Part of the novel is set during World War II, when Japan occupied China. During this time, her grandmother Wong Yun and Meng (Yun's cousin) were just teenagers. Now in their 90s, Monica’s grandparents hold the keys to a legacy she must uncover before it’s too late.

What I found most compelling was the book’s core concept: the capturing and recreation of memories and stories. It’s a powerful and poignant narrative device that gives the novel its heart. That said, while the historical backdrop is important, this is more of a generational family saga than a deep dive into wartime events.

The pacing did feel slow at times, and I found my attention waning occasionally. A slightly brisker narrative would have enhanced the reading experience for me. Still, if you’re drawn to magical realism intertwined with historical and literary themes, this book is worth picking up.

Thank you to William Morrow Group for providing a copy of this book.

CW: Certain elements in this story while essential to the plot may be extremely triggering. Please read with care.

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There was something there in this, but I ended up DNF. Too long and I just did not care enough. I loved the concept but it falls short. So so bored by the end I just couldn't keep going.

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A book that is sure to be a book club hit, The Phoenix Pencil Company's explores generational stories and how we connect through our generations. Through re-forging of pencils and a bit of magic, stories can be passed along generations. This story is told mainly through a granddaughter and her digital journals (connected to a new test AI Computer that connects people based on their inner journaled thoughts) alternated with her grandmother's written words (to her cousin in China). It's beautiful, sad, joyous and thought-provoking. When you ward a Phoenix Pencil and draft a letter of your innermost feelings, they may not just be yours anymore. When the pencil passes to another, who now has your thoughts but also someone's memories and stories?

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First thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars

Synopsis: Monica is a college student working on a computer program that allows users to connect on their history. She connects with Louise who knows Meng who was close to her grandmother during the war in Shanghai. Monica discovers there is a lot she didn’t know about her grandmother or family. With the help of Louise and her grandmother, she will learn a lot

What I liked: I wanted to take some time after reading this book to share my thoughts. However I still am in awe of this book. Monica loves her grandparents and has a special relationship with them. I love how much they all love each other and will do so much for each other. They have protected Monica and kept secrets from her but now the time is near with her grandmothers memory going. I love how they can talk to each other and share so much. Her grandmother teaches her a way to learn more about the person by a process call reforging through pencils. The history of it was so interesting but don’t want to give anything away. I loved how Louise becomes a safe spot for Monica and they really help each other achieve their goals. The magical realism in this book added so much to the storyline and combined with the heart made such a special experience.

I’m so excited that this is a debut novel because there is so much more to come from her.

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I enjoyed all aspects of this book! The story was a unique magical realism theme, with a very interesting look at China in the mid1900s. The relationship between the main character, Monica and her grandparents, who are dealing with the grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is touching and at times.

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Monica, young college student in contemporary Boston is working on a project with her professor that is meant to find connections of a deeper and more important level than dating apps. She meets a girl from Princeton through the program who has met her grandmother's long lost cousin in Shanghai. Alternating between China starting just prior to WWII and the present we learn the two cousins and their mothers who make and sell exquisite pencils have a magical/but painfully scarring ability to "read" what had been written with the pencils. That ability is important for the war effort and followed by the conflict between Nationalists and Communists. The entwined present and past is a thought provoking look at communication and privacy.

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I received this ARC from BookClub Girl and NetGalley for an honest review. This is really a 4.5 star read for me. Not my usual genre I pick up and I have held onto it for awhile before finally reading it and now wondering why I did. This is a wonderful debut novel, bringing the two cookies of three generations together. Monica was raised by her paternal grandparents after both her parents left. Now in college, she is learning about her grandmother’s family history owning a pencil factory. Not just ordinary pencils but pencils with powers. These pencils and the unique powers her family posses bring these two generations together more, as well as drawing in connections to extended “family”. This story kept me fully engaged and intrigued to find out what happened next. The ending came together nicely, tying everything together without seeming abrupt or hurried. I would definitely recommend anyone pick this up who isn’t typically a fantasy person, because although there are elements of this, the story is just so neat, you just get sucked in!

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Beautiful story of historical fiction with a touch of magical realism. The generational story takes us through generations of this family and kept me involved from beginning to end.#NetGalley #williammorrow

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I feel bad DNF-ing this 😭. This is a case of “it’s not the book, it’s me.” This is a wonderful exploration of generational trauma, family, ethnicity, culture, and memory. I loved the super unique magic system of pencils containing what people have written previously with it, as well as the dual perspective chapters between a grandmother and her granddaughter. However, I just couldn’t connect to the characters or the plot. Maybe the writing style wasn’t for me? Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace to appreciate it? I’m not sure. People who love historical fiction with elements of magical realism would appreciate this book (hopefully more than I did)!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in return for my review.

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I was excited to read this book and also a little nervous. My mother has alzheimer's and it's a little funny, but I forgot that the description of this book mentioned it involved alzheimer's. I didn't realize it would be such a huge part of the story and it hurt to read at times, but I am glad I read it all. I noticed another reviewer felt that the romance in this was not something they enjoyed because Louise did not redeem herself enough and I have to disagree. I think that lack of redemption makes her real and Monica forgiving her anyway is the human part of this story. It's possible I do not have to suspend my disbelief because of my own emotional bond to Monica, but losing peoole and seeing people lose themselves makes forgiveness a hell of a lot easier. Often times with multiple points of view, especially with romances, one side of the story can connect a little bit less. But I didn't feel that here. It helps that the whole premise of this is remembering and keeping those stories, whether or not they are ours, but the author did a great job keeping me invested in each characters experience. The whole magic system is involves the reforger feeling these things we can't feel. The idea is beautiful. It isn't about following the current fantasy trends, it isn't some shallow plot device, it is something we would love to have in reality and it really touched me. My mother wrote poems and when I see her read them to my children and her partner, I can see her relive that time in a way she doesn't get to without those words on paper. I think I had a small note about the pleasurable way to reforge and the intimacy of that moment being followed immediately by the act of reforging, and maybe some sort of pause would do between those experiences. But in all honesty, it's such a small thing in the long run. I knew this book was going to make me cry but it also gave me some words to take off the page, to say to my mother or to my kids, or to myself, and isn't that the point of all of this? So I have notes, and I have feelings but this book will stick with me and I get to keep its words. I probably have a very different view from others who are reading this and care about the romance, but I have this feeling that this story is written more for people like me and I am grateful. I know it is already an anticipated release, but I absolutely recommend this book. I give it 4.5 stars, but I'll round up because it is more than a story to me. We WILL remember for her. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!!

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Thank you to #NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARCs that were given to attendees at the #bookhuddle Victoria Retreat!

Monica Tsai helps her grandmother Yun reconnect with her cousin Meng, after the two women lost touch following Yun's emigration from Shanghai to Taiwan and eventually to America following World War II. Yun has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but while she can still remember she passes on her family legacy to Monica - that the women of the family have a magical gift. They are able to bleed all the words that have been written by a pencil and fully understand what the writer intended and was feeling.

Monica's narrative is interspersed with Yun's memories of her life in Shanghai and how the ability shared by her mother, aunt, and cousin Meng came to exploited for espionage in the turmoil of the mid-twentieth century. This novel explores themes of who owns our stories and the ways that emotions and intentions aren't always adequately captured by words.

This was beautifully written and the magical realism element of the women's abilities enhanced the story rather than becoming the story.

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"The Phoenix Pencil Company" is a delightful read that combines elements of mystery, history, and a touch of whimsy. The author does a fantastic job of weaving together a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The story is set against the backdrop of a charming pencil company, and the attention to detail in describing the setting and the intricacies of pencil-making is truly impressive.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and motivations that add depth to the story. I particularly enjoyed the protagonist's journey as they uncover secrets and navigate the challenges that arise. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without feeling contrived.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its ability to blend historical elements with a modern storyline, creating a rich tapestry that is both educational and entertaining. The writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world the author has created.

While the book is thoroughly enjoyable, there are moments where the pacing slows down a bit, which might not appeal to everyone. However, these moments are few and far between and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Overall, "The Phoenix Pencil Company" is a captivating read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a unique and intriguing story. It's a book that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the humble pencil and the stories it can tell.

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The Phoenix Pencil Company is the kind of book that sits with you, I will be thinking about Monica and Yun next week, next month and probably into next year. This is about cycles of love and loss, and how empathy for others or your past self can change your life. A low fantasy book, the world is like ours but with one difference, the ability Yun and Monica possess to reforge pencils.

This book contains a sweet sapphic romance and no homophobia. Plus one of the cutest supportive family dynamics I've ever seen, with lending of senior bus passes as a love language.

Yun does have a memory loss disorder (like dementia but I don't think it's specified on page) which is something that always makes me emotional but it was handled with care.

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I found this a lot like Homeseeking, where we see how the characters are effected in China while living through the occupation of Japan and then living through a civil war in China and how it effected everyone in the family. Even though they had a special talent, I don't know if it actually is a wonder or a tragedy. I like how characters were able to connect after many years and how they both learn to forgive each other and learn the most important lesson, is to present when you are with someone. I was amazed of how Wong Yun not only escaped China but also ended up in America, she was very clever and was willing to do some unsavory things to stay in America. I also like how she reconnected with Torou in the United States and ended up getting marrying him. I found that the lives of the characters in the story to be very hard and scary with moments of gladness, almost like a Yin and Yang, never one without the other. I found the love Torou had for Wong wonderful and touching, and that he was always by her side, even when it was hard.
I found the relationship between Monica and Louisa interesting but nothing like the story of Wong Yun and Meng and what happened to them while living in China. I didn't feel the connection between Monica and Louisa very strong, but I did like Monica and how she made time to take care of her grandparents. I liked that she was able to reconnect to her father, but the connection she has with her grandparents was very touching.

I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy of a story full of love and turmoil.

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