Audiobook Review: How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao

Author: Katie Zhao
Edition: audiobook
Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Publisher:  Bloomsbury (August 17, 2021)
Genre: YA, Thriller, Dark Academia

Synopsis

My review of How We Fall Apart

How We Fall Apart is a YA dark academia thriller with surprising twists, complex and compelling characters and writing that’ll have you devour the book in one sitting. It also explores the academic and familial pressure that is put on Asian teenagers and the dark consequences of these expectations.

Fast-Paced and Thrilling From Page One

How We Fall Apart got me out of a month-long reading slump. It’s incredibly fast-paced in the best of ways! There is never a dull moment in this thriller and I devoured it within a single day. I particularly loved the way the book is structured. There are plenty of flashbacks providing context for present events and adding nuance to the characters. Ultimately, this kept up the pacing while also adding dimension and interest to the story. What can I say, I love flashbacks and other fun structural elements!

The writing flows easily and I fell in love with the way Zhao is able to invite us into her characters’ minds, rooting us in the world of the story. Following only one character’s POV throughout this mystery makes for a compelling reading experience full of uncertainty. We can never be sure if Nancy is truly innocent or if she is hiding more from us than we know. This ups the stakes and makes every twist and turn even more exciting.

Katie Zhao masterfully shows the dark side of academic pressure and the sacrifices it leads students to make. Every character gets their own spotlight, exploring themes of drug abuse, family struggles, mental health and unhealthy relationships. The story questions if there is even a way to survive in an institution as fraught as Sinclair Prep without sacrifice and bloodshed. How We Fall Apart got a lot darker than I expected and I deeply appreciate that. I feel that Zhao handled sensitive issues with the care and nuance they deserve, painting a picture of personal struggles without ever glamorizing them.

Angry Girls and Flawed Teens

How We Fall Apart has characters I loved so much I wish the book was longer, simply so I could get to know them better! Additionally, they became more complex and compelling as their secrets were revealed and facades cracked over the course of the novel.

In particular, I have a strong love for Nancy, the main character of How We Fall Apart. In part, this is because we experience the story through her eyes so naturally, I know her best. But I also love her because she is angry and not at all perfect. I love angry girls in fiction. Way too often girls and women are expected to be polite and delicate. Female rage is something to be hidden and squashed down. Nancy, however, is angry, jealous and at times truly mean. Seeing this represented authentically in fiction made me feel so seen! More complex and messy women in YA fiction, please.

Overall, How We Fall Apart shows us flawed Asian teens, something the general media representation rarely has space for. However, the book isn’t about morality, it doesn’t judge its characters as good or bad people. They’re just young people, trying to fit into a world that fights them at every step of the way, willing to break themselves down to fulfil expectations, whatever it takes.

Incredible Audiobook Performance

Natalie Naudus’ narration truly brings the story to life. She invites us into Nancy’s head, making us feel all of her emotions on a visceral level. All the anger, bitterness and fear that made Nancy a compelling character is right there at the surface in her voice, making it impossible to not be drawn in. She expertly crafts a unique voice for each of the characters, filling the world of How We Fall Apart with rich texture and realism. Her performance enhances the experience, heightens the stakes and had me at the edge of the seat for the entire story! If you are an audiobook fan or looking to become one, I highly recommend you check this one out.

Overall…

How We Fall Apart feels both like a critique of the hardcore academic environments and resulting pressure Asian students often find themselves in as well as a love letter to these kids. It looks the darkness in the eye and says “I see you. I know your struggle and you are not alone”.

This book is for you if…

…you like dark academia stories with a diverse cast of complex and flawed characters
…you are looking for a fast-paced story to keep you on the edge of your seat

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A post you might also enjoy: My Review of The Ravens.