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ajhling's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Things to know about this book: it is not an eye-opening read. It does not answer any extensional questions you may or may not have. What it does give you is a quick, easy, and mostly enjoyble read full of drama and a writing style that makes you think you are actually in the head of a teenager.
The romance is a minimum, as the story isn't focused on that. The story is focused on Elle's journey in getting accustomed to a new life on the other side of the world with a father she's never known.
It shows the struggles of an expat living in Tokyo when they know next to nothing about the culture, can't speak the language, and suddenly have to deal with a new (tougher school), a father who didn't appear to want her, and an aunt and grandmother that she didn't know even existed.
The only real flaw in the entire book is that Elle comes across as almost bratty throughout most of the story. She also says and does things that show an unwillingness to try and see things from others point if view. And some of things she says or does (and not just internally) is borderline racist - even for a 16 year old character.
A main character with flaws is great, but the problem in this story is that she doesn't really get better in that regard. There's some improvemt in her attitude and willingness to see things from others point of view that barely counts as character growth. I think if the story focused on her learning to see things from others point of view while adjusting to her new situation it would've been a better read.
That being said the book is a decent, light read, and - seeing as I've read it about four times - a good read when you want to take your mind off of the real world.
The romance is a minimum, as the story isn't focused on that. The story is focused on Elle's journey in getting accustomed to a new life on the other side of the world with a father she's never known.
It shows the struggles of an expat living in Tokyo when they know next to nothing about the culture, can't speak the language, and suddenly have to deal with a new (tougher school), a father who didn't appear to want her, and an aunt and grandmother that she didn't know even existed.
The only real flaw in the entire book is that Elle comes across as almost bratty throughout most of the story. She also says and does things that show an unwillingness to try and see things from others point if view. And some of things she says or does (and not just internally) is borderline racist - even for a 16 year old character.
A main character with flaws is great, but the problem in this story is that she doesn't really get better in that regard. There's some improvemt in her attitude and willingness to see things from others point of view that barely counts as character growth. I think if the story focused on her learning to see things from others point of view while adjusting to her new situation it would've been a better read.
That being said the book is a decent, light read, and - seeing as I've read it about four times - a good read when you want to take your mind off of the real world.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Racial slurs, Addiction, and Bullying
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