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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
If Kevin Kwan and Alice Oseman had a baby it would be Sher Lee. This book is one of my favorites of the year so far. It’s not a work of literary genius, or something for a Nobel or booker prize, but my god is it good. Heartstopper meats Crazy Rich Asians kind of vibe??? It hooked me a few chapters in and I read the entire thing in one sitting of about 5 hours. It’s not a groundbreaking novel to win prestigious awards, but it’s oh so fun, oh so entertaining, and brings the feels. I love this book!
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DNF at 41%. I just don’t think I’m the right reader for this right now. It does seem to be done well though so if you’re interested I’d say give it a shot. Maybe be forewarned the story is a bit insta-lovey though.
Also, the cover…so gorgeous. I follow the artist, PeachesObviously, on Instagram and love her work.
Also, the cover…so gorgeous. I follow the artist, PeachesObviously, on Instagram and love her work.
i really wanted to like this but i fear it felt really empty to me
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Very sweet, the perfect cosy romance. I finished it in one afternoon.
I got really attached to the characters, especially Dylan, the POV. He was such a compelling narrator, full of humour and awkwardness, and deep at the same time. I loved the attachment to his family and culture that seeped through all his actions. His explanations on Chinese traditions were also a lovely touch and a great way for a non-Chinese reader like me to better understand his viewpoint.
Theo was also a lovely character, although we get to know him less, since he's not the POV. His goals in life are less clear than Dylan's, and I think that speaks to the class difference between them in a way; Theo is allowed to just be a teen, learning and experimenting, whereas Dylan needs to grow up fast to help his struggling family.
All the supporting characters are adorable too; Dylan's aunt and cousins, Theo's aunties and cousin Terri, and most of all, Clover the corgi who needs to have her own tv shows taste testing dog treats!
To me, the narrative arc was compelling, with enough conflict and no dull moments or unnecessary misunderstandings. I was very invested in the shop's struggles and was rooting for the Wok Warriors the whole time. I also don't mind love at first sight romance, and I don't necessarily agree that this was one. More like attraction at first sight, which is a pretty normal thing, especially since we're talking of teenagers, and I feel the way it developed, with Dylan never quite allowing himself to believe that the feeling was mutual, was relatable and cute.
Overall, I loved it.
I got really attached to the characters, especially Dylan, the POV. He was such a compelling narrator, full of humour and awkwardness, and deep at the same time. I loved the attachment to his family and culture that seeped through all his actions. His explanations on Chinese traditions were also a lovely touch and a great way for a non-Chinese reader like me to better understand his viewpoint.
Theo was also a lovely character, although we get to know him less, since he's not the POV. His goals in life are less clear than Dylan's, and I think that speaks to the class difference between them in a way; Theo is allowed to just be a teen, learning and experimenting, whereas Dylan needs to grow up fast to help his struggling family.
All the supporting characters are adorable too; Dylan's aunt and cousins, Theo's aunties and cousin Terri, and most of all, Clover the corgi who needs to have her own tv shows taste testing dog treats!
To me, the narrative arc was compelling, with enough conflict and no dull moments or unnecessary misunderstandings. I was very invested in the shop's struggles and was rooting for the Wok Warriors the whole time. I also don't mind love at first sight romance, and I don't necessarily agree that this was one. More like attraction at first sight, which is a pretty normal thing, especially since we're talking of teenagers, and I feel the way it developed, with Dylan never quite allowing himself to believe that the feeling was mutual, was relatable and cute.
Overall, I loved it.
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
This was adorable!! MM Fake dating, YA Rom-com that was incredibly sweet.
Loved the sweet message about family and would love to try some moon cakes!
Jenna- you would love this!
Could easily see this as a series with stories featuring the side characters- specifically Theo’s cousin, Terri.
The drama with her ex marrying her sister, rehab, befriending Megan… meeting Lewis, seems like there is so much more there to tell!
Loved the sweet message about family and would love to try some moon cakes!
Jenna- you would love this!
Could easily see this as a series with stories featuring the side characters- specifically Theo’s cousin, Terri.
The drama with her ex marrying her sister, rehab, befriending Megan… meeting Lewis, seems like there is so much more there to tell!