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bookswithjess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It was a little slow and repetitive. I feel like Le could have cut a few chapters out and got to the plot a bit quicker!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Death, and Xenophobia
Minor: Grief
readingelli's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
A really beautiful story. I felt like I was getting a window into a different culture and some of the struggles faced by naturalised children of immigrant parents. I loved how the author included so much Vietnamese in the text, and how the MCs switched between English and Vietnamese with their families.
Sort of Romeo and Juliet but with Vietnamese restaurant owners in California!
Sort of Romeo and Juliet but with Vietnamese restaurant owners in California!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Death
samchase112's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.0
One of the cutest YA romances I’ve read in the longest time!!! I fully believed Linh and Bao’s feelings for each other, and completely adored them as a couple. The backdrop of Vietnamese-American culture and family was such an interesting and well-incorporated element to the story, and made this more than just another cute love story with a miscommunication twist. The ending was very rushed, however — Bao’s article should have been a more important plot line, and stretching it back further would have made his arc even better. Overall though, this was a pure fun time, and I loved diving into a YA romance that actually made me squeal with happiness!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: War, Colonisation, Death, Violence, and Grief
imlaurenshelton's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A tale as old as time, boy and girl of warring families fall in love and either make it, uniting their families, or break up, causing further division. Nothing will ever compare to Romeo & Juliet, as Shakespeare is the ultimate Drama King and had to just kill them off instead of giving us a logical ending. I won’t spoil this book’s ending for you, as I think you will be very content with how the author wrapped up the plot here.
What was particularly unique about this book is that it let us, the readers, get to know each character individually and together, while giving us generational background as well. Learning the families’ histories was just as important to me as learning about what the main characters wanted to do with the rest of their lives (they are in high school). It was also great to see artistic talents featured and encouraged in a predominantly Asian-American cast of characters (well, and just in general).
The only nit-picks I had was that the book was a bit slow and used a bit more cursing than necessary (IMO). I loved hearing about all the Vietnamese dishes and the beautiful sense of community among the characters. I also love reading about other cultures; this was my first fictional novel about Vietnamese-Americans. I saw some reviews complaining that some lines were written or spoken (for audiobook listeners) in Vietnamese and how they had to use Google Translate (which isn’t really effective in general btw), which was an annoying comment to see. It is very easy to read between the lines to understand what is being said in Vietnamese, but also it’s translated back to us in what the kids say most of the time. Of all things to gripe about, that’s just a ridiculous one.
I definitely enjoyed this read and hope to see more novels by this author because her writing style was engaging. I think it would be fun to play off all the main Shakespearean titles now, Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, etc… I would read or listen to those in a heartbeat.
What was particularly unique about this book is that it let us, the readers, get to know each character individually and together, while giving us generational background as well. Learning the families’ histories was just as important to me as learning about what the main characters wanted to do with the rest of their lives (they are in high school). It was also great to see artistic talents featured and encouraged in a predominantly Asian-American cast of characters (well, and just in general).
The only nit-picks I had was that the book was a bit slow and used a bit more cursing than necessary (IMO). I loved hearing about all the Vietnamese dishes and the beautiful sense of community among the characters. I also love reading about other cultures; this was my first fictional novel about Vietnamese-Americans. I saw some reviews complaining that some lines were written or spoken (for audiobook listeners) in Vietnamese and how they had to use Google Translate (which isn’t really effective in general btw), which was an annoying comment to see. It is very easy to read between the lines to understand what is being said in Vietnamese, but also it’s translated back to us in what the kids say most of the time. Of all things to gripe about, that’s just a ridiculous one.
I definitely enjoyed this read and hope to see more novels by this author because her writing style was engaging. I think it would be fun to play off all the main Shakespearean titles now, Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, etc… I would read or listen to those in a heartbeat.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Death, Cursing, and War
There is a moderate amount of cursing throughout the book. Racism is minor theme in the book, the family is Vietnamese dealing with people telling them to “go home” and the parents hint to worse interactions than that. There is brief mention of the Vietnam War (I can’t remember if it is specifically stated that is what they are referring to, but that was my understanding). This book addresses the racism and War/immigration issues with class and ease.lainiereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
SO CUTE!!! definitely recommend for an adorable romance and a powerful story about family (it’s so sweet i love it)
also Chef Lé and Saffron are the best characters i want to be their best friends.
also Chef Lé and Saffron are the best characters i want to be their best friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Cultural appropriation and Death
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, War, and Death
belle2008's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Grief, Racism, War, and Xenophobia
navayiota's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was so heartwarming. A perfect love story, mystery, and character journey. (And thriller, during the sneaky moments! Hiding from parents is nerveracking.) I would 100% recommend this cute emotional ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Grief, and War
Minor: Sexism
yvonne_cl's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Colonisation, Racism, War, and Death
the_paperbackprincess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Racism, Xenophobia, War, Grief, and Death