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tsnhjhn's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I feel like I read this at just the right time in my life, straight out of high school, summer of senior year, where reminders of college and applications and careers and futures won’t stress me out to the point of insanity like in the midst of senior year, but is also still relevant enough to the me who hasn’t yet gone into college yet but is about to.
Patti was a relatable character, with her parents’ overbearing expectations and fears and anxieties about college and what she wants to do with her life. I found the list format and the acronyms like HYP for HARVARDYALEPRINCETON cute; the whole book was definitely written through PATTI’s voice.
And for the romance,I was SOOOO rooting for Ben x Patti to happen but this book isn’t a romance, it’s a coming of age and look into Patti’s development. I was still slightly disappointed because it was built up sm but I do understand that the real ending was more realistic. And I hope Patti finds someone even better for her in college. I’m ngl tho, Ben kissing Patti on the cheek as a last goodbye thing would’ve been very cute but all i was thinking was if i was his gf i would be pissed.
I liked the ending where we got a rundown of what happened to everyone—i thought that tied up everyone’s arcs nicely.
i’m not sure how i feel about Patti still managing to get all the ivy acceptances tho idk it felt a bit contrary to everything but i was still happy for her.
Overall, this book was so easy to read in one sitting and it was enjoyable. But the reason the rating isn’t a 4+ for me is because the book didn’t rly do much to add to the Asian American experience because the narrative has been done again and again in Asian American literature (i.e. overbearing tiger parents, smart Asian kid, etc). But this book is a little older, so it very well could’ve been revolutionary more than a decade ago when it came out (wow i cannot believe 2008 was that long ago). But another scene that points to the book’s age is the Stephanie’s mom racism towards Patti’s dad scene. (I still wasn satisfied with how they dealt with that scene especially when she dressed up as a geisha for halloween)
Patti was a relatable character, with her parents’ overbearing expectations and fears and anxieties about college and what she wants to do with her life. I found the list format and the acronyms like HYP for HARVARDYALEPRINCETON cute; the whole book was definitely written through PATTI’s voice.
And for the romance,
I liked the ending where we got a rundown of what happened to everyone—i thought that tied up everyone’s arcs nicely.
Overall, this book was so easy to read in one sitting and it was enjoyable. But the reason the rating isn’t a 4+ for me is because the book didn’t rly do much to add to the Asian American experience because the narrative has been done again and again in Asian American literature (i.e. overbearing tiger parents, smart Asian kid, etc). But this book is a little older, so it very well could’ve been revolutionary more than a decade ago when it came out (wow i cannot believe 2008 was that long ago). But another scene that points to the book’s age is the Stephanie’s mom racism towards Patti’s dad scene. (I still wasn satisfied with how they dealt with that scene especially when she dressed up as a geisha for halloween)
ubalstecha's review
4.0
Patti's Korean parents want what's best for her. In their minds, this means getting into one of the best universities in the US or HARVARDYALEPRINCETON as they tend to call them. To this end, they have pushed her to get outstanding marks, join a church youth group, learn to play the cello and get first chair of the state youth orchestra in order to beef up her application.
Patti wants to do well to, but her definition has started to change. Her grades are important, but so is the new cute guy who has joined her homeroom. Music is also important to her, maybe even more important than HARVARDYALEPRINCETION. Patti begins to rebel against her parents, searching for an identity that is her own.
This is an amazing book by Paula Yoo about growing up Korean-American in North America. Patti is a believable heroine who rebels in the only way she knows how, through her love of music. It is also realistic in its representation of the relationships between both Patti and her peers, as well as her parents. Worth picking up.
Patti wants to do well to, but her definition has started to change. Her grades are important, but so is the new cute guy who has joined her homeroom. Music is also important to her, maybe even more important than HARVARDYALEPRINCETION. Patti begins to rebel against her parents, searching for an identity that is her own.
This is an amazing book by Paula Yoo about growing up Korean-American in North America. Patti is a believable heroine who rebels in the only way she knows how, through her love of music. It is also realistic in its representation of the relationships between both Patti and her peers, as well as her parents. Worth picking up.
ifthebook's review against another edition
3.0
What I wrote right after reading this: That was kind of depressing. It wasn't meant to be, but in the end, yay! She got to pick the college where she'd be happy!
What else I have to stay: A good addition to the canon of young adult Asian American literature. It's nice that there are books like this out there for teens to read that deal with issues they themselves may be dealing with.
What else I have to stay: A good addition to the canon of young adult Asian American literature. It's nice that there are books like this out there for teens to read that deal with issues they themselves may be dealing with.
finesilkflower's review against another edition
4.0
Well written, relatable perspective of a high-achieving high school senior. When you derive real satisfaction from earning high grades and test scores, when you genuinely respect your parents and want to make them happy, how do you untangle what they want from what you want, traditional markers of success from your true passions? And how good is good enough? The story offers interesting perspectives on these questions, along with Korean American culture, race issues, a suspenseful romance plot, and good college application drama.
peachani's review against another edition
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying and Racial slurs
Minor: Body shaming
queerbooklover03's review
4.0
A very funny, real book book about growing up, being yourself, and finding how to truly be happy. A Must Read!
pinksonia's review
3.0
A part of me wishes I could go back in time and make my mother read this book sometime before I got to high school. I don't know that she would see herself in Patti's Korean parents, but it might have headed off half of the arguments we had in those for years.
holtfan's review
My friend Sara said that after watching the last episode of the final season of Hannah Montana, she just wanted to sit there and cry.
That is how I felt after reading this book.
Bitter-sweet. Half happy half sad. And it has nothing to do with the actual ending, or if I liked the characters or not, and everything to do with the fact that I'm a senior and I'm about to graduate and I completely understood every single word about the stupid SATs (or in my case, ACTs) and getting into all the right colleges and trying to balance a confusing class schedule. And I may have absolutely no clue what spam tastes like and thank goodness my parents are not complete-control-freak Koreans and I certainly do not have the slightest inclination for musical genius...
Yet somehow I understood every word of this book.
I just consumed it. I read the entire thing in like an hour, almost in one sitting. Something about Patti's life just echoed with me. And so now I'm sitting here...going through a whirl wind of emotions and feeling like I just made it through an earthquake.
Or maybe a tsunami.
But somehow it doesn't matter. Because for a few minutes I allowed life to be drowned out and read about a girl who is so different from me...yet with whom I share so much.
Sound sappy?
I'm just getting started.
Patti is the daughter of two Korean immigrants, and since day one of kindergarten she's been prepared to do Everything In Her Power to get into a prestigious Ivy League School. HarvardYalePrinceton to be exact. Her parents have been saving since before she was born to afford it.
Yup, no presure.
Good Enough follows this young woman who loves playing the violin through her senior year: full of AP classes, college applications, music, a cute boy.
And the pressure of home and "Korean church" as she struggles to learn where to go and what to do and really, what makes her happy.
When I first began, I assumed the book would focus on Patti's "romance" with "Cute Trumpet Guy". I assumed it would be a dorky, cute "nerd-turned-Cinderella" story.
Boy, was I wrong . And I'm so glad I was. Because this is a story that doesn't need any stupid romance to make it. It is deeper then that. And maybe right now I'm simply going insane due to pressure and picking a college and if I have to write another essay I'm going to shoot someone and really, I could be the world's worst judge of books right now.
But heck, I don't care.
Because this book just...clicked. Like when Patti discovers "rock music" and how she experienced a new kind of anger, that is how I feel. And I don't think it is a very good feeling, but at least I'm feeling something. Even if that is anger and frustration.
My favorite element of this book was Patti's youth group. Not at first, at first they were a bunch of jerks. But when she confesses that she is going to the concert and they all step up to help her....It was so adorable. And you know what? You can't fool me for a moment. They aren't "Christian kids". But it was okay. Because I felt their interaction was...true. And I understood the stress they were under.
My absolute favorite thing about this book though...came at the end.
But what tacks on to that is when Patti realizes she loves music, but it isn't the only thing she loves. And she turns down Julliard and goes to Yale. It wasn't a cut-and-dried "happily ever after" future. There was uncertainly. But also a sense of practicalness (if that is even a word) that I loved. She went to the school that offered her the most options. Because she learned that life isn't just about one thing. At the risk of boring readers further, I had to learn a similar lesson. I love politics. I love physics. But...I'm not going to dedicate my life to either. It would take the pleasure out of it. Enough of my introspection. You get the idea.
Those themes though...just made the book for me.
I also loved how the romance wasn't cut and dried. Not having her "end up" with the "perfect guy" in high school was just...ideal. It would have ruined the story.
I just clicked with this book. It was kind of mindless compared to what I normally read...but it was so worth it. I would especially reccomend it to high school seniors. It is okay to snap in ways like this. It might be a bit "simple" but good heavens, who doesn't need a break every now and then? Don't be perfect. Pick up the bloody book and allow yourself to hurdle through a whirlwind of emotion.
Sometimes, you just need to.
I'm sure there are several things wrong with the book...but right now I don't care to think about them. I enjoyed it to much.
For a moment or two I'm going to relax in that, and maybe some day I'll be able to "think straight" about the pressure put on seniors.
But right now I'm happy.
And whirling.
But that is a start.
That is how I felt after reading this book.
Bitter-sweet. Half happy half sad. And it has nothing to do with the actual ending, or if I liked the characters or not, and everything to do with the fact that I'm a senior and I'm about to graduate and I completely understood every single word about the stupid SATs (or in my case, ACTs) and getting into all the right colleges and trying to balance a confusing class schedule. And I may have absolutely no clue what spam tastes like and thank goodness my parents are not complete-control-freak Koreans and I certainly do not have the slightest inclination for musical genius...
Yet somehow I understood every word of this book.
I just consumed it. I read the entire thing in like an hour, almost in one sitting. Something about Patti's life just echoed with me. And so now I'm sitting here...going through a whirl wind of emotions and feeling like I just made it through an earthquake.
Or maybe a tsunami.
But somehow it doesn't matter. Because for a few minutes I allowed life to be drowned out and read about a girl who is so different from me...yet with whom I share so much.
Sound sappy?
I'm just getting started.
Patti is the daughter of two Korean immigrants, and since day one of kindergarten she's been prepared to do Everything In Her Power to get into a prestigious Ivy League School. HarvardYalePrinceton to be exact. Her parents have been saving since before she was born to afford it.
Yup, no presure.
Good Enough follows this young woman who loves playing the violin through her senior year: full of AP classes, college applications, music, a cute boy.
And the pressure of home and "Korean church" as she struggles to learn where to go and what to do and really, what makes her happy.
When I first began, I assumed the book would focus on Patti's "romance" with "Cute Trumpet Guy". I assumed it would be a dorky, cute "nerd-turned-Cinderella" story.
Boy, was I wrong . And I'm so glad I was. Because this is a story that doesn't need any stupid romance to make it. It is deeper then that. And maybe right now I'm simply going insane due to pressure and picking a college and if I have to write another essay I'm going to shoot someone and really, I could be the world's worst judge of books right now.
But heck, I don't care.
Because this book just...clicked. Like when Patti discovers "rock music" and how she experienced a new kind of anger, that is how I feel. And I don't think it is a very good feeling, but at least I'm feeling something. Even if that is anger and frustration.
My favorite element of this book was Patti's youth group. Not at first, at first they were a bunch of jerks. But when she confesses that she is going to the concert and they all step up to help her....It was so adorable. And you know what? You can't fool me for a moment. They aren't "Christian kids". But it was okay. Because I felt their interaction was...true. And I understood the stress they were under.
My absolute favorite thing about this book though...came at the end.
Spoiler
And that was when Patti talks to the woman from Yale, because it reminded me of the interviews I've had with college people. Your stomach is twisting and your brain is whirling but you can't think of anything particularly brilliant to say and maybe you can fudge it...but then the person interviewing you turns out to be pretty amazing. And it no longer matters that you feel dumb, because suddenly you're conversing and they give you some amazing advice you'll take with you for your entire college experience. (Or at least you presume you will, if you're like me and are still in that senior year)But what tacks on to that is when Patti realizes she loves music, but it isn't the only thing she loves. And she turns down Julliard and goes to Yale. It wasn't a cut-and-dried "happily ever after" future. There was uncertainly. But also a sense of practicalness (if that is even a word) that I loved. She went to the school that offered her the most options. Because she learned that life isn't just about one thing. At the risk of boring readers further, I had to learn a similar lesson. I love politics. I love physics. But...I'm not going to dedicate my life to either. It would take the pleasure out of it. Enough of my introspection. You get the idea.
Those themes though...just made the book for me.
I also loved how the romance wasn't cut and dried. Not having her "end up" with the "perfect guy" in high school was just...ideal. It would have ruined the story.
I just clicked with this book. It was kind of mindless compared to what I normally read...but it was so worth it. I would especially reccomend it to high school seniors. It is okay to snap in ways like this. It might be a bit "simple" but good heavens, who doesn't need a break every now and then? Don't be perfect. Pick up the bloody book and allow yourself to hurdle through a whirlwind of emotion.
Sometimes, you just need to.
I'm sure there are several things wrong with the book...but right now I don't care to think about them. I enjoyed it to much.
For a moment or two I'm going to relax in that, and maybe some day I'll be able to "think straight" about the pressure put on seniors.
But right now I'm happy.
And whirling.
But that is a start.
maidmarianlib's review
4.0
Asian American girl faces pressure from her parents and herself as she works to get into an ivy league college, auditioning for all-state orchestra, and falling in love. Honest and real characters, even the minor characters are real. Lots of great connections to all kinds of music (classical and rock).
line_so_fine's review
3.0
I didn't think I was going to like this, as kids-with-immigrant-parents YA books are just FRAUGHT with potential problems, but this one was pretty good. I liked that the main character does not totally want to run away from all things Korean. I liked that she is not just described as smart but that her character is actually written smart, I liked that every character had more than one dimension from the popular girl at school who dressed like a Geisha for Halloween to the Pollyanna-ish (but maybe not) leader of the church group. I liked the way that a bunch of major things are left unresolved in the end, but you still feel like progress has been made. I liked the realistic instances of racism and the different reactions it gets from all the characters- that especially felt very real. So, yeah. Pretty good actually.