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rohing's review against another edition
4.0
this book <3333
it literally encompasses so much of my life and what i’ve been through that i adore it on an incredibly personal level. the romance is adorable, but i love how the book focuses on issues such as cultural differences, racism, and mental health as well!!! it’s a beautiful book and one that i’m so happy to have read :)
it literally encompasses so much of my life and what i’ve been through that i adore it on an incredibly personal level. the romance is adorable, but i love how the book focuses on issues such as cultural differences, racism, and mental health as well!!! it’s a beautiful book and one that i’m so happy to have read :)
sagelee12's review against another edition
4.0
this book ultimately got four stars because it very succinctly captured what it’s like to begin medication after years of CBT or other therapy. its a complicated choice with a lot of guilt wrapped up in it and as someone who went through it, this book did a really great job of that.
capyval's review against another edition
I find the book boring, and I'm not into characters that think that you're cooler if you don't smile, and silly if you are cheerful. Also, not into a character saying they prefer staying close to a friend than their family having more free time from work, and being happier.
eggbois_gf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Police brutality
books4susie's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute boy meets girl romance until Jocelyn's father stepped in and attempts to put the brakes on her blooming relationship with Will. With the Wu family struggling to keep their family restaurant, A Plus Chinese Garden afloat, Will soon realizes just how much he and Jos have in common, their mental health issues. Written from a #OwnVoices standpoint, Will and Jos's issues aren't glossed over but provide others with Insight on how to get help for themselves.
alannar2422's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book! It definitely had me interested but not really hooked in it to be honest. Mental health was dealt with so well in this novel, in a way you hardly see in novels. There was a romantic relationship but that did not make all their issues disappear like you usually see in books. At the end was the best because they acknowledged they did not get their happy ending yet but they are working toward their future :) I loved everything about this novel.
What confused me: Priya was trying to get Will because 1 . Jos had seen the signs and the "lines/moves" she was using to make it happen 2. Will had even said in his inner monologue that he noticed as well she was making moves on him with the leaning in, blushing, makeup and lighting. Priya was definitely trying to get Will and I don't like how Jos ended up groveling and Priya said that wasn't her angle. Like cmon. Besides that it was a good read!
What confused me: Priya was trying to get Will because 1 . Jos had seen the signs and the "lines/moves" she was using to make it happen 2. Will had even said in his inner monologue that he noticed as well she was making moves on him with the leaning in, blushing, makeup and lighting. Priya was definitely trying to get Will and I don't like how Jos ended up groveling and Priya said that wasn't her angle. Like cmon. Besides that it was a good read!
breadkin's review against another edition
5.0
This book took a look at some of the nuances of mental health and culture (and especially how those two interact) that I’ve never thought of. The characterization was fantastic, and I really like how Gregorio played with voice in this novel.
I appreciated Gregorio’s openness and clarity in the Author’s Note, which, together with the last chapter, tied the book up very nicely.
I appreciated Gregorio’s openness and clarity in the Author’s Note, which, together with the last chapter, tied the book up very nicely.
sophia_she1's review against another edition
5.0
Technically, was this all that good? Maybe not. Will’s mom’s character arc was very sudden. The miscommunication was strong. The priya scandal was ridiculous. But emotionally? This book was incredible. It starts off as a cute, leg-kicking romance. Then, about a quarter of the way in, it takes a sharp turn as jocelyn becomes depressed. It becomes really hard to read as they both spiral & hurt themselves & each other (not physically though). As hard it was, it was also painstakingly realistic - I could see so many of my friendships & relationships portrayed in these characters & could pinpoint conversations or interactions that I swear I’ve had word for word. Ultimately though, the authors warning at the beginning isn’t lying. It’s heart wrenching & sob-worthy but in the last 25 pages, it becomes a happy ending. Everyone should read this, Just be prepared to be in a bad mood for the middle stretch. Also, the chapter titles make more & more sense as you go on (or maybe I’m just done)
90sinmyheart's review against another edition
5.0
I loved all of this, esp the wonderful explanations of mental illness. The part at the end with the really hit me in the feels. Also really great .