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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Around the World in 52 Books 2023: #32. A book set in a UNESCO World City of Literature (Jakarta)
This is in fact Crazy Rich Asians only set in Indonesia, with a bit more catfishing to kick things off, and for teens.
For all that, it was fine. I grabbed it because it showed up as an Amazon bargain right as I happened to be in Indonesia so the timing was right. Jesse Q. Sutanto has a knack for writing likable characters even as she puts them into situations that sound ludicrous on the back cover of a book. Would Sharlot really not know anything about her entire family and have given up on asking about them? Would George, the scion of a ridiculously wealthy family, be as nice and conscientious and be able to flip from shy to polished public presenter at the drop of a hat?
It's a romcom, though, and you just have to go with it- if you're reading the book you should know the conventions and buying into them is just part of the experience. The two leads were cute together, they sparked, Bali was great to visit on the pages. It's frothy fun.
This is in fact Crazy Rich Asians only set in Indonesia, with a bit more catfishing to kick things off, and for teens.
For all that, it was fine. I grabbed it because it showed up as an Amazon bargain right as I happened to be in Indonesia so the timing was right. Jesse Q. Sutanto has a knack for writing likable characters even as she puts them into situations that sound ludicrous on the back cover of a book. Would Sharlot really not know anything about her entire family and have given up on asking about them? Would George, the scion of a ridiculously wealthy family, be as nice and conscientious and be able to flip from shy to polished public presenter at the drop of a hat?
It's a romcom, though, and you just have to go with it- if you're reading the book you should know the conventions and buying into them is just part of the experience. The two leads were cute together, they sparked, Bali was great to visit on the pages. It's frothy fun.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is a YA fake dating rom-com based set in Indonesia (mostly in Bali).
I know for sure that I love how Sutanto writes. She’s funny and fresh. I love the settings and how she brings her love for Indonesian culture. I keep getting disappointed from the plots, though.
I feel like she’s trying to get to an audience that is younger than her, and that it shows.
I will never thank her enough for the discovery of avocado
I know for sure that I love how Sutanto writes. She’s funny and fresh. I love the settings and how she brings her love for Indonesian culture. I keep getting disappointed from the plots, though.
I feel like she’s trying to get to an audience that is younger than her, and that it shows.
I will never thank her enough for the discovery of avocado
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
It was cute! Definitely fun and lighthearted, perfect for YA.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
I liked other books by this author but this one couldn’t keep my interest, mainly because it was so similar to crazy rich Asians (a YA version). Initially I loved the setup and thought it was so clever but then it puttered for me.
SUMMARY: two sets of parents put their teen children on a dating app and pretend to be their child. The parents aren’t aware they’re talking to each other; they think they are talking to the other teen. Both teens find out what their parents did once the parents have arranged for a date. To their surprise they don’t hate each other.
SUMMARY: two sets of parents put their teen children on a dating app and pretend to be their child. The parents aren’t aware they’re talking to each other; they think they are talking to the other teen. Both teens find out what their parents did once the parents have arranged for a date. To their surprise they don’t hate each other.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a fun light hearted book. For one, we don’t offer read books that take place in Indonesia, so I really give that perspective was nice to see. I also wasn’t too familiar with the Chinese-Indo culture, so very informative.
I could have done without all the cursing and swearing. Having the book told from both characters perspectives was unique, but sometimes confusing if you forgot whose angle you were reading from.
Cute, fun storyline!
I could have done without all the cursing and swearing. Having the book told from both characters perspectives was unique, but sometimes confusing if you forgot whose angle you were reading from.
Cute, fun storyline!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I will definitely be reading more of Jesse Q. Sutanto's books. Well, That Was Unexpected is such a fun read. I flew through this book. Definitely had many good laughs. The story itself was great. George and Sharlot definitely make a cute/dramatic couple. This book definitely does give off Crazy Rich Asian vibes. Can wait to get the second book! ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
I am not a reader of romance, let alone teen romance, but I enjoy Sutanto's writing regardless of genre. The two main characters--who go on a date after mutual catfishing by their family members--are sweet and lively. Unfortunately, there are some sex scenes.