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catbuechler's review
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Infertility, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cancer
Minor: Xenophobia and Racism
katiemack's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love Emiko Jean's Tokyo Ever After books, so I thought I'd give her adult debut a try.
The beginning focuses on Mika, a thirty-five-year-old who has just been let go from her job and is not traditionally successful--especially not to her parents, who moved with her from Japan to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. When her sixteen-year-old biological child, Penny, reaches out to her, Mika finds herself entangled in a web of lies of her own making to seem more impressive to her daughter.
I have a huge problem with books based on the main character's lies, so I was prepared to cringe the entire way through the rest of the book. Thankfully, that aspect of the plot is resolved about halfway through the book and gives way to a more in-depth exploration of trauma (particularly generational trauma), motherhood, and the nature of creativity. It feels more personal than Jean's other books, but it still has its moments of funny dialogue and compelling side characters. The romance feels abrupt but makes sense, in the end.
Try this if you're looking for a tender, diverse read about motherhood and, well, being an adult.
I love Emiko Jean's Tokyo Ever After books, so I thought I'd give her adult debut a try.
The beginning focuses on Mika, a thirty-five-year-old who has just been let go from her job and is not traditionally successful--especially not to her parents, who moved with her from Japan to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. When her sixteen-year-old biological child, Penny, reaches out to her, Mika finds herself entangled in a web of lies of her own making to seem more impressive to her daughter.
I have a huge problem with books based on the main character's lies, so I was prepared to cringe the entire way through the rest of the book. Thankfully, that aspect of the plot is resolved about halfway through the book and gives way to a more in-depth exploration of trauma (particularly generational trauma), motherhood, and the nature of creativity. It feels more personal than Jean's other books, but it still has its moments of funny dialogue and compelling side characters. The romance feels abrupt but makes sense, in the end.
Try this if you're looking for a tender, diverse read about motherhood and, well, being an adult.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Xenophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship and Body shaming
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