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ninahuynh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I still don't understand how Meddy's mom didn't recognize Aguan's photo on the dating app... I know he didn't send any photos in the chat, but she and the aunties rave about how handsome he is so the assumption is there be at least 1 photo in the profile or how else would Meddy know who to look for when she met him for the first time? The aunties definitely remind me of my own aunts and family. I loved that I learned a bit about Indonesian/Chinese-Indonesian culture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
carolineanne's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cute. Very silly. Would love an on screen adaptation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Racism
gwenswoons's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I thought this was mostly pretty terrible despite having plenty of memorable and fun characters. The writing felt so repetitive and the sort of mishmash of genres and plots felt so jumbled and clunky. The second-chance love story itself was less painful to me than the rest of it and I think I could have for sure tolerated a simple Nathan and Meddy rom-com! But the murdery cover-up stuff (despite moments of humor with the aunts) is so muddled — we’re supposed to be ok with the fact that they killed this dude because he was a predator? Like, sure, I’m on board for that, but also how are we laughing about that? It’s just like…not funny?? (This aside from the fact that I don’t actually feel like I would read this as a murder to begin with, tasing someone who’s about to assault you?? So like…the entire premise flopped for me?)
Anyway. I found myself wishing the writing and structure of this were much better so I could actually follow up and read more about the characters (many of whom I actually liked on a basic level). But I couldn’t tolerate it.
Anyway. I found myself wishing the writing and structure of this were much better so I could actually follow up and read more about the characters (many of whom I actually liked on a basic level). But I couldn’t tolerate it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
wandering_seal's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was so enjoyable! I loved the squabbling aunties and the silliness of the hidden body being trudged all around. I'll be finding more from Sutanto to read in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Racism, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, Police brutality, and Lesbophobia
tsamarah's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Dial A For Aunties is the debut adult romance novel by Chinese-descent Indonesian author Jesse Q. Sutanto, which tells the story of Meddelin Chan (or Meddy for short), who accidentally causes the death of her blind date. As she asks for help from her mother and three aunties, she believes that everything will be fine and her crime will be covered up. Alas, it all goes down the drain when the body is inadvertently shipped to her family's latest client: a crazy rich Asian wedding somewhere on a private island. Now Meddelin and her family must find a way to retrieve the body back without getting caught.
This book was my first purchase of Sutanto's body of works, although it became my third read after finishing the Well, That Was Unexpected series. Since I have read her other novels, I have set an expectation of what I will get from this book: a representation of Chinese-Indonesian culture with a dash of chaotic humor that befalls the main character due to several interventions caused by yours truly, the family itself. Most of the time, it is what I do receive as I read through the pages.
Sutanto is no stranger to being an Asian foreigner living in different countries, specifically the United States as she is one herself. It is why she excels in describing the diaspora of attempting the idealized American dream while maintaining the generations of well-taught traditions; the relationship between Meddy and her aunties translates as one of the most prominent examples. When we talk about female independence, we have a contrasting attitude in approaching it: in one way, as acted by the aunties, we believe that women have to have an income of their own. Yet, the belief that women need to have providers in the form of marriage and husbands still manages to stay strong even in a country as individualistic as America.
Meddy's frustration with overcoming the barrage of questions from busybodies in her family, particularly as she is of a certain age—there is another belief that unmarried women past the age of 25 years old are considered to be hags—is consciously relatable among readers who might have received the same treatment for their "single and ready to mingle" life.
Another point that I find to be quite curious is the subtheme of continuing family business. I have asked several friends about this, and their answers were mostly the same: Chinese-descent families in Indonesia are keen to request their children or younger generation to keep the family business alive or work around that business, either it's because of a keepsake or it is already successful or both. It is the small details like these examples that I find to be appreciative, where Sutanto tries hard to keep her representation very much authentic with her life and other generations of Chinese-descent people like her.
The main plot of the book excels in describing the dynamic between Meddy and her aunties. Aside from underlining their strengths and weaknesses in terms of capabilities as well as personalities, Sutanto uses the plot to become their moment of truth—the confession and admittance of all the mistakes they've done to each other (and we all know that it is not easy for Asian elderly to apologize for their wrongdoings)—which eventually strengthens their bonds.
The plot also features Sutanto's sense of Indonesian humor to a degree, found in the numerous blunt uses of mixing Indonesia, Mandarin, and English exclaims all into one that can still be understandable and entertaining without coming across to be forced or cringe-inducing even when they are readers who are not familiar with the Indonesian classic brand of comical statements.
And before we move to the issues I find to be slightly troubling, let's talk about the aunties first: fabulous people. Meddy's mother and aunties, in which one of them is called the Big Aunt, are the backbones of the family. They're smart and cunning and know so many ways to look at opportunities, whether it is about money or hiding a body. Each of them resembles a relative found in your Asian household, but I suspect that Sutanto intentionally tones them down, so they won't act too much like helicopter parents and meddlers. As a result, they prove themselves to be the stars of the novel, easily upstaging everyone, including Meddy Chan herself, with their charming and boisterous auras. However, my only letdown when it comes to the mother and aunties is that they haven't been given proper introductions with actual names. It's a bit hard to differentiate each one with only an "auntie" label without an actual name.
Meddy Chan as a protagonist is the embodiment of every single firstborn or only child daughter in an Asian household; so many expectations linger surrounding her, her success, her love life, and everything else in between. As a result, we get to see a young woman with her own dream but adapts most characteristics of a model minority, and yet, still fears being rejected by the family for her life choices. It is evident in the way she keeps to herself, secrets that she feels to be "dirty" enough to feel like she's going to be the family embarrassment when perhaps, the secrets she keeps are just simple things or not-so-life-changing options after all. However, when it comes to execution, Meddy's character growth is overwhelmed by the more dominant presence of the aunties, rendering her position to be akin to a supporting character instead of the main character.
Nathan, as the subsequent love interest in the second chance romance aspect of the book, is quite the charmer himself. He embodies the characteristics of a third or fourth-generation immigrant who is generally out of touch with his origins and more in touch with Americans' individualism and freedom with a dash of self-centeredness—much like the character Rachel Chu from Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians book series. His appearances are treated as Meddy's backstories most of the time, in which later, Nathan receives a proper arc from the middle of the story. Yet, with the limited time given to his proper introduction, Sutanto is unable to form a firm character, whether as a supporting character or a main love interest.
Hence, it is why I have problems with the romantic section of the novel. For a novel that aims to have a second chance at romance in the journey, Meddy and Nathan do not receive good treatment at reconnecting their chemistry to begin that adventure together once again. Meddy is already too preoccupied with her family and issues, while Nathan's obliviousness in most parts of their encounters doesn't help much in developing that harmony. I would've preferred the book to stay solely focused on the murder mystery, letting Meddy and Nathan stay as friends until the end of the book but leaving hints of their potential future romance up in the air. I would've preferred the book to stay solely focused on the murder mystery, letting Meddy and Nathan stay as friends until the end of the book but leaving hints of their potential future romance up in the air. It will gauge much more curiosity instead of the rushed pace constructed for their relationship.
All things considered, I find that Dial A For Aunties is quite entertaining enough to be consumed, although it's just so-so at the end because the romance part is a huge deal breaker for me, but I think it isn't executed well. I would recommend this book to those who are a fan of most of Sutanto's works, or just want some light adult romance books for a relaxing time.
This book was my first purchase of Sutanto's body of works, although it became my third read after finishing the Well, That Was Unexpected series. Since I have read her other novels, I have set an expectation of what I will get from this book: a representation of Chinese-Indonesian culture with a dash of chaotic humor that befalls the main character due to several interventions caused by yours truly, the family itself. Most of the time, it is what I do receive as I read through the pages.
Sutanto is no stranger to being an Asian foreigner living in different countries, specifically the United States as she is one herself. It is why she excels in describing the diaspora of attempting the idealized American dream while maintaining the generations of well-taught traditions; the relationship between Meddy and her aunties translates as one of the most prominent examples. When we talk about female independence, we have a contrasting attitude in approaching it: in one way, as acted by the aunties, we believe that women have to have an income of their own. Yet, the belief that women need to have providers in the form of marriage and husbands still manages to stay strong even in a country as individualistic as America.
Meddy's frustration with overcoming the barrage of questions from busybodies in her family, particularly as she is of a certain age—there is another belief that unmarried women past the age of 25 years old are considered to be hags—is consciously relatable among readers who might have received the same treatment for their "single and ready to mingle" life.
Another point that I find to be quite curious is the subtheme of continuing family business. I have asked several friends about this, and their answers were mostly the same: Chinese-descent families in Indonesia are keen to request their children or younger generation to keep the family business alive or work around that business, either it's because of a keepsake or it is already successful or both. It is the small details like these examples that I find to be appreciative, where Sutanto tries hard to keep her representation very much authentic with her life and other generations of Chinese-descent people like her.
The main plot of the book excels in describing the dynamic between Meddy and her aunties. Aside from underlining their strengths and weaknesses in terms of capabilities as well as personalities, Sutanto uses the plot to become their moment of truth—the confession and admittance of all the mistakes they've done to each other (and we all know that it is not easy for Asian elderly to apologize for their wrongdoings)—which eventually strengthens their bonds.
The plot also features Sutanto's sense of Indonesian humor to a degree, found in the numerous blunt uses of mixing Indonesia, Mandarin, and English exclaims all into one that can still be understandable and entertaining without coming across to be forced or cringe-inducing even when they are readers who are not familiar with the Indonesian classic brand of comical statements.
And before we move to the issues I find to be slightly troubling, let's talk about the aunties first: fabulous people. Meddy's mother and aunties, in which one of them is called the Big Aunt, are the backbones of the family. They're smart and cunning and know so many ways to look at opportunities, whether it is about money or hiding a body. Each of them resembles a relative found in your Asian household, but I suspect that Sutanto intentionally tones them down, so they won't act too much like helicopter parents and meddlers. As a result, they prove themselves to be the stars of the novel, easily upstaging everyone, including Meddy Chan herself, with their charming and boisterous auras. However, my only letdown when it comes to the mother and aunties is that they haven't been given proper introductions with actual names. It's a bit hard to differentiate each one with only an "auntie" label without an actual name.
Meddy Chan as a protagonist is the embodiment of every single firstborn or only child daughter in an Asian household; so many expectations linger surrounding her, her success, her love life, and everything else in between. As a result, we get to see a young woman with her own dream but adapts most characteristics of a model minority, and yet, still fears being rejected by the family for her life choices. It is evident in the way she keeps to herself, secrets that she feels to be "dirty" enough to feel like she's going to be the family embarrassment when perhaps, the secrets she keeps are just simple things or not-so-life-changing options after all. However, when it comes to execution, Meddy's character growth is overwhelmed by the more dominant presence of the aunties, rendering her position to be akin to a supporting character instead of the main character.
Nathan, as the subsequent love interest in the second chance romance aspect of the book, is quite the charmer himself. He embodies the characteristics of a third or fourth-generation immigrant who is generally out of touch with his origins and more in touch with Americans' individualism and freedom with a dash of self-centeredness—much like the character Rachel Chu from Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians book series. His appearances are treated as Meddy's backstories most of the time, in which later, Nathan receives a proper arc from the middle of the story. Yet, with the limited time given to his proper introduction, Sutanto is unable to form a firm character, whether as a supporting character or a main love interest.
Hence, it is why I have problems with the romantic section of the novel. For a novel that aims to have a second chance at romance in the journey, Meddy and Nathan do not receive good treatment at reconnecting their chemistry to begin that adventure together once again. Meddy is already too preoccupied with her family and issues, while Nathan's obliviousness in most parts of their encounters doesn't help much in developing that harmony. I would've preferred the book to stay solely focused on the murder mystery, letting Meddy and Nathan stay as friends until the end of the book but leaving hints of their potential future romance up in the air. I would've preferred the book to stay solely focused on the murder mystery, letting Meddy and Nathan stay as friends until the end of the book but leaving hints of their potential future romance up in the air. It will gauge much more curiosity instead of the rushed pace constructed for their relationship.
All things considered, I find that Dial A For Aunties is quite entertaining enough to be consumed, although it's just so-so at the end because the romance part is a huge deal breaker for me, but I think it isn't executed well. I would recommend this book to those who are a fan of most of Sutanto's works, or just want some light adult romance books for a relaxing time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Violence, Kidnapping, Car accident, and Murder
jstilts's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
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
4.25
An absolute blast of a book, part farcical heist, part romance, all funny family drama.
Once the plot gets going this becomes a real page-turner, with frequent bombshell twists at the ends of chapters that will make you howl in laughter and amazement at the audacity of the author.
Absolutely loved it!
Once the plot gets going this becomes a real page-turner, with frequent bombshell twists at the ends of chapters that will make you howl in laughter and amazement at the audacity of the author.
Absolutely loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
Minor: Drug use, Gun violence, Racism, Rape, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
jessiebertram's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Over the top, almost satirical and a wild ride. A fun read though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Car accident, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
lemonsforyu's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
alisonvh's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was fun, but the main character was too stupid to live. I got so sick of her making the exact wrong move at every turn that I wanted to slap her. Fortunately her mom and aunts were hilarious enough to make the book worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual assault
notapenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Car accident, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual assault
Minor: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Vomit