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zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book is full of heart. After the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. There were a few plot threads that were introduced and then never really resolved, though: Grace being outed and the drug abuse in the dance industry come to mind. With the central romance in the book, by the end, I found myself wondering, "Why can't they wait a few weeks/months after Ryan's dance lessons end to date? He wouldn't be a student anymore and he'd have time to break up with Fiona." But I guess they really wanted to bone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Medical content, and Classism
Moderate: Outing, Pregnancy, Sexism, Blood, Terminal illness, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief, Sexual content, Misogyny, and Gaslighting
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Addiction, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
dmoreno27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.75
emsrising's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
A lovely story about a first generation American born Chinese. Loved how real the character's struggles are as a financially struggling elder daughter. All the supporting characters are also well written and heart warming. The romance arc is so well done. Perfect light story but with real, important themes.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
heavenlyangel's review against another edition
I honestly didn't give this book a chance. I only got through the first chapter which wasn't enough for me to form an opinion.
allysonbogie's review against another edition
4.0
I could almost give this book five stars. It was a sweet, engaging story and I was so invested in the characters. But some aspects were just too unrealistic and I thought the end tied up too neatly. Totally a pleasurable read, though!!
sparklelys's review against another edition
5.0
"Do you know what I like about you? Not your talent, because although you are gifted, so are we all. Because you have the desire that makes the difference between success and failure. Those who succeed are the ones who are willing to follow their talent into all of the unknown places it will take them." ~ international dance pro Julian (p158)
"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~Godmother, quoting Lao Tzu (p41)
As an ABC & as a dancer (not ballroom, though; I tap!), I loved this book, especially its sensory descriptions of the smells and tastes of Chinatown, of the steps (and sweat) of dancing, as well as its colors and fabrics. The tension of living in both the eastern and western worlds was actually palpable.
"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~Godmother, quoting Lao Tzu (p41)
As an ABC & as a dancer (not ballroom, though; I tap!), I loved this book, especially its sensory descriptions of the smells and tastes of Chinatown, of the steps (and sweat) of dancing, as well as its colors and fabrics. The tension of living in both the eastern and western worlds was actually palpable.
poseymckeon's review against another edition
2.0
2.2 stars. Flat characters and story. Wish I liked it more than I do but thankfully went by quickly
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes when they're being critiqued by the judges on Project Runway, the aspiring fashion designers are asked, usually by Michael Kors, "Who is your girl? Where is she going in that gown?" Sometimes the process of fashion design can begin by imagining your 'girl' - who she is, where she works, what she does at night, and from there you work on imagining the clothing you will construct for her.
I feel like Jean Kwok's novel follows a similar design process. Her girl in this case is Charlie, a 22-year-old dishwasher who lives in New York City's Chinatown. Charlie lives with her father and younger sister, and as the book begins, she gets a new job as a receptionist at a renowned ballroom dance studio. The author draws you into Charlie's world in a way that feels authentic and makes you care for her character. Charlie does tai-chi, has a couple close friends, and no interest in being set up by relatives to marry someone in the Chinese community.
This is a good chick-lit novel if you like some substance.
I feel like Jean Kwok's novel follows a similar design process. Her girl in this case is Charlie, a 22-year-old dishwasher who lives in New York City's Chinatown. Charlie lives with her father and younger sister, and as the book begins, she gets a new job as a receptionist at a renowned ballroom dance studio. The author draws you into Charlie's world in a way that feels authentic and makes you care for her character. Charlie does tai-chi, has a couple close friends, and no interest in being set up by relatives to marry someone in the Chinese community.
This is a good chick-lit novel if you like some substance.
maggienack's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the way her character grew and the peak into Chinatown life. Only the sister subplot felt forced and obvious.
juicygreenmom's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75