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quietmarki's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Bullying, and Cursing
touchegiantsquid's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
Being a suburban Angelino, it was fun recognizing the LA landmarks. Being Nikkei, it was surprising how many details of the southern California Japanese American community I recognized, despite not feeling very connected to it myself. Being hapa (they use a different term in the book), it resonated deeply for me. I could not imagine a YA book that could have characters that experience so much of what I have lived, when I was a young reader. This book is a criticism of the Nikkei community and a love letter to it, all wrapped in a light romance and mystery. I highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
quillify_'s review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.5
Such a wholesome book and such a refreshing take on grumpy sunshine trope!!! I'll admit Rika was pretty annoying at first with the whole not like other girls thing but she grew on me with her character development. Her friendships and sisterly bonds were so amazing and seeing her becoming her own person was awesome. Henry, I appreciate for being a stereotype and yet having layers. Perfect sunshine to Rika and his panic disorder was honestly so very relatable. The representation, struggles of biracial people and their identities was so very authentic and well done. Plus loved learning about Japanese culture from someone who knows it and knows the struggle (and the white people jokes were honestly god-tier lol).
The thing I liked about this book was that the leads both had independent arcs. Yes, they clicked together almost instantly but they also underwent their own character development that did not hinge on sexual or romantic tension. As Rika said at one point, they both saved each other. That's how you show feminism—instead of shaming men and/or making them cardboard cutouts with abs, and making the girl a tiny, fetishized creature with zero personality, you give them each flaws and goals and backstories. Bare minimum, but there's so many hyped books that miss this mark in the name of performance.
Proof: 1. My hair is flying everywhere, that blazing red lock unfurled like a flag of pure rage. Henry stands a bit behind me: his face pale, his expression verging on terror. I am a wild monster girl, protecting a handsome prince.
2. “I—yes,” I say, feeling my nure-onna armor reinstate itself. “Why did you . . . you didn’t have to make a scene. I can handle myself. I don’t need someone else to fight my battles.” He takes a step closer to me, his gaze probing in a way that makes me squirm. This isn’t movie star Henry or joking Henry or too-cute-for-his-own-good Henry. It’s something clear and heartfelt, something I can’t quite process. “I know you can,” he finally says. “But you don’t always have to fight alone.”
The thing I liked about this book was that the leads both had independent arcs. Yes, they clicked together almost instantly but they also underwent their own character development that did not hinge on sexual or romantic tension. As Rika said at one point, they both saved each other. That's how you show feminism—instead of shaming men and/or making them cardboard cutouts with abs, and making the girl a tiny, fetishized creature with zero personality, you give them each flaws and goals and backstories. Bare minimum, but there's so many hyped books that miss this mark in the name of performance.
Proof: 1. My hair is flying everywhere, that blazing red lock unfurled like a flag of pure rage. Henry stands a bit behind me: his face pale, his expression verging on terror. I am a wild monster girl, protecting a handsome prince.
2. “I—yes,” I say, feeling my nure-onna armor reinstate itself. “Why did you . . . you didn’t have to make a scene. I can handle myself. I don’t need someone else to fight my battles.” He takes a step closer to me, his gaze probing in a way that makes me squirm. This isn’t movie star Henry or joking Henry or too-cute-for-his-own-good Henry. It’s something clear and heartfelt, something I can’t quite process. “I know you can,” he finally says. “But you don’t always have to fight alone.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Xenophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Cursing
storykath's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
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