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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
noyastan's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Racism, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia and Fatphobia
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
dlrosebyh's review
emotional
hopeful
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
3.0
i really wanted to enjoy this book. the idea of a modernized fairy-tale with a mix of cinderella retelling intrigued me. it was definitely a worth read, but it felt like every other ya books. same story, different setting.
the romance: i felt like the romance was rushed. i don’t know how they fell in love with each other in a span of days. the chemistry was barely there, the romance element just disappointed me. i definitely was wishing for something more, but overall it was adorable. the romance got me smiling, regardless.
the characters: i love the characters, but i didn’t feel as attached as i thought it would be. overall, the characters’ personality were likable despite their flaws.
the plot: as i’ve said earlier, it was just like every other ya books, but with the same story, and different setting.
the mystery part was the only thing that kept me reading this book. though the ending was satisfying, i still expected more to it as this book is loved by numerous people.
the romance: i felt like the romance was rushed. i don’t know how they fell in love with each other in a span of days. the chemistry was barely there, the romance element just disappointed me. i definitely was wishing for something more, but overall it was adorable. the romance got me smiling, regardless.
the characters: i love the characters, but i didn’t feel as attached as i thought it would be. overall, the characters’ personality were likable despite their flaws.
the plot: as i’ve said earlier, it was just like every other ya books, but with the same story, and different setting.
the mystery part was the only thing that kept me reading this book. though the ending was satisfying, i still expected more to it as this book is loved by numerous people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Bullying
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy
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
wlrqp's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
colleensreadingadventures's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Unfortunately From Little Tokyo With Love did not resonate with me liked I had hoped. While I enjoyed some of it, a lot of it felt like so many other YA books out there lately. Same story different scenery.
Rika is a half Japanese half American teen growing up in Little Tokyo, a Japanese division in LA. Her mom passed away in child birth and her 2 Aunties, one by blood one by marriage are raising her with her 2 cousins. Rika’s always felt like she’s an outsider not enough Japanese but can’t pass for Caucasian either. She definitely never feels like she’s enough for her aunties or her community. Because of this Rika has an anger (kaiju-temper) inside of her that she can’t keep down and to protect herself from all the people that look down on her she channels the nure-onna inside of herself. A fierce mythological monster who can defeat all of her enemies.
Rika is assigned at the last minute to drive her cousin Belle, this years Nikkei Week Queen, in the big parade to celebrate. Grace Nakamura, a famous Japanese RomCom star is the main attraction. And when Rika and Grace literally run into each other, she notices something familiar about her and knows there is something weird about her. Especially noticing the fear on Grace’s face when coming in to contact with Rika. It seemed to be the cause of her to taking off and running away from the parade. And then vanishing, completely off the grid.
Rika has to find out what the heck is going on and why she looks so much like the girl in the pictures with Auntie Suzy from long ago.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬:
-I loved learning more about Japanese culture, including the food, the language, and the community within LA itself
-It was nice to see a diverse teen dealing with anger issues
-The LGBTQ representation with Rika’s Aunties was a especially interesting within a “traditional” Japanese family.
-The Last 1/4 or so picked up for me
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬:
-It was lacking in romance. I really didn’t see a whole lot of chemistry between Rika and Henry
-So darn slow. This should have had like 1/3 or more chopped off.
-It was anticlimactic. I can’t really go into detail without spoilers.
-The book was supposed to be about Rika finding out if Grace was her mom but somewhere along the way detoured to the difficulties of the acting world for Bi-Racial Asian actors.
-I just didn’t feel much of a connection to any of the characters.
For me this was a bit too wholesome of a YA read. I think that was a lot of my problem while reading From Little Tokyo With Love. So I encourage those of you who like a syrupy sweet story to give this a try. Don’t let my jaded thoughts stop you!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
Rika is a half Japanese half American teen growing up in Little Tokyo, a Japanese division in LA. Her mom passed away in child birth and her 2 Aunties, one by blood one by marriage are raising her with her 2 cousins. Rika’s always felt like she’s an outsider not enough Japanese but can’t pass for Caucasian either. She definitely never feels like she’s enough for her aunties or her community. Because of this Rika has an anger (kaiju-temper) inside of her that she can’t keep down and to protect herself from all the people that look down on her she channels the nure-onna inside of herself. A fierce mythological monster who can defeat all of her enemies.
Rika is assigned at the last minute to drive her cousin Belle, this years Nikkei Week Queen, in the big parade to celebrate. Grace Nakamura, a famous Japanese RomCom star is the main attraction. And when Rika and Grace literally run into each other, she notices something familiar about her and knows there is something weird about her. Especially noticing the fear on Grace’s face when coming in to contact with Rika. It seemed to be the cause of her to taking off and running away from the parade. And then vanishing, completely off the grid.
Rika has to find out what the heck is going on and why she looks so much like the girl in the pictures with Auntie Suzy from long ago.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬:
-I loved learning more about Japanese culture, including the food, the language, and the community within LA itself
-It was nice to see a diverse teen dealing with anger issues
-The LGBTQ representation with Rika’s Aunties was a especially interesting within a “traditional” Japanese family.
-The Last 1/4 or so picked up for me
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬:
-It was lacking in romance. I really didn’t see a whole lot of chemistry between Rika and Henry
-So darn slow. This should have had like 1/3 or more chopped off.
-It was anticlimactic. I can’t really go into detail without spoilers.
-The book was supposed to be about Rika finding out if Grace was her mom but somewhere along the way detoured to the difficulties of the acting world for Bi-Racial Asian actors.
-I just didn’t feel much of a connection to any of the characters.
For me this was a bit too wholesome of a YA read. I think that was a lot of my problem while reading From Little Tokyo With Love. So I encourage those of you who like a syrupy sweet story to give this a try. Don’t let my jaded thoughts stop you!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Bullying, Misogyny, and Racism
Moderate: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, and Abandonment
thenovelmaura's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0
Starting off by saying thanks to Penguin Teen for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Writing this review makes me feel like a grinch, because several of my friends really enjoyed this book and it just didn't work for me! There were plenty of individual elements that I liked, but I didn't think they fit into a cohesive narrative. Rika's temper and her complicated feelings about being biracial are important for YA readers to see. She also had great relationships with her friends and cousins, and I loved the sapphic representation and love story of her aunts. Also, I really want to visit Little Tokyo now, since I live in LA!
Although I thought Rika and Henry were really cute together and brought out the best in each other, I'm not sure why they had to profess their love by the end of the book when they'd only known each other a week. I guess it fit the fairytale theme? Anyway, this really paled in comparison to my biggest problem here, which was that Rika's aunts' reason for telling her that her mother was dead for 17 years did not hold up to scrutiny. Pretending someone is an orphan when they're not is such a huge betrayal of trust, and it was hard for me to get past this fact and enjoy the happy ending. Again, this book had a lot of good qualities, so if you take these kinds of things less seriously than I do, you'll probably like it!
Although I thought Rika and Henry were really cute together and brought out the best in each other, I'm not sure why they had to profess their love by the end of the book when they'd only known each other a week. I guess it fit the fairytale theme? Anyway, this really paled in comparison to my biggest problem here, which was that Rika's aunts' reason for telling her that her mother was dead for 17 years did not hold up to scrutiny. Pretending someone is an orphan when they're not is such a huge betrayal of trust, and it was hard for me to get past this fact and enjoy the happy ending. Again, this book had a lot of good qualities, so if you take these kinds of things less seriously than I do, you'll probably like it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
katiemack's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
I'm always glad to read a book that will resonate with my (potential) future multiracial children. Through protagonist Rika, Kuhn explores themes of identity, loss, and emotional control in this cute (but not sugary-sweet) YA novel. It was refreshing to read Rika's struggle with letting go and feeling her own emotions; I haven't seen that explored so fully in a YA novel, and I really identified with that plot point. Though there were some awful side characters in Little Tokyo, it was heartwarming to read about the communal feel of the area and the way the community rallied toward the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Grief, and Emotional abuse