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daumari's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I say this about every other YA romance, but this was really cute! The entire thing being in present tense felt a little odd at first, but it really sets the reader right in Frank's head. There's a ton of specific cultural notes for second generation Korean-Americans (am reminded of the Viet Thanh Nguyen quote about writing as if you're the majority, do not pause to explain, etc. The romance also has a bit of that universal teen feeling of wondering whether this is a for now romance, with college looming at some point but "then what?" after that ends.
There's what I felt was a clever use of language about ~290 pages in, when two adults have an argument. As a second generation kid, Frank isn't necessarily fluent in Korean, so the text actually changes to Hangul and most readers will be right there with Frank, not comprehending why two friends are suddenly mad at each other. I used a phone translation app and while I know that wasn't perfect, it got across the point (and another adult later gives their version of what happened in the next chapter). That REALLY felt like an unapologetic existence, and I thought it was neat.
Also oh man I did not need to remember the stress around college admissions and then knowing that your friends will be farflung after graduation. :(
There's what I felt was a clever use of language about ~290 pages in, when two adults have an argument. As a second generation kid, Frank isn't necessarily fluent in Korean, so the text actually changes to Hangul and most readers will be right there with Frank, not comprehending why two friends are suddenly mad at each other. I used a phone translation app and while I know that wasn't perfect, it got across the point (and another adult later gives their version of what happened in the next chapter). That REALLY felt like an unapologetic existence, and I thought it was neat.
Also oh man I did not need to remember the stress around college admissions and then knowing that your friends will be farflung after graduation. :(
booksnooksandcooks's review against another edition
You lost me at the manic pixie dream girl love interest.
angeluc3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.5
abbyl819's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I usually really like the fake dating trope, but I just never connected to this book. I wasn’t a fan of any of the romances or the writing.
I usually really like the fake dating trope, but I just never connected to this book. I wasn’t a fan of any of the romances or the writing.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
*Enter worst experience of life meme*
How do you make fake dating trope so bad??!! You have man write it I didn't read book written by man since forever and this is just remainder to never do it.
How do you make fake dating trope so bad??!! You have man write it I didn't read book written by man since forever and this is just remainder to never do it.
miraclereads's review against another edition
The characters weren't vibing with me and felt predictable. Not catchy enough
nickscoby's review against another edition
3.0
This book is all over the place but I really enjoyed much of it. The struggle is that I didn't buy the major romance but I was just so happy that Frank wasn't with Brit anymore. She's hella annoying. But it is also true that we don't get her perspective either. What kept me going was all of the side characters and moments. Wu is ADORABLE. And I like Joy, too. But not necessarily her with Frank. Honestly, I kept waiting for Frank to realize that he really had a crush on Evon this whole time but . . . no. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more from Yoon.