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4.43 AVERAGE


So often, it feels like graphic novels aren’t able to put forth the same kind of story as a regular novel. Things get lost, details don’t make sense, or there just isn’t enough time to craft a detailed narrative (even with longer books). I feel like I’m just watching pictures unfold, rather than actually living in the story, like with written word books.

But somehow, Lunar New Year Love Story felt like a full novel. A story I was in; something I could grasp and devour quickly while still getting every delicious element that makes reading so beautiful. Absolutely loved it.
emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced
emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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

This is a beautiful graphic novel that manages to weave in a ton of dialogue without leaving the reader feeling bogged down. 

Several of the characters are lovable and relatable. Watching Valentina grow and grapple with the changing nature of her relationships is simultaneously wholesome and heart-breaking. 

This graphic novel also does a great job showcasing various Asian cultures in an accessible way for young readers. 

This is great read for anyone looking for a light-hearted young adult romance with beautiful artwork. 
emotional inspiring fast-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
challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
emotional funny reflective medium-paced
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful fast-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
emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Wow, no wonder this won some awards this year. It was perfect from beginning to end. Val has always loved Valentine’s Day - after all, she is named for St. Valentine. But as she enters high school, she learns the truth about her parents and of a family curse that is said to bring heartbreak to the women of the family. Just when she stops believing in love, it comes to find her. A heartwarming story of family and love, with some excellent grandmothers. Hand to readers in grades 6+.

If you liked Gene Luen Yang's "American Born Chinese" or "Boxers & Saints" this should appeal to you too.

Valentina Tran used to love Valentine's Day, the holiday she was named after until an unfortunate event causes her to question that love.

The book follows her on her journey to find true love or seemingly die alone, all the while facing challenges around fitting in and finding her place in the world.

It's a nice book with some great art by LeUyen Pham, and while the ending doesn't come as surprise it's still a nice journey.