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robinks's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
This graphic novel is so beautifully illustrated, and the plot had so many twists and turns. It included a lot of different topics but in a way that didn’t feel too overwhelming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent
tinysierra's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Cute
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, Grief, Racism, and Abandonment
drbex's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief and Abandonment
roseleaf24's review
emotional
reflective
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
4.75
Beautifully illustrated by Pham, this graphic novel contains a lot in its brief words. While the core romance will feel familiar, there is so much deeper story in each of the teens' families. I found the interweaving of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean culture fascinating, with the lion dance bringing everything together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
megnut's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Cancer
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.25
Lunar New Year Love Story is a delightful YA romance told in graphic novel format. The illustrations are great and I especially appreciated the variety in the colour palettes that were used. The story also had depth and breadth exploring addiction, family secrets, identity and a variety of teen relationships without shame or judgement. Val was such a lovely character, tender and vulnerable while her grandmother was a real force of nature. One of the highlights was the pan Asian nature of the story. At least where I live Lunar New Year and the Lion Dance are often solely portrayed as Chinese so I really valued the Vietnamese and Korean angles. I also loved getting an inside peek at all the effort that goes into a Lion Dance. Just thinking about this book still brings a smile to my face.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, and Grief
katievallin's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.5
I loved this! A good story, great illustrations, lovable characters. The ending was a bit rushed, but otherwise I really enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Grief, and Death of parent
jade13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent
shybearfog's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This was a great read; it was heart warming while still having some real complexities to the people and relationships. The art was beautiful. I liked the use of color for the different "spiritual" characters or feelings of the main character. I liked the use of small visual details, like facial expressions of non-main characters or characters' clothing. It was also funny; the grandma and uncle were especially fun characters. Culturally, I liked that there were different east Asian ethnicities (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese) and their Lunar New Year traditions and beliefs represented.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, and Death of parent
cruthe's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Bullying and Cancer