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kokechii's review
3.0
Another one between 2-3 stars. I liked it, certain parts, but then I didn't like it quite so much? I like the representation and the culture. Yes, I was almost constantly hungry and snacking on something or at least wanted to. Yes, I'm also sad that were I live there is no pho in a 100kilometer radius from me :( But... Sigh. I didn't connect with the characters and their voices felt a bit too similar so my mind tended to wander off during reading. And the romance wasn't quite it also, sadly. But maybe I'm inspired to tried cooking my own pho again after almost 10 years, so I'll count that as a plus.
mrswhiteinthelibrary's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
A scrumptious teen ya romcom that flirts with unexpected warmth. Hailing from families locked in a decades' long rivalry, Bao and Linh, find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another as they both also figure out who they are and what they want to be. At once a sweet love story, a double coming of age tale, and a reflection on generational trauma and the Vietnamese immigration experience, this story goes beyond the typical romcom tropes to create a savory story with surprising depth, not unlike a good dish. Come hungry!
cherrydarrling's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
veskumelooni's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
Minor: War and Death
lorikim63's review
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
c_ab_bage's review
5.0
super cute love story. a bit of romeo and juliet meets vietnamese culture. love the main characters and was truly rooting for them the entire time. it was also so educational to read about the lives of vietnamese immigrants and i truly loved hearing about their cuisine. managed to be light hearted and fun while still facing the very real issues of what the “american dream” truly means.
kzhawol's review
5.0
Soo cute love the backstory in regards to the main character fighting the urge to understand her parents and why they parent the way they do, the guilt of following her dreams versus honoring the hardship that her parents went through. pursuing a forbidden love only to uncover and heal certain relationships. The community is full of passion and proximity, individuality and connection. this book was prefect to read while drinking boba in the library and 10/10 did make me cry.