A review by cortanasreadingnook
Eighteen Roses by Shannon C.F. Rogers

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

 Big thanks to Shannon C.F. Rogers and Feiwel & Friends for sending me a review copy through NetGalley! This doesn’t affect my review in any way. 

Happy book birthday to Eighteen Roses! This heartwarming, coming-of-age young adult novel features family, the growing pains of friendship, and Filipino-American diaspora. 

I loved this book simply because it was genuine in its representation of Filipino family dynamics. Luz is very relatable and frankly, it surprised me how much of myself I saw in her anger and envy of the world. I liked how the author was able to write about a characters’ detachment from their culture and identity. I also adamantly refused to not have a debutante ball and I understood Luz’s resentment throughout this book. Moreso, the difficult relationship she has with her mother is so REAL that at times I wanted to tear up. Growing up with festered bitterness or simply sadness for either one of your parents is something you will eventually come to terms with because they will remain unchanged, and this book perfectly captures that. I also loved how this navigates friendships and self-discovery. Her chemistry with Esme was so nostalgic because I have it with my best friend as well. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book that centers on personal growth. 

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