A review by meghanlew_
When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao

emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing an arc copy of this book.

This book honestly has my whole heart. From the characters to the romance, and the culture I just could not get enough. I ended up reading most of this in one sitting I just could not put it down.

I loved both Liya and Kia. They both had their own journeys to go on throughout the book, which brought up interesting conversations about family dynamics. As someone who is Chinese, I heavily relate to a lot in this book and was able to identify with both main characters. While romance is one of the main points of this book, I really enjoyed seeing Liya navigate other types of relationships in a close-knit community.

The romance was just so freaking cute. It perfectly captured just how awkward teen dating can be. And how they are all trying to figure out these new emotions for the first time. When Liya felt awkward I felt it in my bones. So much of how she approached life reminded me of when I was younger. The ending had me smiling so wide my cheeks hurt.

I think it is great that the author talks about so many different Chinese holidays in the book. Especially the ones that are not often talked about or celebrated in the United States. In many ways, it felt like I was reading about home. 

I have read and loved a few Gloria Chao books, so it is no surprise that I loved this one too.