A review by bookedbymadeline
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

i read this for my book club and really enjoyed it! Mooncakes is the perfect cozy fall read with witchcraft, a magic-filled bookstore, benevolent ghosts, the mid-autumn festival (hence the mooncakes), Halloween decorations, adorable black cats, and vivid outdoor scenes.

Great illustrations which made me feel immersed in the story and added to the fall vibes. Reminded me of a Midwest fall back in Michigan ❤️

Diverse representations of identity ( Non-binary character with they/them pronouns, Hard of hearing with use of hearing aids, WLW grandmas;1 is Chinese and 1 is Jewish, WLNB romance, and Chinese American characters celebrating their culture’s traditions). Each character’s identity is presented as integral parts of themselves, but not as anything that needs to be explained, questioned, or justified. It’s also shown without much conflict or trauma which I felt was important to show that books can have representation while also being happy and without the need to “prove” their identity is valid. Tam had to correct one of the Nanas once on pronoun usage but their identity was never put into question but just a fact of reality! 

One thing I didn’t like was the insta love relationship between Nova and Tam. It happened very quickly and I would have liked to see a little more build up. The plot is also a bit surface level and more depth could’ve been nice; it just didn’t hold my interest as much. I was mostly just vibing with the general coziness and small moments between characters!

This is only the 2/3 graphic novel I’ve read my whole life so I went in with no expectations and enjoyed it quite a bit. I was smiling and awwwing at some of the panels 🥰  Overall a perfect read for autumn and recommend if you’re looking for a magical witchy/werewolf romance!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings