The Lies We Tell by Katie Zhao Trigger warning: Stalking, murder, hate crime, racism, kidnapping. Age rating:14+ Overall rating: 4.75 out of 5 Gernes: Young Adult, Mystery. A spoiler free summary Anna wants to start a new at her local university. She wants to excel academically and create new friendships, all while ignoring her childhood academic rival, Chris Lu. But there is another reason which has brought her here, the unsolved murder of her former babysitter enraptures her in morbid fascination. When the Lu bakery is attacked, Anna links it to the unsolved crime and she can’t help but feel its underlining motives and is forcefully drawn to Chris. After feeling threatened and no longer comfortable in her own school, the two come together to figure out who and what is behind these targeted attacks. Review I quite enjoyed this novel, rather simple in its nature but appreciated that it discussed heavy themes that are incredibly relevant today. The beginning of the novel was more on the slower side and the real mystery began about one third of the way through. The two main characters, Anna and Chris are very likable and were especially relatable to me. I loved seeing the representation in the novel but also with the dark and sad side that comes with living in a country such as America where being Asian is the minority. As the story follows a string of hate crimes, from murder to stalking, it reflects the spike in hate crimes against people of Asian descent during beginning the covid pandemic [and onwards]. Katie incorporated real life situations that everyone has lived through/seen on social media. She shines a light on these issues through a dark novel and reveals the fear some of us may have. It pulls focus to it and for especially people who have never been a minority shows the thinking and inner feelings of the characters, which is unfortunately still very relevant today. Though some may disagree, I appreciated that romance did not play a major role in the story, although the blurb was a little miss leading. The parents of Anna and Chris were not forgotten and are some of the primary characters in this story, it thoroughly explores the stereotypical expectations and the inner rivalry to achieve the best thing possible out of everyone present. The writing is simple and easy to understand yet intriguing, the story is slower paced at the beginning but may still be a good read for those in a reading slump. Depending on the expectations one may have for the novel, the rating may differ on social media, many made it seemed to have academic rivals to lovers which is true but it should not be the sole reason to read this novel as it is not a large component of the novel. Yet again, I was quite excited to read a novel by Katie Zhao and it did not disappoint. I was also able to really appreciate the reference to How We Fall Apart, a small nod to the other novel. The reference to a music group was a fun find in the novel, which speaks to the comfort and energy artists can give someone in hard times no matter the genre. Another personal point to mention, while I was reading this novel, there was almost a parallel universe type thing which might have inspired a short story [if I can get to it]. Quotes “There was someone there with her, and yet, she had never been more alone.” “That was one of the first things I looked from whenever I was a new setting, and seeing that the crowd wasn’t totally white was reassuring.” “I didn’t feel safe being me any longer, and I wondered if I would feel comfortable in my own skin ever again.” Recommendations If you are looking for a medium paced mystery centralised on racism while pursuing higher education this book is for you. It focuses on two main characters navigating a period of time riddled in hate crimes and racism. Although the book starts off as medium paced novel, the last half quickens up and the book will be over before you know it. Pros Explores relevant issues of racism and hate crimes especially spiking during the height of the covid pandemic. The main characters are Asian and discuss some of the family dynamics as well. Cons Wished the novel was longer so we could see more of the character growth. A trigger warning would have been good, especially since it discusses topics that are very relevant today and may be triggering for some. The blurb is a little misleading as it hints towards a more dramatic rivals to lovers trope for the two main characters and this can lead people to have different expectations. Note: I read this back in January but still wanted to post a review since I had been waiting for this book to be released.
Tag: #yareccomendation
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Loveboat, Taipei Trigger warning: Racism, internalised racism, stereotyping. Age rating:14+ Overall rating: 5.2 out of 5 Genres: Young Adult, contemporary romance. A spoiler free summary Ever Wong is unexpectedly sent away by her parents to Taipei. She arrives anticipating a strict educational program, but she could not be more wrong. The Loveboat is place where adults are “oblivious” to the continuous nightlife and hook-ups. Will this be Ever’s chance to be who she wants to be and give her the courage to chase her actual dreams rather than her parent’s expectations? Review I loved Loveboat, Taipei so much, there were so many moments where I was really able to connect to the main characters. This book was one I annotated quite a lot [I’m not really an annotating reader] for the first time in a while and I really related to many of the thoughts and feelings of the main character, such as feeling too Asian in one environment and not Asian enough in another. It made my heart swell with seeing so much representation in one novel, it felt as if the author was trying to fit as many different East Asian voices as she could to make up for the lack of representation in the literary world and this novel definitely should receive more hype. It did have some clichés and stereotypes throughout the novel but all of which are unfortunately still binding to Asians in the real world. The author, though her characters really unpacked some of it conveying a message to readers that it is okay to not be part of the stereotypes but it’s also okay to be part of them as well, also expressing sometimes it is not completely the parents’ faults either but rather society’s expectations. The romance gives slight enemies to lovers energy and the friendships were so precious and makes it more heart breaking when something unexpected happens. Even the characters I did not particular liked grew on me and I was able to appreciate their roles in the story. The writing style not insanely complex but it is very well written and descriptive, it is also quite a fast paced novel and has a reasonable amount of dialogue. The main focus of the story is coming to terms with one’s identity and what that means to the main character while exploring romance and finding friends who are like you. It is nice to see that family is not forgotten about, especially since Young Adult novels often do and are mentioned throughout the novel showing the importance of family to the main character even if they hold her back from pursuing her dreams. I also love when authors add a note to the reader whether it is a dedication or in the acknowledgements, but the author added a page giving background information and a thank you to the reader which I appreciate. Throughout the novel she added a random fact perfect to the storyline and I enjoy that you can learn something like that from a novel. I am very much looking forward to reading the second novel but am a little sad to see it is not from Ever’s perspective but of Sophie’s since I grew quite attached to Ever. In other views Sophie will definitely be an interesting character to see her thoughts so I’m sure “Loveboat, Reunion” will be a fantastic read as this one. Overall, I really loved this novel, especially the representation as well as family dynamics and connecting friendships. Quotes “you don’t do anything to draw attention to your asianess,” “my parents would slit their throats for my happiness, and in return my future is their future.” “I don’t know a soul here but, in this moment, the loneliness I feel is overridden by the larger strangeness of blending in.” “even among a horde of Chinese Americans I’m not Chinese American enough.” “I opened my lunch box to shrieks of horrified, “what are those?” and I begged my mom not to pack me any more weird Chinese food.” “we need to take back these stereotypes.” “I’m not the only one taking charge of my identity this summer.” “I used to avoid looking in the mirror with my Caucasian friends, because my eyes seemed small in comparison.” Recommendations Looking to find Asian representation, this book is for you. It heavy explores being Asian and the pressures/stereotypes it comes with as well as growing into the person you are meant to be. Pros Explores family dynamics, finding friends who are the same as you, coming to terms with one’s identity and a “unexpected” sweet romance. Cons Nothing in particular at this moment.
The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu
The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu Trigger warning: obsessive friendship, toxic relationships, child abuse, death\murder. Age rating: 14+ Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5. Genres: Young Adult, psychological thriller. A spoiler free summary Remy Tsai knew what every day looked like. She used to be content, with Jack, her boyfriend, and her best friend Elsie, who understood her in every way, like no other. But within one night everything changed. Jack, shot, is now dead and Elise was the one to pull the trigger. As a police investigation takes place, Remy must sift through her own memories to look for the truth. Was it self-defence? Or something that could destroy the one friendship that meant everything to her. Review The best lies was a really enjoyable read, an unexpected one to be honest. The author’s writing is simple yet there were many golden moments that were both relatable and devastating. The alternating timeline may have been a little confusing at times as many novels which use concurrent time line are usually, but it allowed for a better understanding of the mentality of the main character, Remy. What initial attracted me to the novel was the fact there was an Asian main character and that the novel was not a fantasy one and I really appreciated that race was not the character’s “flaw” or overcoming nature and was rather a part of them. I loved how the story explored the nature of friendships and the obsessive behaviour which evolved from trauma [in this novel] was not completely unrealistic, but rather something that was blown up and dramatized. The toxic side of family in relation to immigrants and the “perfect family” with the romanticised “American dream” was well addressed and which is unfortunately very real for many, even if that is not the parents’ intentions. I enjoyed how happiness was not forced throughout the book and this definitely affected the ending as well. Something about a best friendship that ends in tragedy is touchingly disturbing to anyone as friendships are part of the human experience which many people crave. Overall, I really enjoyed the novel and took great pleasure in seeing the disaster of romanticising friendships through trauma connection and support when no one is there for you. Quotes “Love is the weapon they wield when it suits them, the justification for everything they do.” “But then there is the first one, the very first trauma, and isn’t that where everyone’s story begins?” “What hurt the most was knowing that she was enough for me, but I wasn’t enough for her.” “Her pain doesn’t diminish my pain. It’s a false dichotomy.” “Suffering isn’t romantic. It’s just painful.” Recommendations If you are looking for a disturbing novel in which friendships can go very wrong written through concurrent timelines and the truth of how trauma effects everyone differently, this novel is for you. Pros: The main character was Asian; it explored the idea of the American dream for immigrant families and the struggles that come with presenting as the “perfect” family and how some relationships aren’t meant to be. Cons: Nothing in particular sticks out.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen Trigger warning: Provided by the author! Here’s a condensed down one: abuse, sexual assault, child neglect, trauma, abusive environment. Age rating: 14+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5. Gernes: Fantasy, mystery, retelling. A spoiler free summary Vanja Schmidt is the thirteenth daughter of a thirteenth daughter; from a young age her mother abandons her and leaves her with fortune and death who adopt her. She knows gifts aren’t given freely especially after never receiving love from her mother and godmothers. Vanja trudges her way through life and was a devoted servant to Princess Gisele, well until just a year ago. When Vanja’s demanding godmothers claim a payment because they have taken care of her, she decides to take control of her own life by steal Gisele’s. With help from an enchanted pearl necklace Vanja transforms to look like Gisele, leaving the real princess to be a nobody. Now she lives a double life, one as Princess Gisele and the other as a jewel thief. Vanja charms the nobility and swipes riches from right under their noses to fund her escape, but when she’s one heist away from freedom, she crosses the wrong God who curses her to break out in jewels until she becomes them. Now Vanja races against the clock having just two weeks to fight free of the curse or she will not only lose her freedom but her life too. But Vanja also has an uncontrollable half-god guardian, Gisele’s evil fiancé and a persistently overenthusiastic junior detective on her tail. With all odds against her, Vanja must statically think, or she will lose her life… Review Little thieves is a fantasy retelling of the goose girl. As it was s fantasy it took about a hundred pages to truly immerse myself and understand the world it was set in. There is a lot of German influence and many of the words are German, fortunately the author provides a glossary at the end of the novel but only three quarters of the words are there. The novel is written in one point of view from Vanja, who is a “villain,” while the writing is smooth, easy to understand yet not too simple. I enjoyed the author exploring and displaying Vanja’s complicated past and how trauma still affects her. This aspect of the story makes it to relatable to many people if they have gone through exactly what Vanja has gone through. The trauma responses used in this novel was very realistic and the combination of serious subject matter with a lovable storyline and characters was a harmonious union. The personification of fortune, death, truth and justice were not only unique to the story but made it easy to understand since they were things everyone widely knows about. The characters and storyline had so much depth. Each of the main characters had incredible character development that not only made sense to the character but the over arcing storyline. Throughout the novel there was a perfect amount of predictable plot points and completely unexpected ones, from expected connections to guest appearances and untold history. The chemistry was executed immaculately and the romances in the tale was not the main plot line but added significantly to the overall storyline. There were characters who were introduced so you might dislike them, like Gisele, but then you realise they are just damaged and broken as everyone else. I found all the main/semi main characters extremely likeable by the end of the novel, the few I enjoyed included Ragne, Gisele, Emeric. I enjoyed the lgbtqia+ representation even if it wasn’t the central plotline, they played an important role in the story and in the characters. I thought the author did a delightful job in writing the personalities of the lgbtqia+ without making it their only trait, which is unfortunately done quite often. There may or may not be a queer relationship… Overall, I enjoyed the novel and the way the author ended makes me believe there could be a second book, but if there isn’t it ends fine as a standalone as well. [I really hope there is a sequel though. 😉] Quotes “You’re what happens when an encyclopedia wishes on a star to be a real boy, if that encyclopedia was also an absolute prick.” “Just because you can survive without someone doesn't mean they're unwanted.” “In the world I knew, there were three reasons a person would be wanted: for profit, pleasure, or power. If you could satisfy only one, they used you. Two, they saw you. Three, they served you.” Recommendations A fantasy novel written from the perspective of the “villain” with an incredibly intriguing back story and realistic character development set in a wonderful descriptive world and exciting characters with juxtaposing personalities that go unexpected well. Pros: explores trauma responses quite accurately, combines fantasy and mystery with the perfect selection of characters. Cons: I wished the author had put the author’s note/trigger warning on the left side of the book since I missed it when I first read, it was on the right side.
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth Trigger warning: dementia, trauma. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5. Genres: contemporary, romance (Sapphic). A spoiler free summary Saoirse wanted to do a couple simply things for the coming long summer holidays: go to parties, watch movies and kiss her troubles away with other girls. Saoirse feels like she deserves a break after dealing with the pain of her mother’s dementia and slowly getting over her ex, Hannah. Here comes Ruby, the most beautiful girl Saoirse has ever seen, but Saoirse is not ready to commit to another relationship. So Ruby, the romcom fan and optimist challenges Saoirse to try a summer romance, just like in the movies. But what could go wrong with a falling in love montage with an ending date? Review This was such a sweet sapphic romance to read. I liked the realness of it with its darker themes of the trauma of the main character, Saoirse. The novel was easy to dive into the world and it was written in first person of Saoirse which allows for the reader to really feel the feelings of what the main character is going through. There were points throughout the book where I wanted to shout at Saoirse to do something or communicate [yes, there is miscommunication but, in a way, where it makes sense, is done well and it’s not cringey]. The author added other elements such as illness, it’s nice to see the diversity in that way too. I personally cannot say if it’s an accurate depiction, but it is not the main focus of the story. The parents of Saoirse are quite involved in the plot of the story, which is a nice touch. I really enjoyed the relationships, especially Oliver and Saoirse frenemy type. I loved the aspect of the big movie moments Ruby and Saoirse had to tick off their list, as another plus the author refenced many real movies [many I didn’t get since I’m not a movie watcher], but I’m sure if you like movies, particularly romcoms it will make the book just a tad better and the author added a large list of movies called, “Saoirse and Ruby’s Rom-Com watchlist.” There was great character development, obviously Saoirse as well as other side characters. There is one small side character named Barbara or Barb and she is such a loveable character I honestly wished she was more involved in the novel. The writing was easy to understand but had a lot of depth and overall, I really enjoyed this book. Quotes “As a great philosopher once said: shake it off.” “Oh wisht. You think I could work in the business of love this long and not get some of that gaydar? I’ve known some brides in my day who shouldn’t have been marrying grooms, that’s for sure. You still get the odd one here and there who doesn’t know it yet, poor dears. I try and give them a hint, you know subtle, would you not like a nice pantsuit, dear. That sort of thing.” “Whether that relationship lasts a week or fifty years is not what makes it special.” Recommendation If you want a sapphic read with big movie moments this book is for you. This novel is light-hearted and heavy at the same time, filled moments that will make you want to shout and laugh. Pros: I love when authors add the reader into the acknowledgments, it makes the novel special. This was done in this book. There was sapphic rep and it wasn’t set in the US, nothing against the US but it’s nice to see a different location. Cons: Not too many I can think of in the moment, apart from a little more diversity in the race department [if there was it wasn’t clear], but I’m not sure if it’s a valid complaint/con, since there is diversity in other categories.
Enna Mari 