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.
Tag: #yaromance
Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan Trigger warning: Homophobia, toxic relationships, trauma. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5 Genres Contemporary romance. A spoiler free summary Morgan is track athlete forced to transfer after her private catholic school after being told being gay is against the school’s principles. Starting a new school, Morgan is ready to be proud and out. Ruby loves working on automobiles, especially her baby blue 1970 ford torio, but most of time she is stuck living out her mother’s dreams of becoming a pageant queen by regularly competing in pageants. When Morgan and Ruby “accidentally” meet they are dawn to each other instantly and soon Ruby imagines a future she never thought could be possible, but Morgan is determined to be her true self and doesn’t want to hide a secret relationship, the very thing she promised she would be proud of. With both girls at different stages of their journey, will they be able to work it out or will it be something that will never work between the two of them? Review Some Girls Do was such a sweet romance filled with many emotions from anger at the world, frustrated love, and happiness. Although many cliches were used it did not make the story awkward or hard to read. It explored the experience of some queer people while still making the story engaging and not only about the dark side of society. The way it was written was really engaging and some hilarious bits said by the characters, many of the characters were so sweet, the type of characters you would want to be friends with, and the emotional journey of the characters was amazing. Even though I knew how it would end I was kept at the edge of my seat and rooting for a happy relationship, but the struggles only made the ending that much better. I enjoyed the toxic relationships it explored and how the homophobia from close family can create immense internal homophobia and the extreme battles that come with. The author explored heavy topic like the ongoing bullying of queer children and the struggles of grown adults and the world telling people it is wrong and disgusting to be true. It was wonderful to see the characters blossom against the hardships that were thrown at them, yet they thrived in their queerness listening to the people in support. I enjoyed the aspects of both the disproving parents and the supportive parents of lgbtqia+ youth as those are both very real situations. Overall, I loved the cute romance and the heavy topics in which many lgbtqia+ youth face explored simultaneously. Quotes “Oh, nothing. Just your daddy issues showing.” “It’s kind of your one-stop shop when it comes to the gay.” “Because you look miserable as I do today, and I think only love can do that to you.” “…love is a trap. Love is getting knocked up and abandoned. Love is a handprint on a check and your entire childhood unwrapped in tulle. Love is letting someone have the power to hurt you in ways you haven’t even though of yet.” Recommendations If you are looking for a cute sapphic romance that is written from two perspectives. May be relatable to many queer people in some way and as there is a closeted person and an openly queer one. It will take you on a small emotional rollercoaster and by the end it will make your heart flutter. Pros Queer representation! Not only are the main characters queer but so are some of the side characters. Cons Nothing particularly, maybe seeing a couple queer pocs side characters at least would have been nice, since those are very few and far between.
Is there Queer Rep in Little Thieves by Margaret Owen?
Is there Queer Rep in Little Thieves by Margaret Owen?
Yes, there is queer rep. There are two side-main characters who are lgbtqia+. The characters’ personality wasn’t just being queer, both had complex history\back story and they greatly contributed to the story.
MILD SPOILERS!
There is even a relationship between the two lgbtqia+ characters and the romance is sweet, fitting and captivating, the type of ship you root for.
MAJOR SPOILERS!
Gisele comes out to a lesbian, and it even explores realistic unfortunate conversations many queer people must have when coming out to homophobic parents. After all the struggles she faces her relationship is just that much more special with Ragne who I believe is bisexual but am not sure.
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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.
My favourite Books of 2021, part five. Malice by Heather Walter.
MALICE BY HEATHER WALTER
Malice is a retelling of sleeping beauty. It takes a spin on this well know tale and focuses on sleeping beauty and the dark fairy turning it into a sapphic romance if they were both the same age and in their teens. It follows the life of Alyce, imagined as the dark fairy living in a household of “graces” who are “good” magic wielders, and she is the only one who is a dark grace. One day Princess Aurora comes to Alyce in search for a cure for a curse that will kill her in exactly one year. From there sparks fly and everyone knows how the story is going to end right? I loved this novel, as it is a fantasy retelling, it did take some time to dive into its world, but I would say quicker than the usual fantasy and I read it in one sitting thinking it was a standalone, it was left on such a large cliff-hanger. Thankful the sequel is coming out May 2022! I really enjoyed see a LGBTQIA+ focused romance in fantasy and am very excited to see more of the romance in the sequel to coming out soon. I would recommend to those looking for a novel with the classic “good” and “evil,” but with the back story and from the point of view of the villain.
Trigger warning: Abuse, torture, death, violence, bullying, homophobia.
My favourite Books of 2021, part four. Excuse me while I ugly cry by Joya Goffney.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I UGLY CRY BY JOYA GOFFNEY
Excuse me while I ugly cry is a contemporary romance focusing on black main characters. A girl named Quinn Jackson is obsessed with lists and when her diary goes missing, she must join forces with Carter, who was last seen with her journal. This novel follows the journey of a budding romance and fierce friendships. It was an easy one sitting read written in first person from Quinn’s perspective with fun chapter names, great character development and a loveable storyline which might even make you laugh. I respected the author for tackling heavy themes without making it the focus of the story, this created a balance of light-hearted and intense moments. The chapter names were incredibly fun, it wasn’t just one-word names, they were full sentences, and it just added another lovely touch to the book. I also liked seeing the mild “enemies to lovers” aspect in this contemporary romance even if it wasn’t prominent for long. Overall, a charming novel.
Trigger warning: racism, trauma, death.
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 