pickValentine‘s Day used to be Valentina‘s favorite holiday—but not anymore. She believes her family is cursed to be unlucky in love. But when she meets a cute lion dancer on Lunar New Year, she embarks on a reluctant journey, hoping that maybe—just maybe—she can break that curse. This didn‘t have the complexity I loved in American Born Chinese, but as a love story, it still took some unexpected turns! Great characters, & I loved the artwork as well.
pickSuch a great graphic novel! The story took a lot of twists and turns, the characters were funny and heartwarming, and the art was INCREDIBLE. I got this around Lunar New Year, and I was a little late in finishing it, but so worth it. Would definitely recommend!
pickBest graphic novel I have read in ages!!! A YA love story at its core, but its so much more. It tackles the decisions we make as parents, which we think are in our childrens best interests, butsometimes they are not. It also showcases Korean culture and lion dancing. This story has an amazing cast of characters (some of whom made me laugh out loud). The illustrations are beautiful.
This young adult graphic novel romance is absolutely gorgeous. Top graphic novel read of the year so far.
It weaves together young love, insecurity, Valentine's Day, Catholic history, family abandonment, cross-cultural and immigrant issues, with a touch of ghostiness and/or magical realism. The main characters are teenage lion dancers and the art is delightful.
Paused my TOG for tonight to read this cute comic (manga?) Lunar New Year Love Story! It‘s actually must darker than I thought it was going to be but I‘m invested ❤️
pickI‘ve been looking forward to this one, and it‘s finally out! A beautiful story and a great collaboration. I adore Gene Luen Yang‘s work, but I think this is my first LeUyen Pham. (I should read Real Friends next!) Bought this as a gift, but read it before giving it. (That way I can discuss it with the giftee! 😉)
pickI adored this book. Full of heart and wonderful characters. Also a lot of cultural details that only added to the magic of this graphic novel. Highly recommend this one.
pickBeautifully written, gorgeous art, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed everything about the book. The story is one that made me tear up, laugh out loud, and smile throughout. It was more than just a love story. It was about family and grief, as well. Truly, it might be the best graphic novel I have had the pleasure of reading. I'm definitely adding it to my favorites shelf.
It is hot and dusty where we live. Some people think it's dirty but they don't know much about us. They haven't seen our gardens full of lemongrass, mint, cilantro, and basil. Driving by with their windows rolled up, they've only seen the pigeons pecking at day-old rice and the skinny cats and dogs sitting in the skinny shade of skinny trees. Have they seen the berries that we pick, that turn our lips and fingertips red?
pickThis is really lush❤️ There's a cute little love story at the heart of it, but what I really loved was the insight into Vietnamese culture/food. Looovely stuff🙌
6 books read, 94 to go! #JumpStart2023
