pickLunar New Year Love Story, by Gene Luen Yang (illustrated byLeUyen Pham) (2024)
Premise: A Vietnamese-American teenager is pulled in many directions after she learns of a family curse that means they are all destined to fail at love.
Review: This was a bit of a mixed bag for me, largely because there were a few too many things stuffed in this particular bag for my liking. Cont.
"I also meet some funny people who advise me to "trade" upon my nationality. They tell me that if I wish to succeed in literature in America I should dress in Chinese costume, carry a fan in my hand, wear a pair of scarlet beaded slippers, live in New York, and come of high birth... I should discourse on my spirit acquaintance with Chinese ancestors..."
Written more than a hundred years ago by a Chinese-American author.
Happy Lunar New Year to all that celebrate
pickFirst read of the year. First five star of 2025. This is a beautiful story of discovering love in different spaces: family, friendship, and romance. The past of others does not write someone else's future.
A big thank you to @MeganAnn for great the #auldlangspine recommendation!
@monalyisha
pickEvery bit as good as expected. Val believes her family is cursed—no one ever has any luck with love, something particularly devastating for someone who loves Valentine‘s Day…until she doesn‘t. Is she really fated to never find true love? She wonders & it‘s a question that comes into sharper focus when she meets a pair of cute lion dancers. Family secrets, friendship, falling into love (maybe?!?) combine in a wonderful story. An entertaining read.
Yang‘s stories never disappoint so I‘m anticipating a good read. 🤞
pickThis is an absolutely delightful young adult graphic novel, both the artwork and the story! I loved being immersed in the Asian culture and though I don‘t normally enjoy romance, I found this to be a believable and heartfelt love story. All about Valentine‘s Day, family, abandonment, but also showing up, lion dancing, second chances, friends, Rome and more! I was charmed. For Heartstopper fans.
so-soI must not be in a graphic novel mood lately. 🤷🏻♀️ This story was fine but it just didn‘t grab me that much. It might be me and not the book, though. I think I‘ll try some non GNs for my next few reads.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6d