IMHO: Loveboat, Taipei
This book, peoples, this book. Loveboat, Taipei's got that magic something that just sucked me right in. There isn't a dull moment. Everyone's dynamic and interesting with their own issues in this academic bootcamp.
Honestly, I got to half-way through and it ramped up like most novels do for the climax. I was like, there's still so many page to go, what can possibly happen next?? SO MUCH GOOD STUFF IS WHAT.
And as one who doesn't like the yo-yo back & forth of some YA romances, trust me when I say this one is done so, so right. By all of them! The only thing I wish is for some queer inclusion in the future.
There is this one subplot with someone struggling with depression, anxiety and a toxic romance and I've been there before. I appreciate that it's not "wrapped up" and fixed by the end of the novel. Delving into that storyline honestly deserves its own novel. As it is, it's realistic, fair, and fitting. And I couldn't ask for better.
That sums up how it handles all the issues brought up actually. Including, but not limited to: racism, ignorance, stereotypes, college admissions quotas, immigration, native peoples, tourism, teen rebellion, nude photos, and unpacking habits from a less than stellar childhood.
All while keeping up the action, tension, and rom com fun. Teens are talking about these things, this way, in daily life. I love this generation. More "grown ups" need to talk with them and read YA, IMHO.
They go clubbing, have a weekend in a family mansion, a tour around the country at all these amazing places, classes, and a talent show. Talk about jammed packed. These overachievers do not rest! Ah, to be a youngin again, lol.
I love all these characters and def want more of this, so I'm FREAKING ECSTATIC Goodreads has it listed as 1 of a series. Will we get more of these peeps or the next year's group? I'm down either way, anyway I can get it. I can't wait to find out!
Perfect for fans of YA Contemporaries like P.S. To All The Boys I've Loved Before and American Panda.
Favorite Quotes:
Why give me honey when you knew my future was diabetic?
He's hidden it so carefully, and now he's showing it to me, the girl who shredded his painting into snowfall.
I took advantage of a crush and fanned it into a flame.
But these rules are made to be broken. Something happens to a kid when they see their parent treated like that. Something happens to the parent.
"It's a thousand little deaths," I say.
I want to see no longer in control, but laid bare, drunk on pleasure. On me.
The Gang of Five, taking back the effeminate Asian male stereotype on their own terms.
About the Author:
Giveaway for loveboat, taipei:
Prize: Win (1) of (2) copies of LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI by Abigail Hing Wen (US Only)
Stars: 1st January 2020
Ends: 15th January 2020
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loveboat, taipei Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon