Reviews

"Lunar New Year Love Story" is a stunning graphic novel that beautifully captures the essence of the Lunar New Year celebration. Gene Luen Yang's storytelling combined with Leuyen Pham's breathtaking illustrations create a truly immersive reading experience.

The graphics in this book are absolutely gorgeous. Pham's attention to detail and vibrant color palette bring the story to life, making each page a visual delight. The characters are expressive and their emotions are conveyed with precision, adding depth to the narrative.

Speaking of the narrative, Yang weaves a complex and heartfelt story that explores themes of family, tradition, and the power of love. The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked from beginning to end, with surprising twists and turns that add excitement and depth to the story.

The representation of Lunar New Year traditions and customs is done with authenticity and respect, making this graphic novel a wonderful way to learn about and celebrate the holiday. It's a perfect blend of cultural education and a heartwarming love story.

In conclusion, "Lunar New Year Love Story" is a must-read graphic novel that combines stunning artwork with a compelling and complex narrative. I highly recommend it to both fans of graphic novels and those interested in learning more about Lunar New Year traditions.

storiesatstarfall's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

busyblackbookworm's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

LUNAR NEW YEAR LOVE STORY is a fantastic story that you will absolutely fly through; I can’t recommend it enough. Yang and Pham’s graphic novel is a sweet yet thoughtful ode to those who struggle with love—not those who are “unlucky in love,” but those who have other reasons to be wary about letting others into their lives. I loved the seamless way that Yang and Pham expanded the storyline beyond just your typical “romance story” and explored the fullness of Valentina’s life, which includes her father’s own heartbreak, as well as their difficult family history and ongoing struggles.

This is actually the first YA book that I’ve read since I was in high school, and even as a full adult I absolutely loved this book and would even recommend it for adults who are looking for a quiet yet engaging read. The illustrations are also top-notch, but this is to be expected from Yang (AMERICAN-BORN CHINESE) and Pham. Definitely put this on your list for a fun and sweet Valentine’s Day read!

Content Warnings

slayergirl3281's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

5.0

A beautifully woven coming of the age graphic novel, coping with the truth of your family and first love.

Yang and Pham tell and illustrate such a gorgeous story with intense and interesting family dynamics. Val is about to give her heart away forever to St. Valentine after learning of her families curse with love. But when she starts lion dancing at a studio in town and meets Les and a Jae. True love may be back in the cards for her. She has one year to convince st. Valentine that love is still real or he will take her heart and pain that love causes forever.

This graphic novel was so magical. I loved the story and the illustrations paired perfectly with the heart warming story. My favorite part of this book was Val being so estranged from her Vietnamese roots growing and then being introduced back into the culture as a teen. Seeing how connected she is and becomes to her family and community was amazing.

Cw
Abandonment
Alcoholism

Content Warnings

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Valentine’s Day used to be Valentina’s favorite holiday–until she learns the truth about what happened between her parents. Now, she believes in the idea that her family is cursed with unlucky love, reinforced by Saint Valentine. She’s ready to completely give up on love, until she receives a paper heart from a mysterious lion dancer. Maybe she can change her fate.

On the other hand, lion dancing is the only refuge Jae has had since his dad passed away. He can’t explain why he gave Val that paper heart, only that he feels some sort of connection to her. But when she starts dating his cousin instead, maybe he has missed his chance.

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang to review! This is kind of a YA rom-com graphic novel, with a sprinkling about family, grief, and loss. The story really illustrates how your perspectives change as you grow older, and I appreciated that kind of storyline for a teen graphic novel.

Of course, the art was beautifully done throughout the story. Color is used in a way to illustrate different aspects of the story, as well as different text to illustrate different voices and characters. It all worked well together to tell Val and Jae’s story.

Additionally, the characters were also well developed. They’re all struggling with different family things, but they’re all able to relate to each other in different ways. There’s also plenty of nods to Korean and Vietnamese cultures, with a lot of small details included to pull you into the story.

All in all, this is a lovely graphic novel you should definitely pick up when it comes out in January!

tswanson103's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely delightful. I enjoyed learning about lion dancing, while
Val went on a journey to figure out herself and her heart. I loved every second of this story.

geekyearthmama's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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