Scan barcode
serendipity421's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Sexual content and Pregnancy
legalplanner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was very reverse parent trap, and crazy rich Asians to me.
Our main characters have both done things to "embarrass" their parents and get them to the point where they've decided to pretend to be their children on a dating app. They are going to find the "right" person for their kids to date. While that should have been an aw that's kind of sweet gesture to me it just seemed icky that their parents didn't trust them to find a partner they could date. However, that could be because it is a cultural difference between American parents and Asian parents (I cannot speak to this point).
Another part that was hard for me to get over was just how down right rude Sharlot was to her mom. It just seemed horrible that she was so horrible to her for caring and being who she was. This leads toward the miscommunication trope because Shar thinks her mom is hiding information from her and just doesn't know how to talk with her so she feels like she isn't communicating at all. This seemed like a similar issue between George and Sharlot as well.
Overall, there were some good laughs, and it made me go aw at the end of the book, but it was a bit slower than I was expecting it to be, lots of buildup.
Our main characters have both done things to "embarrass" their parents and get them to the point where they've decided to pretend to be their children on a dating app. They are going to find the "right" person for their kids to date. While that should have been an aw that's kind of sweet gesture to me it just seemed icky that their parents didn't trust them to find a partner they could date. However, that could be because it is a cultural difference between American parents and Asian parents (I cannot speak to this point).
Another part that was hard for me to get over was just how down right rude Sharlot was to her mom. It just seemed horrible that she was so horrible to her for caring and being who she was. This leads toward the miscommunication trope because Shar thinks her mom is hiding information from her and just doesn't know how to talk with her so she feels like she isn't communicating at all. This seemed like a similar issue between George and Sharlot as well.
Overall, there were some good laughs, and it made me go aw at the end of the book, but it was a bit slower than I was expecting it to be, lots of buildup.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexism
dari's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Death of parent
shector1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Grief
imstephtacular's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Bullying, Fatphobia, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Body shaming
Minor: Pregnancy
katiemack's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've enjoyed Jesse Q. Sutanto's adult and middle-grade books, but I think her writing is best suited for YA--it's silly and fun while also pointing out social issues and highlighting cultural aspects.
Like her other books, Sutanto sets up some madcap situational irony to kick things off. In Dial A for Aunties, for example, we had an accidental murder and the hiding of a dead body; here, George and Sharlot's parents (and, in George's case, sister Eleanor) catfish their own children. Hilarity ensues.
Sutanto's description of Indonesian food, locales, and Indo-Chinese culture (including the conservatism and bias against LGBTQ+ folks) is the strongest aspect of her book. I didn't know much about Indonesia before reading this--aside from what I've seen on travel shows--so that was the most engaging part for me. While Sharlot is mildly annoying in the beginning, her character growth is visible throughout the novel, and her relationship with George (which, of course, involves both of their families too) feels as organic as it can for the set-up.
If you haven't picked up a multicultural YA book in a while (or ever), it might be good to start with this one.
I've enjoyed Jesse Q. Sutanto's adult and middle-grade books, but I think her writing is best suited for YA--it's silly and fun while also pointing out social issues and highlighting cultural aspects.
Like her other books, Sutanto sets up some madcap situational irony to kick things off. In Dial A for Aunties, for example, we had an accidental murder and the hiding of a dead body; here, George and Sharlot's parents (and, in George's case, sister Eleanor) catfish their own children. Hilarity ensues.
Sutanto's description of Indonesian food, locales, and Indo-Chinese culture (including the conservatism and bias against LGBTQ+ folks) is the strongest aspect of her book. I didn't know much about Indonesia before reading this--aside from what I've seen on travel shows--so that was the most engaging part for me. While Sharlot is mildly annoying in the beginning, her character growth is visible throughout the novel, and her relationship with George (which, of course, involves both of their families too) feels as organic as it can for the set-up.
If you haven't picked up a multicultural YA book in a while (or ever), it might be good to start with this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Misogyny
Minor: Xenophobia and Death of parent
rather_b_reading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I have read both books in Sutanto's adult romcom/murder series and loved those, but this was my first time reading a Young Adult book by her.
I was a little worried in the first 4 chapters because I was suffering so much second hand embarrassment (but isn't that how being a teen can be) This book was charming, cringey, and unputdownable. I love that it not only explored Sharlot and George's relationship, but also the bonds of siblings, cousins, exes, and long lost loves. I am a sucker for multigenerational stories and this had that feel while still putting you in the perspective of teenagers who are often embarrassed about their families.
The second half of the book flew by with fake dating, family drama, and societal/cultural conflicts and the last chapter had me smiling. I am giving it 4.5 stars because of the pacing at the beginning, but I can't recommend this book enough
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
More...