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onthesamepage's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
This was an impulse buy back in 2021, but good job past me for picking this up, because it was delightful. I'm genuinely happy whenever I read a YA book and enjoy it these days, and this is one I would recommend in general. Both Bao and Linh were lovely characters to follow, and their struggles hit home. I have a soft spot for Linh in particular—I remember what it's like, being pressured to follow a specific academic course because a parent thinks that's for the best, even though your heart wants something else.
Because of the rivalry between the two families, I thought there would be more drama than there ended up being. Instead, Bao and Linh don't subscribe to their families' irrational hatred of each other, and I just really loved getting to see how they started interacting, and how the relationship grew from there. The problems they ran into were serious ones, not drummed up conflict for the sake of the story. The focus on food, culture, and family all brought something extra to the romance, and I thought the story was cohesive and well-written. The audiobook narrators also did a fantastic job.
Because of the rivalry between the two families, I thought there would be more drama than there ended up being. Instead, Bao and Linh don't subscribe to their families' irrational hatred of each other, and I just really loved getting to see how they started interacting, and how the relationship grew from there. The problems they ran into were serious ones, not drummed up conflict for the sake of the story. The focus on food, culture, and family all brought something extra to the romance, and I thought the story was cohesive and well-written. The audiobook narrators also did a fantastic job.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
thefamousjb's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I got bored from about 50-75% and annoyed at the love-sickness. Almost DNFed. Wouldn't reread.
Content advisory: cursing throughout, including f***, sh**, and other minor curse words; described kissing
Content advisory: cursing throughout, including f***, sh**, and other minor curse words; described kissing
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Racism
cursing throughout, including f***, sh**, and other minor curse words; described kissinglidotchka's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le is a cute and charming read, but it falls short in several key areas.
The story follows the blossoming romance between two teens from rival Vietnamese families who own competing pho restaurants. While the premise is endearing and the cultural elements add a rich backdrop, the characters themselves lack depth. Both the protagonists and the supporting cast feel somewhat flat, making it difficult to fully invest in their journeys.
As the narrative progresses, the plot begins to drag. There's a distinct lack of tension, challenge, or suspense to keep the reader hooked. The central conflict, the long-standing rivalry between the two families, promises much but delivers little. The resolution to this feud is surprisingly quick and overly simplistic, which undermines the believability of the story. A decades-old animosity dissolving so easily feels unrealistic and leaves the climax feeling unsatisfying.
Overall, while A Pho Love Story has its heartwarming moments and a lovely cultural setting, the lack of character development and the anticlimactic resolution make it an average read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
leahegood's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Summary
Ever since a brief childhood interaction, Bao has wondered about the girl at the restaurant across the street ... the girl he's not allowed to speak to because her family owns that restaurant, the one in direct competition with the restaurant his family owns. Is owning competing restaurants a good enough reason to shun another family, especially when both families are part of a community as close knit as Little Saigon? One day, Bao decides to find out. He crosses enemy lines and extends an olive branch. An olive branch that Linh, the girl at the restaurant across the street, is almost too afraid to accept. Can a little bit of courage and honesty change everything?
My Thoughts
This book was a relatively blind purchase from a used bookstore, my decision made entirely off of the cover image and back cover blurb. The 2024 reading challenge I'm doing has a prompt for "rom-com" and I wanted to complete that prompt in February (hello, Valentine's Day). I was disappointed to find a relatively strong dose of swearing, but other than that and a somewhat slow start, I really enjoyed this story.
Stripped to it's bare bones, A Pho Love Story is a pretty basic high school romance novel. However, the author creates a unique and immersive experience through the unique setting of Vietnamese restaurants and the complex familial expectations second generation American teens must navigate to establish their own place in the world.
Though I do not have immegrant parents, I found a lot of Bao and Linh's story relatable. I think any young person with a close knit family, a desire to not disappoint those they love, and parents with specific expectations will find something to relate to.
Content
Romance: Awareness of physical proximity and enthusiastic but non-detailed kissing.
Language: There is swearing smattered throughought the book and a handful of f-bombs would earn the story an R rating if it were a movie.
Violence: Bao and Linh wonder about their parents experiences escaping Vietnam. The danger of the escapes is evidenced by a family member who died in the attempt, but there are no details.
Religion: Linh and Bao both reference attending temple. Both restaurants have a traditional shrine, and Bao's parents are scandalized when they visit a Vietnamese restaurant that does not have a shrine visible.
Bonus
Of course, there are food references throughout the book. Here are a few foods and drinks mentioned.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Pho and Bun Bo
Chả giò (Fried Spring Role)
Sinh Tố Bơ (Smoothie)
Canh bí Sườn (Winter Melon Soup)
Bánh Xèo
Ever since a brief childhood interaction, Bao has wondered about the girl at the restaurant across the street ... the girl he's not allowed to speak to because her family owns that restaurant, the one in direct competition with the restaurant his family owns. Is owning competing restaurants a good enough reason to shun another family, especially when both families are part of a community as close knit as Little Saigon? One day, Bao decides to find out. He crosses enemy lines and extends an olive branch. An olive branch that Linh, the girl at the restaurant across the street, is almost too afraid to accept. Can a little bit of courage and honesty change everything?
My Thoughts
This book was a relatively blind purchase from a used bookstore, my decision made entirely off of the cover image and back cover blurb. The 2024 reading challenge I'm doing has a prompt for "rom-com" and I wanted to complete that prompt in February (hello, Valentine's Day). I was disappointed to find a relatively strong dose of swearing, but other than that and a somewhat slow start, I really enjoyed this story.
Stripped to it's bare bones, A Pho Love Story is a pretty basic high school romance novel. However, the author creates a unique and immersive experience through the unique setting of Vietnamese restaurants and the complex familial expectations second generation American teens must navigate to establish their own place in the world.
Though I do not have immegrant parents, I found a lot of Bao and Linh's story relatable. I think any young person with a close knit family, a desire to not disappoint those they love, and parents with specific expectations will find something to relate to.
Content
Romance: Awareness of physical proximity and enthusiastic but non-detailed kissing.
Language: There is swearing smattered throughought the book and a handful of f-bombs would earn the story an R rating if it were a movie.
Violence: Bao and Linh wonder about their parents experiences escaping Vietnam. The danger of the escapes is evidenced by a family member who died in the attempt, but there are no details.
Religion: Linh and Bao both reference attending temple. Both restaurants have a traditional shrine, and Bao's parents are scandalized when they visit a Vietnamese restaurant that does not have a shrine visible.
Bonus
Of course, there are food references throughout the book. Here are a few foods and drinks mentioned.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Pho and Bun Bo
Chả giò (Fried Spring Role)
Sinh Tố Bơ (Smoothie)
Canh bí Sườn (Winter Melon Soup)
Bánh Xèo
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Classism
lawbooks600's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
3.0
Representation: Asian characters
Score: Seven points out of ten.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed A Phở Love Story but I thought it could use improvements. I wanted to read this for a while and after I got this one alongside other books, I hoped it would be an outstanding read. When I finally picked it up and read A Phở Love Story, it wasn't outstanding, but not disappointing either. It was only okay. Also, I'm glad this novel is authentic and not like Noodle Pie. It starts with the first two characters I see, Bao Nguyễn and Linh Mai working at rival Vietnamese restaurants that despise each other, but it's unclear why. Over time, Bao and Linh start a relationship but for the first 200 pages, it is under closed doors as they only develop it away from their parents' eyes in classrooms and alleys. Those Vietnamese phrases didn't bother me, but I get that someone who doesn't understand the language would find it laborious to read A Phở Love Story at times.
A Phở Love Story's biggest flaws lie in the characters. Sure, Linh and Bao are Vietnamese American and I can relate to that, and I liked the deep cultural exploration, but the chemistry isn't there. I didn't feel like Bao and Linh connected to each other, at least for the initial 200 pages. They grew on me eventually as their relationship couldn't stay hidden forever, leading to a dramatic climax. I like the diversity, but most of the Asian narratives I've read feature Asian Americans, but I would like to see more Asian Australian and British Asian pieces of literature. I struggle to comprehend why Linh had to lie in front of her parents' faces either. Fortunately, the conclusion is a high note, and the side plots, including the one about racism, were intriguing.
Score: Seven points out of ten.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed A Phở Love Story but I thought it could use improvements. I wanted to read this for a while and after I got this one alongside other books, I hoped it would be an outstanding read. When I finally picked it up and read A Phở Love Story, it wasn't outstanding, but not disappointing either. It was only okay. Also, I'm glad this novel is authentic and not like Noodle Pie. It starts with the first two characters I see, Bao Nguyễn and Linh Mai working at rival Vietnamese restaurants that despise each other, but it's unclear why. Over time, Bao and Linh start a relationship but for the first 200 pages, it is under closed doors as they only develop it away from their parents' eyes in classrooms and alleys. Those Vietnamese phrases didn't bother me, but I get that someone who doesn't understand the language would find it laborious to read A Phở Love Story at times.
A Phở Love Story's biggest flaws lie in the characters. Sure, Linh and Bao are Vietnamese American and I can relate to that, and I liked the deep cultural exploration, but the chemistry isn't there. I didn't feel like Bao and Linh connected to each other, at least for the initial 200 pages. They grew on me eventually as their relationship couldn't stay hidden forever, leading to a dramatic climax. I like the diversity, but most of the Asian narratives I've read feature Asian Americans, but I would like to see more Asian Australian and British Asian pieces of literature. I struggle to comprehend why Linh had to lie in front of her parents' faces either. Fortunately, the conclusion is a high note, and the side plots, including the one about racism, were intriguing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and War
Full trigger warnings: Vietnam War mentioned, racism, death of people in the past, war themes, refugee experiences, cultural appropriationlittlewishling's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Wonderful! I love a forbidden romance and this was just that in the midst of restaurant rivalry and family drama. I also feel like I learnt lot about the experiences of Vietnamese Americans that I never would have known before.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Death and War
crimsonreadlips's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Death and War
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5/5 stars
0 spice/YA romcom
This was a cute romcom with Romeo & Juliet vibes between two rival Pho restaurants and the Vietnamese families that run them. I loved the MCs and how they didn't continue the cycle of rivalry and instead tried to be open and friendly despite their family's animosity for some unknown reason.
Tropes:
Rivals to friends to lovers
Artist FMC
Writer MMC
Forced proximity
Secret relationship
Vietnamese culture/rep
Family drama
Dual POV
Despite the romcom aspect, there are some pretty heavy topics mentioned. Both families experienced immigrating to the US because of the war in Vietnam. Both families had to deal with the hardships, racism, prejudice, and pressures to make a successful life in the US. The family dynamics are very relatable and have a clear sense of community amongst their friends. I really enjoyed listening to the language used and all the different foods they ate. I got a really big craving for pho now lol
Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy YA/clean romances with the angst of a secret romance. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Racism/racial slurs
0 spice/YA romcom
This was a cute romcom with Romeo & Juliet vibes between two rival Pho restaurants and the Vietnamese families that run them. I loved the MCs and how they didn't continue the cycle of rivalry and instead tried to be open and friendly despite their family's animosity for some unknown reason.
Tropes:
Rivals to friends to lovers
Artist FMC
Writer MMC
Forced proximity
Secret relationship
Vietnamese culture/rep
Family drama
Dual POV
Despite the romcom aspect, there are some pretty heavy topics mentioned. Both families experienced immigrating to the US because of the war in Vietnam. Both families had to deal with the hardships, racism, prejudice, and pressures to make a successful life in the US. The family dynamics are very relatable and have a clear sense of community amongst their friends. I really enjoyed listening to the language used and all the different foods they ate. I got a really big craving for pho now lol
Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy YA/clean romances with the angst of a secret romance. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Racism/racial slurs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
kelly_e's review against another edition
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.25
Title: A Pho Love Story
Author: Loan Le
Genre: YA Romance
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: December 28, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Juvenile • Dramatic • Hearty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition.
But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember. Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I stumbled across A Pho Love Story at a local garage sale over the summer, so I picked it up. When I needed a quick simple read, I decided this was a good choice. I knew little about the premise aside from it centering around food. And I definitely wasn't aware it is a modern Romeo and Juliet retelling.
It will come as not surprise that the food was my favourite part! Loan Le does a fantastic job with the food descriptions, leaving me hungry and salivating. The food aspect also adds a layer of cultural background and the meaning of food. Unfortunately though the feuding family trope feels like it something I have read too often.
There is excellent character growth for both Bao and Linh from start to finish. And their romance felt believable - growing slowly over time. In my opinion, it was a breath of fresh air to read a healthy and supportive depiction of teenage love, as opposed to a toxic one. I also appreciated the exploration of parental expectations versus following your own dreams; the immigrant experience; and how family histories shape our present.
I am definitely not the intended audience for this one, and to me that was evident. It was nothing exceptional, and I likely won't remember a few months from now. However, I could definitely see the merits for a younger audience and would recommend it to the 13-18 year old age group.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of the feuding families trope
• foodies
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Think about what you want. What you want to make and add to the world."
"There's so much in your life that you can't control...So maybe you can use this chance to do something for yourself"
Author: Loan Le
Genre: YA Romance
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: December 28, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Juvenile • Dramatic • Hearty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition.
But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember. Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I stumbled across A Pho Love Story at a local garage sale over the summer, so I picked it up. When I needed a quick simple read, I decided this was a good choice. I knew little about the premise aside from it centering around food. And I definitely wasn't aware it is a modern Romeo and Juliet retelling.
It will come as not surprise that the food was my favourite part! Loan Le does a fantastic job with the food descriptions, leaving me hungry and salivating. The food aspect also adds a layer of cultural background and the meaning of food. Unfortunately though the feuding family trope feels like it something I have read too often.
There is excellent character growth for both Bao and Linh from start to finish. And their romance felt believable - growing slowly over time. In my opinion, it was a breath of fresh air to read a healthy and supportive depiction of teenage love, as opposed to a toxic one. I also appreciated the exploration of parental expectations versus following your own dreams; the immigrant experience; and how family histories shape our present.
I am definitely not the intended audience for this one, and to me that was evident. It was nothing exceptional, and I likely won't remember a few months from now. However, I could definitely see the merits for a younger audience and would recommend it to the 13-18 year old age group.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of the feuding families trope
• foodies
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Think about what you want. What you want to make and add to the world."
"There's so much in your life that you can't control...So maybe you can use this chance to do something for yourself"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Death, Grief, War, and Classism
Minor: Colonisation
liamliayaum's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: War