catebethh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
emilyan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jem_read6's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute coming of age story of course with a little bit of hidden royalty and romance! This story was very funny as well as can be related by anyone especially those who come from immigrants or are always in search of their family roots!
I will say though what I wasn't too fond of in this book was the progression of the romance as well as it felt like a lot of talking or phrases sounded like imitations of like Japanese proverbs and especially with how sarcastic the main characters was I felt some lines she would have pointed out or poked a bit of fun at.
As well as the romance, it felt like it wasn't really there. Yet when it was there it felt very rushed, that suddenly from first encounter to the karaoke bar he was suddenly in love with her. Kyoto felt more the start of their romance and felt like the beginning of them falling for one another, only for a few chapters later being the break up. Throughout the book they only really kiss three times and really interact every other chapter. But it felt like the romance wasn't the focus of the book which I liked. It was more about Izumi finding herself not romance which I liked I just hope in the second book it touches more on and fluffs out her relationship with Aiko
I will say though what I wasn't too fond of in this book was the progression of the romance as well as it felt like a lot of talking or phrases sounded like imitations of like Japanese proverbs and especially with how sarcastic the main characters was I felt some lines she would have pointed out or poked a bit of fun at.
As well as the romance, it felt like it wasn't really there. Yet when it was there it felt very rushed, that suddenly from first encounter to the karaoke bar he was suddenly in love with her. Kyoto felt more the start of their romance and felt like the beginning of them falling for one another, only for a few chapters later being the break up. Throughout the book they only really kiss three times and really interact every other chapter. But it felt like the romance wasn't the focus of the book which I liked. It was more about Izumi finding herself not romance which I liked I just hope in the second book it touches more on and fluffs out her relationship with Aiko
alliepeduto's review against another edition
4.0
If it were possible to pinch a book’s cheeks, that what I would do right now. This was precious, but also unexpectedly poignant at times. I surprised myself by identifying with different aspects of Izumi’s story, particularly about missing family history.
As for why I read the book, if you know me, you know I can’t resist a good theme, and with the Olympics beginning this week I was feeling something light set in Tokyo! I’m sure this gets comparisons to The Princes Diaries, but I actually got more “What a Girl Wants” vibes! It was a little silly, a little romantic, and a whole lot of fun!
As for why I read the book, if you know me, you know I can’t resist a good theme, and with the Olympics beginning this week I was feeling something light set in Tokyo! I’m sure this gets comparisons to The Princes Diaries, but I actually got more “What a Girl Wants” vibes! It was a little silly, a little romantic, and a whole lot of fun!
cheerfully_chaotic_leo's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
michey2015's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. I loved all of the Japanese used throughout as well as the rich culture this book provided. Izzy is pretty awesome too! Think Princess Diaries, but in Japan! Can’t wait to see where this series goes!
babyblacksheep's review against another edition
4.0
Izumi's few poignant ideas about diasporic identity and culture make this book worth reading, and it's satisfying to find out how those ideas lead her to adapt to and reject the monarchy. Romance takes the backseat and feels disjointed at times but — ugh — swooning from the brooding-but-tender bodyguard and his notes felt inevitable. I'm definitely picking up the sequel.
maali92's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
3.25