meowwtt's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
hilwithonel's review
lighthearted
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
3.0
Childhood bestfriends from rival shop owner families both want more than friendship but their ability to communicate and their families get in the way.
The main characters were a little too squeaky clean for me. Did they ever do anything wrong? The two most altruistic teens of all time with the inner thoughts of angels. Not super believable. The pacing was also kind of off for me.
Thank you to penguin teen and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters were a little too squeaky clean for me. Did they ever do anything wrong? The two most altruistic teens of all time with the inner thoughts of angels. Not super believable. The pacing was also kind of off for me.
Thank you to penguin teen and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
ethannku's review
3.0
3.5 rounded down
When You Wish Upon a Lantern is a cute, contemporary coming -0f-age story that centers around childhood friends Liya and Kai. Liya's family runs a lantern/Chinese convenience store, and Kai's family runs a Chinese bakery. They've been close their entire lives, but after a misunderstanding, they've fallen out of touch. When Liya finds out that her family's store is struggling, she and Kai decide to work together to save it.
This story is a little basic in its construction, but it was a really cute read with some important messages about the immigrant experience and grief. I think that the misunderstanding between Liya and Kai that sets up the entire book is so childish, but it could(??) be plausible. Some other character motivations were childish as well, but those moments were offset by really impactful moments between Liya and her family. This book is 3.5 stars for me mostly because of those childish moments since I think that this book is aimed at the younger end of the YA audience, and I also think there could have been better conflicts and resolutions. Overall, though, a pretty cute read!
When You Wish Upon a Lantern is a cute, contemporary coming -0f-age story that centers around childhood friends Liya and Kai. Liya's family runs a lantern/Chinese convenience store, and Kai's family runs a Chinese bakery. They've been close their entire lives, but after a misunderstanding, they've fallen out of touch. When Liya finds out that her family's store is struggling, she and Kai decide to work together to save it.
This story is a little basic in its construction, but it was a really cute read with some important messages about the immigrant experience and grief. I think that the misunderstanding between Liya and Kai that sets up the entire book is so childish, but it could(??) be plausible. Some other character motivations were childish as well, but those moments were offset by really impactful moments between Liya and her family. This book is 3.5 stars for me mostly because of those childish moments since I think that this book is aimed at the younger end of the YA audience, and I also think there could have been better conflicts and resolutions. Overall, though, a pretty cute read!
allie_schick's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
afro8921's review
5.0
This book is perfect for teens who are fans of sweet romances where the main characters love both baking and reality tv shows.
kayaj's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
When You Wish Upon A Lantern feels a little bit like a Disney movie and a little bit like a warm hug. We follow Liya, whose family owns a lantern shop, and Kai, whose family owns a baking shop. They were childhood friends but then a huge misunderstanding came between them. When Liya’s shop is at risk of closing for good, she recruits Kai to help her fulfill the wishes that are written on the lanterns.
This book has a surprising amount of tropes! There’s miscommunication of course, but also found family. If you love watching a community rally together, then check this out! Personally, I did really enjoy Liya and Kai’s story. However, I felt like it leaned a little younger than I was expecting. That’s perfectly fine, because now I have a go-to book to recommend to my little sister and her friends!
Like I said, this story does lean a little younger. But it feels like a Disney short come to life. Okay, so maybe I’m mostly just thinking of Tangled but still! Liya and Kai are absolutely adorable together, and watching them serve* their community by fulfilling the wishes of the store’s customers was so fun.
*sure, they had some ulterior motives. but personally, i think they went above and beyond. to infinity and beyond!
Every single scene with the lanterns was so magical. It’s truly the perfect foil for any and all romantic moments. But beyond the romance, I loved that we got to see a variety of relationships. Liya and Kai have different relationships with their parents. Every character has a different dynamic from other characters. And honestly, I just thought Chao did a really great job at creating a world so alive that it felt like you could meet any of these characters any day.
grace_makenna's review
4.0
3.75 stars!!
while this book was truly adorable, it could have done without the few inappropriate references. it wasn’t bad, only two, but like… they were so out of place lol.
also, it was banterless
while this book was truly adorable, it could have done without the few inappropriate references. it wasn’t bad, only two, but like… they were so out of place lol.
also, it was banterless
julietem08's review
3.0
this was a super cute and fast read, however, it wasn't my favorite by any means. There was so much of taking God's name in vain, like a ridiculous amount. Probably three times a page, which was very sad. I did love the concept of the lanterns, they are my favorite. There was miscommunication trope in this, which is my least favorite trope and the most annoying. The reason was kinda dumb and childish too. Like, JUST TALK!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
- swearing and SO MUCH TAKING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN
- couple kissing scenes
- A LOT of Greif
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
- swearing and SO MUCH TAKING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN
- couple kissing scenes
- A LOT of Greif