autumntune's review against another edition
5.0
"Since năinai was more of a parent to me than my mom or dad, they don't seem to know how to step up now."
I didn't know how much I needed the book until I have read all of it. It provides so much comfort and warmth, which I'm utterly grateful for. I always seem to be drawn to the books whose character resembles me in a way, and Liya does. I... badly needed that. I need someone else grieving my grandmother with me because she was everything, she was my world, and now without her, I feel so lost. So alone. I'm glad Liya has Kai in her life, how he lifts some weights off her shoulders so she doesn't have to carry all the burdens alone. It's a very heartwarming read, light and quick. I love the Chinese traditions described in the book and every time they say, "may your wishes find the light," I feel myself forming up a smile so wide. I do, too, believe that the world holds magic in it. Despite it being rare.
books_tea's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mbartman21's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
meowwtt's review
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.