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sara11_reads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. I enjoy Jackie Lau's writing style, her characters, and the food descriptions (now I want to try soup dumplings and I can't find them in Albuquerque). Both characters are based on common tropes (the millionaire and the manic pixie dream girl) but both feel like fully realized characters.
theboricuabookworm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Suicidal thoughts
graphic depressive episodes and spiraling thoughtsjackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
An amusing scene opens this short (category-length) rom-com contemporary: Julian Fong is forced to take two weeks off from his position as the hotshot CEO of his family's Toronto investment company—by his mother, grandmother, and amusingly dissolute brother, who all threaten him with embarrassing consequences if he doesn't agree not to come in to work for a full 17 days. Julian's always been the good son, meeting parental expectations, living up to his responsibilities, especially after his father's heart attack and retirement, and his family (if not himself) can see the toll his overwork is taking on him.
During his first afternoon off, goal-focused Julian decides that the woman he often sees in his local coffee shop, the one who seems to so enjoy her latte, is just the person who can teach him to enjoy the little things in life, and offers her $5k to do so. Which is a bit ironic, given that Courtney Kwan, who suffers from cyclically recurrent depression, can feel an episode coming on as fall approaches. But in need of funds for her sister, Courtney agrees to live with Julian during his time off and show him how she takes pleasure in the now.
The premise here is pretty hard to swallow, but if you can just shake your head and move on, Lau's story is a quick, frequently amusing read. The first person present tense narrative style isn't my fav, nor is the author's penchant for having the characters tell us what's happened rather than write scenes than show us how the relationship between Julian and Courtney develops. But Lau tackles stereotypes about Chinese immigrant culture with a humor and honesty that proves refreshing.
During his first afternoon off, goal-focused Julian decides that the woman he often sees in his local coffee shop, the one who seems to so enjoy her latte, is just the person who can teach him to enjoy the little things in life, and offers her $5k to do so. Which is a bit ironic, given that Courtney Kwan, who suffers from cyclically recurrent depression, can feel an episode coming on as fall approaches. But in need of funds for her sister, Courtney agrees to live with Julian during his time off and show him how she takes pleasure in the now.
The premise here is pretty hard to swallow, but if you can just shake your head and move on, Lau's story is a quick, frequently amusing read. The first person present tense narrative style isn't my fav, nor is the author's penchant for having the characters tell us what's happened rather than write scenes than show us how the relationship between Julian and Courtney develops. But Lau tackles stereotypes about Chinese immigrant culture with a humor and honesty that proves refreshing.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
This one was different. A romance, but with a big personal hurdle to get through. And one that was not magically solved by a p**n.
Courtney gets seriously depressed every 5th year, and in between that she is not free either. It is always there in some form, but she has learned to embrace everything good in life. Nothing better than really loving that latte you get every day.
Julien is a workaholic that will surely get a heart attack too soon if he keeps it up.
His family orders him to take a vacation and this is how he meets Courtney. He pays her to learn him to have fun. And of course they will fall in love. But he does not know about her depression, and she is not looking for something. Something that might fall apart and make her even more depressed. So depressed that it will push her over the edge.
Yes it dealt with some serious things and I liked that. Life and love is not always easy, but it is a romance, so they will make it work. But no one is magically cured. It does not work like that.
Two narrators that did a good job working together. I like it when they do it like that, you really get into their heads
Courtney gets seriously depressed every 5th year, and in between that she is not free either. It is always there in some form, but she has learned to embrace everything good in life. Nothing better than really loving that latte you get every day.
Julien is a workaholic that will surely get a heart attack too soon if he keeps it up.
His family orders him to take a vacation and this is how he meets Courtney. He pays her to learn him to have fun. And of course they will fall in love. But he does not know about her depression, and she is not looking for something. Something that might fall apart and make her even more depressed. So depressed that it will push her over the edge.
Yes it dealt with some serious things and I liked that. Life and love is not always easy, but it is a romance, so they will make it work. But no one is magically cured. It does not work like that.
Two narrators that did a good job working together. I like it when they do it like that, you really get into their heads
dhee_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I love how Lau looks at depression as chronic and the care needs that come with that. I think the implications of depression often goes unrecognized. Mh does not live in isolation. It finds it way into self concept, relationships and physical health --for ex, energy too. Lau is really honest about disbelief and apprehension/fear involved. Courtney stands up for herself and her health. She plans for her depression. She simplifies her life. But this makes it really hard to trust new people. It makes her feel like a burden. Courtney is at that threshold when we meet Julian. He is on his own path and struggling with mh in his own way. It's interesting to see what they think of each other. Overall, I liked the characters, the topics, and raw emotion.
arwenaardbeienstruik's review against another edition
4.0
I got triggered when i was reading this book a few months ago and stopped . I have finished it now and think it had a very accurate depiction of how depression can be (the fmc has it).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt