mezzythedragon's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
The best YA rom-com I’ve read thus far this year. Hilarious, corny, and sweet. I especially like the dad joke: “What’s beside the USA? USB!” 😂🤦🏻♀️
Also, I like how Coyiuto talks about the prejudice Chinese-Filipinos have against native Filipinos. Weird that they’re the ones with that kind of attitude, though though on the other hand, the Chinese in the Philippines had a hard time naturalizing and getting certain jobs once upon a time. Of course, I’m not sure if that rule came from Filipinos themselves or their colonizers.
Another thing, I like Jappy’s (this name though 👀) comment about the Philippines sleeping on their own artists, who are just as talented as any other musician. Should check out Ben&Ben now.
Also, I like how Chloe points out that just because she wanted to go to school in the US, doesn’t mean she hated the Philippines, with regards to the microaggressive college app question she received. All too often, I get the “US good, origin country bad” narrative, which is so reductive. Glad for once, a book had some nuance.
Little nitpicks: could have done without the friendzoning comment. I know it was a joke, but I never liked that whole toxic concept. Also, Auntie Queenie’s fatshaming. 😒 I know, it was her way of saying “I’ll miss you,” but Filipinos really need to get over their bodyshaming.
And sadly, the audiobook narrator didn’t pronounce the Tagalog phrases properly. The Liangs are Chinese-Filipinos, but if they live in the Philippines, and Chloe thinks herself more Filipino than Chinese, shouldn’t they be able to speak Tagalog fluently?
Also, I like how Coyiuto talks about the prejudice Chinese-Filipinos have against native Filipinos. Weird that they’re the ones with that kind of attitude, though though on the other hand, the Chinese in the Philippines had a hard time naturalizing and getting certain jobs once upon a time. Of course, I’m not sure if that rule came from Filipinos themselves or their colonizers.
Another thing, I like Jappy’s (this name though 👀) comment about the Philippines sleeping on their own artists, who are just as talented as any other musician. Should check out Ben&Ben now.
Also, I like how Chloe points out that just because she wanted to go to school in the US, doesn’t mean she hated the Philippines, with regards to the microaggressive college app question she received. All too often, I get the “US good, origin country bad” narrative, which is so reductive. Glad for once, a book had some nuance.
Little nitpicks: could have done without the friendzoning comment. I know it was a joke, but I never liked that whole toxic concept. Also, Auntie Queenie’s fatshaming. 😒 I know, it was her way of saying “I’ll miss you,” but Filipinos really need to get over their bodyshaming.
And sadly, the audiobook narrator didn’t pronounce the Tagalog phrases properly. The Liangs are Chinese-Filipinos, but if they live in the Philippines, and Chloe thinks herself more Filipino than Chinese, shouldn’t they be able to speak Tagalog fluently?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Ableism and Body shaming
More...