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thenextgenlib's review against another edition
5.0
A YA romance from @geneluenyang @uyenloseordraw
❤️
Valentina Tran was named after Valentine’s Day, which used to be her favorite holiday when she was younger. Then she found out the truth about why she and her dad live alone and all thoughts of romance and love went out the window. The Cupid that used to be her imaginary friend is replaced with Saint Valentine, a ghostly figure who wants Val to give him her heart once and for all. When Val joins lion dancing she starts spending time with a boy she believes will be worth her heart, but Les doesn’t want to commit. His cousin, Jae, however, listens to Val and connects with her about the loss of a parent. When Lunar New Year shows up their senior year, Val must make a decision to either give her heart away to the boy she likes or Saint Valentine.
❤️
Valentina Tran was named after Valentine’s Day, which used to be her favorite holiday when she was younger. Then she found out the truth about why she and her dad live alone and all thoughts of romance and love went out the window. The Cupid that used to be her imaginary friend is replaced with Saint Valentine, a ghostly figure who wants Val to give him her heart once and for all. When Val joins lion dancing she starts spending time with a boy she believes will be worth her heart, but Les doesn’t want to commit. His cousin, Jae, however, listens to Val and connects with her about the loss of a parent. When Lunar New Year shows up their senior year, Val must make a decision to either give her heart away to the boy she likes or Saint Valentine.
miszjeanie's review against another edition
3.0
The art in this book is phenomenal, and it is also a sweet YA romance. I appreciated the plot, but it felt unnecessarily long for me, and the fantastical elements didn't resonate with me. It's my first time reading this author, so if you love his work, you'll probably enjoy this. I'll still be recommending this for younger YA readers as it tackles several important themes (parental abandonment, identity, alcoholism) sensitively.
kaloughl's review against another edition
4.25
A sweet story about complicated family history, growing up, and finding true love. I especially loved the depiction of lion dancing from different Asian cultures!
ryanbada'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
4.5
xolobooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
anastasiawiley's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
amandaschultz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
shealwaysreads's review against another edition
5.0
"Lunar New Year Love Story" is a stunning graphic novel that beautifully captures the essence of the Lunar New Year celebration. Gene Luen Yang's storytelling combined with Leuyen Pham's breathtaking illustrations create a truly immersive reading experience.
The graphics in this book are absolutely gorgeous. Pham's attention to detail and vibrant color palette bring the story to life, making each page a visual delight. The characters are expressive and their emotions are conveyed with precision, adding depth to the narrative.
Speaking of the narrative, Yang weaves a complex and heartfelt story that explores themes of family, tradition, and the power of love. The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked from beginning to end, with surprising twists and turns that add excitement and depth to the story.
The representation of Lunar New Year traditions and customs is done with authenticity and respect, making this graphic novel a wonderful way to learn about and celebrate the holiday. It's a perfect blend of cultural education and a heartwarming love story.
In conclusion, "Lunar New Year Love Story" is a must-read graphic novel that combines stunning artwork with a compelling and complex narrative. I highly recommend it to both fans of graphic novels and those interested in learning more about Lunar New Year traditions.
The graphics in this book are absolutely gorgeous. Pham's attention to detail and vibrant color palette bring the story to life, making each page a visual delight. The characters are expressive and their emotions are conveyed with precision, adding depth to the narrative.
Speaking of the narrative, Yang weaves a complex and heartfelt story that explores themes of family, tradition, and the power of love. The plot is engaging and keeps you hooked from beginning to end, with surprising twists and turns that add excitement and depth to the story.
The representation of Lunar New Year traditions and customs is done with authenticity and respect, making this graphic novel a wonderful way to learn about and celebrate the holiday. It's a perfect blend of cultural education and a heartwarming love story.
In conclusion, "Lunar New Year Love Story" is a must-read graphic novel that combines stunning artwork with a compelling and complex narrative. I highly recommend it to both fans of graphic novels and those interested in learning more about Lunar New Year traditions.
storiesatstarfall's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
busyblackbookworm's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
LUNAR NEW YEAR LOVE STORY is a fantastic story that you will absolutely fly through; I can’t recommend it enough. Yang and Pham’s graphic novel is a sweet yet thoughtful ode to those who struggle with love—not those who are “unlucky in love,” but those who have other reasons to be wary about letting others into their lives. I loved the seamless way that Yang and Pham expanded the storyline beyond just your typical “romance story” and explored the fullness of Valentina’s life, which includes her father’s own heartbreak, as well as their difficult family history and ongoing struggles.
This is actually the first YA book that I’ve read since I was in high school, and even as a full adult I absolutely loved this book and would even recommend it for adults who are looking for a quiet yet engaging read. The illustrations are also top-notch, but this is to be expected from Yang (AMERICAN-BORN CHINESE) and Pham. Definitely put this on your list for a fun and sweet Valentine’s Day read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment