A review by samharlow85
The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This book snuck up on me and ultimately surprised me in the end, becoming a great story about growing up and finding your way. Jasmine (Jas) just graduated from college and is feeling lost after returning to work at her family donut shop. The donut shop is in trouble with a rental hike, and Jas’s refugee parents are relying on her help more than ever. Julie connects with Alex, who was a college crush and also from an immigrant family, and they feel an instant connection. This story is a romance, but really I thought it was actually more about finding your way after college, as well as navigating complicated family relationships and trust issues as a first-generation Asian, young person in Southern California. The romance between Jas and Alex is sweet and nuanced, but I thought the relationship between Jas and her family were the real winners of this book, including the challenges, pressures, and joys of being raised by refugees and immigrants in modern America. This book took a little bit to grow on me, but I ended up loving the ending and the sweetness and empathy between all the character’s as you learn more about each of their complexities. I recommend this story for lovers of closed door romances, American immigrant and refugee family dynamics, and coming of age fiction. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings