A review by betweentheshelves
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

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

4.5

Valentine’s Day used to be Valentina’s favorite holiday–until she learns the truth about what happened between her parents. Now, she believes in the idea that her family is cursed with unlucky love, reinforced by Saint Valentine. She’s ready to completely give up on love, until she receives a paper heart from a mysterious lion dancer. Maybe she can change her fate.

On the other hand, lion dancing is the only refuge Jae has had since his dad passed away. He can’t explain why he gave Val that paper heart, only that he feels some sort of connection to her. But when she starts dating his cousin instead, maybe he has missed his chance. 
 

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang to review! This is kind of a YA rom-com graphic novel, with a sprinkling about family, grief, and loss. The story really illustrates how your perspectives change as you grow older, and I appreciated that kind of storyline for a teen graphic novel.

Of course, the art was beautifully done throughout the story. Color is used in a way to illustrate different aspects of the story, as well as different text to illustrate different voices and characters. It all worked well together to tell Val and Jae’s story.

Additionally, the characters were also well developed. They’re all struggling with different family things, but they’re all able to relate to each other in different ways. There’s also plenty of nods to Korean and Vietnamese cultures, with a lot of small details included to pull you into the story.

All in all, this is a lovely graphic novel you should definitely pick up when it comes out in January!