<This is
a standalone novel.>
Move over Capulets and Montagues, because the Taiwanese
American Wus and Korean American Hurs are here (here being Los
Angeles) with their five-year-old feud that the families treat as though
happened last week. The matriarch grandmas (ahma = grandma in
Chinese and halmeoni = grandma in Korean) don’t talk about The
Incident, but when Julie Wu and Randall Hur realize they’re crushing hard on
each other, the divide the feud fuels feels even more gargantuan. Their
families’ constant bickering at the Pasadena Farmers Market on Saturdays – easily
the most coveted day to sell – briefly finds the Wus and their Yum Yum Dim Sum
stand moved to Sundays, much to the Wus’ anger, placing full blame on the Hurs
and their Sebae stand. Julie and Randall are paired together on a
community-service project for school with ultra-rich London Kim, whose family
sells the most popular soju (a Korean alcoholic drink that is clear like
water). London is clearly crushing on Julie, but with Julie’s interest in
Randall, she knows she’s got to let him down kindly. The drama comes to a head
when Julie’s almost criminally snoopy brother discovers her and Randall’s
relationship. Can these hangry hearts be mended or has the rift boiled over for
so long that anything salvageable has long since melted?
Food
feuds and family-friend fallout simmer through much of this YA contemporary
romance featuring Asian Americans, second chances and so many foods that I
want to consume (like tteokguk, twisted taro buns, hakka mochi, scallion
pancakes and ALL of the dumplings). Julie and Randall have a history, but it is
complex. Julie knew Randall before he was trans, and they don’t want to
disappoint their grandmothers, whom they love so much. This tale of
star-crossed lovers will appeal to romance fans looking for transgender and/or
POC representation. Young romance, family and food combine to create a lush
story that’s made with skill, drama, and, oh yeah, love.
P.S. I
need to experience fan tuan (sticky rice rolls that are
classically savory, but can be made sweet).
No comments:
Post a Comment
You have a book or post-related comment on your mind? Wonderful! Your comments are welcome, but whether you are a regular or guest Rutabaga, I expect you to keep your comments clean and respectable. :-)