I was generously given an advanced uncorrected proof of this book by Bookishfirst.com. I'd already heard a lot of buzz about this book and loved the storyline so I was beyond excited to recieve this!
I've been procrastinating writing this review because no matter what I say, it won't come close to sounding the way I want. I'm not great with words, unlike the author of this book. David Yoon has an absolute gift to make me laugh like a hyena on one page and before I know it, I'm filling an underground pool with my tears the next. Wit and words seem to flow from this guy like a magical being.
Frankly in Love dabbles into a bit of everything- family troubles, relationship troubles, etc. But most importantly tackles racism and all the sides and views and the grey area that comes with it. I definitley related to the racist parents issue, a lot of the scenes bringing back a feeling of real anger and helplessness. Quite a few times while I read this I had to stop and figuratively shake my fist at the world. The topic is never preachy or forced though. I think it's done perfectly. I feel like I don't hear talk about racism towards Asian peoples as much as other ethnicities (though all are deeply important to note obviously) so I like that we got to see more into that aspect.
I'm familiar with Korean culture. I've studied the language and watched all the shows and movies and I lived with Korean roommates (also racist) who fed me nothing but Korean food and spoke to me mainly in Korean. But I can't ever understand what it's like to BE Korean. I've heard stories from friends, but I never had to live it. I think this book is eye-opening and can be read and understood by anyone. No matter what your starting knowledge may be. It's always good to read about different struggles and family dynamics to put things in perspective. But I also think this is going to speak deeply to many who feel under-represented in American culture.
All this being said, I'm still just a white girl. I grew up very poor but I had encouraging parents and I was rarely judged by my appearance. So I almost don't feel like I have any right to be saying any of this. But this book tells us troubles from different races, different backgrounds. We can all relate at some point.
I will confidently say this though: I had been in a book slump for years before I read this book. YEARS. It was making me very sad. I ended up devouring this book in a few days and only because I forced myself to slow down. You want laughs, you want drama, you want tears, you want adorable young love, you want relevant issues that are talked about beautifully and thoughtfully? You want ALL THE FEELS? You need this book. The characters are people you wish you could befriend and who doesn't love romantic schemes??
Honestly, it's now in my top 3 books of all time if not top 2. A+ for the movie references and general nerdiness.
I've been procrastinating writing this review because no matter what I say, it won't come close to sounding the way I want. I'm not great with words, unlike the author of this book. David Yoon has an absolute gift to make me laugh like a hyena on one page and before I know it, I'm filling an underground pool with my tears the next. Wit and words seem to flow from this guy like a magical being.
Frankly in Love dabbles into a bit of everything- family troubles, relationship troubles, etc. But most importantly tackles racism and all the sides and views and the grey area that comes with it. I definitley related to the racist parents issue, a lot of the scenes bringing back a feeling of real anger and helplessness. Quite a few times while I read this I had to stop and figuratively shake my fist at the world. The topic is never preachy or forced though. I think it's done perfectly. I feel like I don't hear talk about racism towards Asian peoples as much as other ethnicities (though all are deeply important to note obviously) so I like that we got to see more into that aspect.
I'm familiar with Korean culture. I've studied the language and watched all the shows and movies and I lived with Korean roommates (also racist) who fed me nothing but Korean food and spoke to me mainly in Korean. But I can't ever understand what it's like to BE Korean. I've heard stories from friends, but I never had to live it. I think this book is eye-opening and can be read and understood by anyone. No matter what your starting knowledge may be. It's always good to read about different struggles and family dynamics to put things in perspective. But I also think this is going to speak deeply to many who feel under-represented in American culture.
All this being said, I'm still just a white girl. I grew up very poor but I had encouraging parents and I was rarely judged by my appearance. So I almost don't feel like I have any right to be saying any of this. But this book tells us troubles from different races, different backgrounds. We can all relate at some point.
I will confidently say this though: I had been in a book slump for years before I read this book. YEARS. It was making me very sad. I ended up devouring this book in a few days and only because I forced myself to slow down. You want laughs, you want drama, you want tears, you want adorable young love, you want relevant issues that are talked about beautifully and thoughtfully? You want ALL THE FEELS? You need this book. The characters are people you wish you could befriend and who doesn't love romantic schemes??
Honestly, it's now in my top 3 books of all time if not top 2. A+ for the movie references and general nerdiness.