This novel turned out to be so much more than a teen boy trying to figure out who he is and where he fits in. It's a story about friendship, family, sacrifice, priorities, racism, first love, and clash of cultures and economic hierarchies. The author has expertly dealt with tough issues in an authentic and sensitive way.
What I loved about this debut novel:
1) The point of view character Frank is flawed, lovable, intelligent, and sensitive
2) The family dynamics go deeper than just Korean culture verses American culture; the author explores what it means to sacrifice for family, including keeping secrets to protect others
3) The diverse characters represented, not only in race, but also in sexual orientation
4) The humor, sarcasm, wit, and private jokes characters share
5) The raw emotions from elation to grief that I felt while reading
I highly recommend this debut novel and will seek more by this author.
What I loved about this debut novel:
1) The point of view character Frank is flawed, lovable, intelligent, and sensitive
2) The family dynamics go deeper than just Korean culture verses American culture; the author explores what it means to sacrifice for family, including keeping secrets to protect others
3) The diverse characters represented, not only in race, but also in sexual orientation
4) The humor, sarcasm, wit, and private jokes characters share
5) The raw emotions from elation to grief that I felt while reading
I highly recommend this debut novel and will seek more by this author.