The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the GORGEOUS cover. I love a book with amazing art. The second thing that pulled me in was the Asian American main character, Jay, who is half-Filipino and half-white. Although I am half-Chinese, I still felt ties to Jay as I do not see much representation that resembles my own family structure. I also read this book while taking an Asian American history class (not required reading, it just lined up that way), so that only reaffirmed my beliefs that this is a very well written portrayal of the Asian American experience. Jay feels between two worlds and is torn between the American life and values he's grown up with and the more traditional values of his family in the Philipines. There are discussions of racism, sexism, and privilege perfectly woven into a great plot. The war on drugs was also highlighted in this novel, which is important because sometimes we get so caught up on what is happening within our own country's borders that we forget what other people in other places are experiencing. There's privilege and injustice everywhere and this book lays it all out. Jay is also processing grief and trying to find himself along the way. This book truly does it all and is a great read for anyone.