by Abigail Hing Wen
This book gives us a glimpse of another culture and it is sneaky about it. The reader is not aware they are looking at the beauty of Taipei, learning the language, the dancing, the artistry even in the fighting because we are following Ever and her journey to self discovery.
Along the way there is plenty of rebellion against her parents, love interests, cat fights with other girls – everything that give us pleasure in our guilty pleasures, and keeps us reading YA books. I didn’t want to like this book, in the same way I claim to not like romance novels – but it sucked me in all the same.
I grew intrigued by the relationship between Ever and her parents, especially since it is so far from my reality. I was exhilarated by her freedom and independence as much as she. I was encouraged by her attitude changing, her self realization, and her moves toward peace with all parties. She does get the guy in the end – but which guy? Duh duh DUNNNNNNNN.
Basically I liked it; I learned some things about China and Taiwan. I learned a lot about how parents culturally different from my experience can be motivated and therefore propelled to act. I learned that with all that, teenagers act like teenagers universally. The characters were relatable and I wanted them to “win”. And I really liked the big show at the end.