Your rating:
Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, forgiveness, and lion dancing.Valentina Tran was named after Valentine's Day, which used to be her favorite holiday. But when Val learns the truth behind what happened with her parents and why she's being raised by a single father, she realizes true love is a lie. This is reinforced when she meets the spirit of Saint Valentine, who tells her she and her family are cursed to always be unlucky in love. Val is ready to give into her fate, until one Lunar New Year festival, where a mysterious lion dancer hands her a paper heart, and ZING. Val becomes determined to change her destiny, prove Saint Valentine wrong, and give her heart to the right person.Meanwhile, lion dancing is the only thing that has given Jae peace after his dad passed away. It's also what keeps him connected to his father's side of the family. Both Jae and his cousin Leslie notice Val at the Lunar New Year festival, and for some inexplicable reason, Jae hands Val a paper heart. But it's Leslie, with his K-Pop good looks, who starts to date Val. Jae still feels this connection with Val and feels it's somehow tied to how he feels about losing his father.Both Val and Jae struggle with the spirits who haunt them as they are inextricably brought together in a love story that is satisfying, sweet, and moving.
No posts yet
Kick off the convo with a theory, question, musing, or update
Your rating:
So cute and so fun!
Characters-10
Val and her friends were so much fun. I loved the relationship Val had with her dad, and I loved how the characters came together in the end.
Atmosphere-10
This was such a fun atmosphere for a graphic novel! I loved the art style in this book a lot.
Writing-9
This was my first from the author, and I enjoyed the writing style. In this format, you need to work with an artist to tell a story, and Gene Luen Yang does a great job working with Leuyen Pham as an artist.
Plot-9
I loved the plot of this! I found it very different from other YA romances, but that's what made it stand out. I loved the multi-generational story.
Intrigue-9
This was an interesting story. I wanted to see where the romance was going to go. Also, I was interested in learning more about the Lunar New Year.
Logic-10
This was a logical story. I really enjoyed how the characters actions and emotions were explained throughout the story.
Enjoyment-9
I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would! I had a love of fun with the story, the characters were great, and the romance was really sweet.
Charming and poignant, with absolutely beautiful art!