Kay's Lucky Coin Variety by Ann Y. K. Choi ~ Book Review

Book Description:

A bittersweet coming-of-age debut novel set in the Korean community in Toronto in the 1980s.

This haunting coming-of-age story, told through the eyes of a rebellious young girl, vividly captures the struggles of families caught between two cultures in the 1980s. Family secrets, a lost sister, forbidden loves, domestic assaults—Mary discovers as she grows up that life is much more complicated than she had ever imagined. Her secret passion for her English teacher is filled with problems and with the arrival of a promising Korean suitor, Joon-Ho, events escalate in ways that she could never have imagined, catching the entire family in a web of deceit and violence.

A unique and imaginative debut novel, Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety evocatively portrays the life of a young Korean Canadian girl who will not give up on her dreams or her family.

Purchase a copy through Simon & Schuster Canada. 

About the Author:

Originally from Chung-Ju, South Korea, Ann Y.K. Choi immigrated to Canada in 1975. She attended the University of Toronto where she studied English, Sociology, and Education. Ann has also graduated from the Humber School for Writers, the Creative Writing Certificate Program at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, and is completing her MFA in Creative Writing at National University in San Diego, California. In 2012, she received the Marina Nemat Award. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | 

Review:

This is a coming-of-age story of a South Korea girl living with her family in Toronto, Ontario Canada, set in the 1980's. Her parents moved the family to Canada to make a better for their two children, working hard day and night in a family run convenient store. Mary who is the main character is having a hard time fitting into school and finding her place in the new world. She has a multi-cultural group of friends who all seem to be in the same situation. Mary's mother wants her to marry a good Korean boy and so she has been set up with one who holds a bunch of secrets that Mary unfolds.

This was written well for a debut novel, moving the story along at a steady pace, having the reader wonder how Mary will deal with the problems that she is faced with and will she achieve her goals in the end. Mary grows immensely throughout this novel and it is a great journey to be on with her. I felt like I could empathizes with Mary and feel her emotions as she overcame some very real situations. The story and characters were very well developed bringing us along on their journey in life. I also liked reading this novel as I got a glimpse into another culture and some of their beliefs and traditions.

I look forward to reading more from Ann Y. K. Choi. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

Read More

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

The New York Times bestseller is now a major motion picture! 

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff--the designated ugly fat friend--of her crew.

But things aren't so great at home and Bianca, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about author, Kody Keplinger.

Book Review:

I wanted to review this book because it became an American teen comedy in 2015. We all know that Hollywood has a tendency to dramatically change story lines of book with potential of a cult following; so I decided that I would give this book a shot. Well, that and my book club made me read it. (I digress.) 

Upon finishing this book, I sat here at my screen for more than a few minutes puzzled, and I did what no book reviewer should do - I looked at other reviews. Some raved about the book; others provided very low ratings. But, I must say that the mixed reviews make me feel better and provide confidence in the following…

This most definitely is a teenage book; however, I would advise and caution adults against letting just any teenager read this. There is a profound message here - beauty is confidence. It reminds me of the Parisian approach on elegance and style. The you’re-only-as-beautiful-as-you-feel or only-as-beautiful-as-you-carry-yourself mentality, which personally I agree with. There is also a deep message of being your true self that elevates and inspires, compared to one that conforms and begs for acceptance. All very valuable lessons for teens everywhere. However there is a huge disconnect between the story and the audience. 

Bianca is our nonconformist - our intellectual that goes beyond labels. She has conviction and inner strength, but has her share of life’s obstacles. So, this story isn’t about a cookie-cutter life suddenly faced with curve balls. (I love this by the way.) She deals with real problems from the get go, and life gets harder as the story continues. 

She finds refuge and comfort in dealing with life’s curve balls by having causal sex with the school’s playboy - who shockingly is looking for more than a physical connection or notch on his bedpost. 

My point is that the writing is very much for that younger teen, and therefore, could not be labeled as young adult. However, it would take a very mature teen and avid reader to walk away with these messages. If your daughter or son has read or will read this book, make sure the writer’s intended message is clear, and not just focus on the story's ending.

For you adult YA lovers, this may be entertaining, but the writing is very teen audience driven. For the reason above, I would give this story a 2.75 to 3 stars. Like I said, the audience and their maturity level is key, but Keplinger is on to something. (FYI - judging by the previews, the movie story is nothing like the book. So, please don’t rush into any awkward talks just because your teenager saw the movie!) 

Please let me know what you think of the book and/or movie in the comments below!   

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'.  All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

Read More

Breaking Through by D. Nichole King - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster. 

Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet— 

She’s powerful. 

If he can harness her ability—break through her walls— 

She’ll be unstoppable. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about author, D. Nichole King.

Book Review:

Great sci-fi/fantasy read! King created a modern world fantasy with suspense, romance and tons of super powers. 

In the beginning of this story, we meet our heroine, Nautia - a superhuman with elemental powers of water. She is strong, and has the potential to become one of the most powerful super humans that has ever step foot into the elite, superhuman academy, if she can learn to control her ability. That major set-back has prevented the military from recruiting her.

But, Nautia must first come to terms with the death of her brother before she can ever learn to control her ability. But, getting over her brother’s death proves to be more difficult with her memory loss of the last few years, and nobody is answering her questions. Her twin brother’s death has been labeled classified.

Captain Riley Barton is a superhuman, Naval officer who more than willing to help Nautia work through her emotions and develop her powers. But, when he gets a little too close to Nautia, he could possible have the reverse effect, causing Nautia to accidentally ruin the mission and kill everyone on board the ship.

The story keeps you on your toes, trying to determine who is the real superheroes and who are the villains. Some parts may have been a little predictable, but it’s still a great read.        

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'.  All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

Read More