Series: Loveboat,
Published by HarperTeen on January 7, 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 432
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ever Wong wants to dance. Her parents plan to send her to a pre-med program.
Having witnessed her parents’ sacrifices, Ever tries to follow the path they have paved for her, but she cannot forget her dreams. When her parents send her to a summer abroad program in Taipei, she decides, in a moment of passion, to break all of her family’s strict rules. Inspired by a real study-abroad program, Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen portrays the struggles of second-generation Chinese Americans between pursuing their dreams and honoring their parents’ sacrifices.
Many readers will relate with Ever and friends in their struggles with loved ones’ failures to understand the teens’ aspirations. Many Asian Americans, in particular, can relate to the conflict between voicing our desires and honoring our parents. We see the sacrifices our parents made to give us a better life, and we desire to repay those sacrifices. Readers may also relate with the struggle against racial stereotypes, which Loveboat combats in two ways: (1) the diverse participants in the program, (2) a group of Loveboat participants who actively fight against Asian stereotypes.
Loveboat, Taipei portrays the diversity of the Asian-American experience through the various participants of Ever’s study abroad program. The teens act like teens: they fight, they make mistakes, and they learn from the consequences. Whether or not we agree with their choices, we can understand why they act in these ways and how some extend reconciliation to each other. Life doesn’t always wrap up so nicely, but it’s nice to believe that communication can resolve some of our differences.
Loveboat, Taipei reads well as a standalone, but readers who desire to see more of the story will rejoice to know that there’s another book in the works!
Rated R
Because of the content and the age of the characters, this book is more appropriate for a new adult audience, older teens and up.
Bias Notes
As an asian writer who wants to support other asian writers, I’m predisposed to liking books that feature asian characters and are written by asian authors. Also, I’ve been to Taiwan and am thrilled that this book takes place there.
You May Also Enjoy
- The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan: Another Asian #OwnVoices that takes place in Taiwan.
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved by Jenny Han: Another YA Contemporary novel with a sequel.
Let’s Chat
📚 Have you read Loveboat, Taipei?
📚 Have you visited an Asian country?
📚 What’s another Asian #OwnVoices book that you would recommend? Bonus points if it takes place outside of the United States!
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Sophia Rose says
That is interesting how even though they are typical torchy teenagers that just the right realistic ethnic background comes through. I appreciate getting your take on this one because the title caught my eye when I first spotted it.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I love how the little details develop the characters’ backgrounds, showing their similarities and their differences.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I’ve heard great things about this book! Does seem like maybe it’s geared toward older teens or a NA audience, but it seems like a fantastic read!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I’d recommend it for an older teen/NA audience because of the nature of Ever’s journey and the content.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
This sounds like a wonderful coming of age story and Ever’s journey definitely sounds like one that many will find relatable. Great review!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I agree that many will be able to relate to Ever’s journey! Thanks, Suzanne!
Sam@wlabb says
It was quite a girls-gone-wild story there for while. I felt bad for Ever, but was happy that she learned from her mistakes, and grew so much over the summer. I was sad about the triangle. I probably would have been sad regardless of which boy she chose. I am looking forward to seeing where Wen goes with this series. Will Ever’s sister go to Taipei?
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I appreciate how she matured over the course of the novel. It’s great when a writer makes us for both love interests in a love triangle. Personally, I liked the outcome. I hope that book two develops some of the side characters more; I’d like to see them get their happy endings. It’d be neat if Ever’s sister goes to Taipei!
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
Lovely review! I had so much fun reading Loveboat, Taipei and ahh I had no idea there was another book in the works? This is so exciting! 🙂
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Marie! Yes, I’m excited to see how the author will continue the series.