Author: David Yoon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA contemporary
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Release date: 9/10/19
Synopsis:
“High school senior Frank Li is a Limbo–his term for Korean-American kids who find themselves caught between their parents’ traditional expectations and their own Southern California upbringing. His parents have one rule when it comes to romance–“Date Korean”–which proves complicated when Frank falls for Brit Means, who is smart, beautiful–and white. Fellow Limbo Joy Song is in a similar predicament, and so they make a pact: they’ll pretend to date each other in order to gain their freedom. Frank thinks it’s the perfect plan, but in the end, Frank and Joy’s fake-dating maneuver leaves him wondering if he ever really understood love–or himself–at all.”
I feel like such an emotional puddle after devouring this book. Frankly in Love is a beautiful and emotionally charged story that was written brilliantly. It feels authentic and real as it tackles modern racism, growing up, and a journey of self discovery. I could hardly put it down. I mean, I was up until the early morning hours crying my eyes out with a fuel of determination to know what would happen. And OH MY GOSH. It’s difficult to put into words the feeling I had by the time I finished this story. It was this raw and empty feeling that left me wanting to hug everyone I care about close. It was unbelievably good.
One of the reasons this book was impossible to put down is how atmospheric it is. This entire world came to life in front of me and I didn’t want to stop exploring. I adored the characters in their flaws and realness. Their journeys of self discovery were powerful and well written. The relationships and dynamics between different characters were extremely interesting to dissect. I LOVED Yoon’s realistic use of how different people communicate with one another. It gave the story an edge of realness. . . and also gave the story endless moments of humor and cuteness.
Frankly in Love is also impressive for it’s handle on racism and the complex relationship that Frank had with his ethnicity. It was powerful to read and written eloquently. This story managed to discuss such an important topic while still retaining all the charm of a YA contemporary composed of romance and self discovery. The planning of this book was clearly well done. The way the layers of story braided together demonstrates how talented Yoon is in storytelling.
However, there are two little reasons why I didn’t give this story a perfect 5/5 stars. I did enjoy it BUT I struggled with getting into it and something that I would really REALLY would have liked to see happen towards the ending didn’t. Let me explain. When I began reading I struggled a lot with being pulled into the story. The writing style and I just didn’t click right away. I got more used to it the further into the story I was, but it was frustrating in the beginning! Then towards the end there was a particular event/interaction that I wanted to happen. I was honestly disappointed when I didn’t. I can see and understand why It didn’t but personally it’s something I would have loved to see.
But, all in all, THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. It was cute, addicting, raw, emotional, and it felt stunningly authentic. I’m impressed with this debut novel. . . and so so SO happy that I was able to get into it after a hundred pages. ALSO! The romance was fun and a nice example of the fake dating story if you’re into that trope! Joy is such a quirky character and their chemistry was cute.
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of Frankly in Love in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
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