American Panda

‪2019 Popsugar Reading Challenge‬
‪34. A book set on a college or university campus‬

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‬“Well, what do you want?”No one had ever asked me that before, including myself. It almost felt forbidden. Partly because it was, by my parents. But mostly because it made things harder. Which meant . . . I already knew what I thought.I think I had stopped asking myself what I wanted after the pre-prima-ballerina dream turned nightmare. Dreams could hurt you if they didn't come true, but if they never existed in the first place . . .‪

Here's the thing that speaks to me so much about American Panda. I'm not Taiwanese, and my home life was so different growing up. But I felt like I was Mei, and she was me. It's rare that I connect so deeply with a character, but there was something so heartfelt and earnest and raw in the voice of this book, that I feel like anyone will be able to find a piece of themselves. There is something about #ownvoices novels by marginalized authors that help me relate to the characters in special way. There is a richness there that I feel all the way in my bones.

This book has everything one could ask for in a contemporary YA novel. It's HILARIOUS. I'm talking scream laugh funny. There is also a sweet romance, and tidbits about MIT that are fascinating for this outsider. There are family dynamics, urban legends, and vivid settings. Plus, the book will make you hungry.

I can't say enough good things about American Panda. It's one of my favorites of 2018. Highly recommended.

*3.5 stars