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Chen, Justina
4 Reviews
(3)
YA
High-achieving senior Viola Li finds her life completely upended when she suddenly develops a serious photosensitivity disorder that disrupts her ability to participate in many of the activities she enjoys. Soon everything from college and career ambitions to romantic hopes need to be reevaluated and redefined. Viola's story offers an insightful consideration of learning to live with a chronic condition without succumbing to despair.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
YA
Shana is afraid of another failed relationship and of what her father's impending blindness will mean for her family. To ward off their despair, Shana and her parents embark on a Peruvian trek that's spiritually and emotionally inspiring. Chen's Machu Picchu backdrop complements Shana's strenuous journey from a place of fear and heartbreak toward renewed trust.
Reviewer: Sophie Williamson
(4)
YA
Despite having a model's figure and a hottie boyfriend, Terra's large port-wine-stain birthmark and her verbally abusive father cause her constant insecurity. After meeting Jacob, a Chinese American goth guy, everything changes. With their mothers, they travel to China, each returning with a new sense of identity and self-worth. Terra's journey is engaging, but overdone symbolism may distract readers from it.
Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett
(4)
YA
Syrah, who loves snowboarding and graphic novels, feels alienated from her ultra-rich Chinese American family. Initially readers may balk--justifiably--at her poor-little-rich-girl laments. Eventually, however, with her new understanding of China's Cultural Revolution, the unexpected support of her much older half sister, and the decision to use her clout to help others, Syrah becomes a more sympathetic character.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
4 reviews
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