American Panda

*3.5 stars

There's a lot to like here–it's great to see a YA protagonist who graduates HS early and starts college (and the specific MIT details are a lot of fun), and to see specifically an Asian-American (specifically Taiwanese-American) girl talking about body image in a fat-positive-ish way (tho her mom is very fatphobic) is cool.

That said some of the character details seemed....half-hearted? Like a central conflict is that Mei's parents want her to be a doctor but she hates science and is germphobic. But her germphobia seems very...conditionally active. It does seem appropriate that she comes across as overall very immature since she is a young college first-year, but for an adult reader it was hard to get through. Her voice–and her mom's nagging voicemails–will probably be funnier/more relatable for some younger readers, who of course are the intended audience here anyway.

Although it's great that this is an #ownvoices book it still feels a little like this specific “tiger mom” culture clash has been done a lot. Still, for some readers I'm sure this will ring true, and it's great to have this to offer to teen readers.

Also ok, so her parents disowned her brother because he was dating a girl who was maybe infertile, and I get that they're nosy and there's a lot of gossip but also HOW DID THAT EVEN COME UP? It seemed like the parents heard about it on like their first date--since Mei never met Esther--and instantly disowned him, and then she wasn't even actually infertile but just had some kind of lady health problem?? Just seemed like maybe that whole situation needed a tiny more setup, especially given how much it loomed over the rest of the narrative?

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This is such a cute story. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and watching Mei grow as a person and individual.

This book is all about character development and growth, so at first I was worried because if this isn't done gradually or well, then the story can fall apart. I feel like Mei's growth is done slowly throughout the book making it more believable. Besides her, the other characters do seem a bit dim, but nothing to complain about. I did wish Mei had more friends, but when she did talk to people the conversation wasn't always about boys and romance, so plus there!

As for the romance, it is insta-love :( How unfortunate....
The author does have them hang out and do things a few times though, so at least their relationship seemed to have a good foundation, even if to me the relationship felt too good to be true. I do really like his character though!! Whenever he showed up, I was excited :)

I have to warn you, this is a tear-jerker, or it was for me at least. The writing had me connected with Mei, so when she wasn't sure what to do or was being criticized by her parents it really hurt my heart! My parents were never this strict and I'm so thankful for it. I mean, maybe I would have done better in school, but that isn't all there is to life!

So, this is a cute, heart-felt, coming of age story that I will recommend to people.

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.