Loveboat, Taipei
Ratings26
Average rating3.4
DNF @ 90%
For the first time in like 3 years, I am DNFing a book. Tragically. Even though I only have less than 50 pages left until I'm done. I just don't have any interest in actually finishing this book.
While I really enjoyed reading this, I realised that the writing went all over the place in the middle section. I understand it's a debut and did enjoy the storyline (and not so much the slightly messy romance). But overall, it's 3.5 stars
Dnf 72% but I think I suffered through enough to consider it read. Xavier was the only character I was interested in hearing about, and I hated the way Ever treated him.
This book was on my TBR for a long time, so i was excited when I finally got a copy! Unfortunately I was disappointed by it in the end. There were good parts, but too many cliches for me to enjoy. The characters didn't have very much substance, and the plot was very jumpy. From love triangles to the Asian hidden dream stereotype, I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not. This is one of few books I've read this year that I won't read the sequel to. All in all, I don't regret reading it, but wouldn't read it again.
A fun and easy read that makes time flies by. I loved the setting and because of my curious nature I wanted to know everything about the program. I loved the drama and some part of the romance were swoon-worthy.
So why is there one star missing then? I asked myself if I would re-read this book and the answer was a clear “No”. But I will for sure read the other books in the series when they are published!
Also, if there is still a Netflix series in the works being adapted from this book, I'll be the first in row to watch it!
Initial Thoughts: This really picked up around 33% but I'm conflicted on where I stand with this book for numerous reasons.
Non-Spoiler Review:
Loveboat, Taipei is a drama-filled book where something is always happening to someone, and the benefit of that is you'll never be bored as reader. Yet, some of the plot lines and ‘dramas' feel cheap, and very unnecessary as there's so much going on and sometimes it's really not needed. Although, this a more personal taste thing.
Ever, our main character, is very unlikable for the first third of this book but I do think she grows as the novel progresses. However I can say the same for our other characters, who I think stay relatively flat throughout the entire story.
The author also addresses a lot of social issues in this book, but particularly addresses the topics of being an American born person of Chinese descent and racism particularly well, However, no all the social topics are handled as well and one in particularly is handled so carelessly it's why I've given this book one star.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone despite it being an entertaining read, because I can't get behind the messaging in this at all. I think whilst the author didn't have bad intentions she was careless with one of the social topics which was actually quite series, and for that I couldn't award any higher than an one star.
Spoiler Review:
This book could have been a great, drama filled YA novel I could recommend to people who like books that read like soap-operas. But alas, I can't because this has too many problems that are too serious to ignore.
The less serious problems are our characters and their developments and character arc's throughout the novel. Ever did develop throughout the novel, and I give credit where it's due, she's a lot more likeable and I think string-willed by the end of the story and that's nice to see. Unfortunately, whilst Rick, Xavier and Sophie also developed it felt very surface level and if they were only there to enhance and help Ever's development as a character.
The love story in this book wasn't for me, I don't think any of the relationships were particularly healthy, even if I do think certain characters got along or could be good together the author chose really bad times for them to get together.
The reason I gave this one star though, it probably would have been two or two and half without this was the way the author handled the revenge porn plotline in this. I still can't quite get over how carelessly this was dealt with. It's a very sensitive and relevant topic today and if you are going to explore it in your writing be careful with it. I think the way the author handled Ever as a victim wasn't good, and not enough time was given to explore the trauma this would have caused and the conflicting feelings she would have felt, particularly towards Sophie who committed the crime. I don;t understand either why the author thought it was a good idea to make them friends again, I think it's a really bad message to send to YA readers that you should be friends with people after they commit crimes like that against you. I just can't support or recommend this book at all after that plotline.
You can read my full thoughts here: https://moonlitbooks.home.blog/2020/03/19/loveboattaipeireview/