*I have had a copy of this novel for quite some time. I can't remember which event I picked up a copy, but it was an ARC so I had to obtain it before June of 2019. I hadn't read a young-adult novel for some time so I decided to add it to my collection of books that I read over the last week.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
1. *Jay is a senior in high-school, ready to be done, and head off to college.
2. *Years earlier, Jay and his cousin Jun spent time together as children and then became pen-pals.
3. *Jay's father fled the Philippines to raise his family in the United States. Jun's father stayed back and held harsh feelings toward his brother.
4. *As life became busy for Jay, he stopped corresponding with his cousin. When he learns of Jun's death, he feels a sense of guilt and shame.
5. *Jay decides to spend his senior-year spring break in the Philippines to figure out how Jun died and if the "stories" about him are true.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1. *It was a refreshing change of pace to get back to a young-adult novel after reading so many middle-grade books.
2. *The story was well-written with a cast of fascinating characters. I especially found myself impressed by Jay and his quest to make "amends".
3. *I didn't know much about life in the Philippines and the story allowed me a glimpse into the life of a family living there and how they must deal with the government decisions.
4. *The plot was realistic with a perfect dose of positive, and negative, "events".
5. *I was engaged in the story from the start-up to the very last page. One of the most satisfying young-adult novels I've read in quite some time.
Who Should Read It:
*I can imagine the young-adult reader, high-school and/or college, being absorbed and fascinated by the journey Jay took to the Philippines. Not only would this novel be great for the young-adult reader, but the adult reader as well. A strong, well developed, and emotional read for sure. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5 STARS out of 5 Stars
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