Review by Booklist Review
Gemma is ready to put high school behind her. After giving a lackluster valedictorian speech--a role she had to share with her ex-boyfriend Xander--she's happy to close that chapter. A lawyer then unexpectedly shows up at Gemma's home with a seemingly nonsensical letter from her late grandfather. It's possible this letter from the grandfather she never knew contains a series of clues that will lead her to a secret inheritance. The only problem is, her grandfather died in Taiwan, with a family she never met in a place she's never visited. Despite her mother's wishes, she applies to a program that brings Taiwanese American students to Taiwan; unfortunately, Xander will be there too. While the treasure hunt is an alluring aspect of the work, Gemma's discovery of her culture will be what really pulls readers in. Chao's descriptions of Taiwan are lush and vibrant, and she crafts a narrative that makes it easy to understand how Gemma would feel like a fish out of water. A beautiful story about discovering your roots and understanding the difficult choices adults make.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Taiwanese American 18-year-old Gemma Sun is used to being considered boring and socially awkward, especially compared to her popular and charismatic Taiwanese American ex-boyfriend Xander Pan, whom she detests after an unpleasant breakup ("He accused me of being no fun") and whose connection to their culture she envies. Then she's contacted by an attorney, who tells her that her grandfather recently died and that he'd left Gemma old newspaper clippings with a secret message prompting her to visit his apartment in Taipei. The news causes a rift between Gemma and her mother; she told Gemma that he'd died a long time ago, and Gemma now blames her for her loneliness and disconnect with her heritage. Reluctantly, she enlists Xander, whose involvement in the Taiwanese American Roots Pursuit program helps secure Gemma a trip to Taiwan. As a non-Mandarin speaker, Gemma struggles to decipher her grandfather's elaborate clues, prompting Xander to persuade Gemma into letting him help her in exchange for part of whatever's at the end of their search. What follows is a whirlwind adventure through Taipei, which Chao (When You Wish Upon a Lantern) depicts using vivid prose that details Taiwanese tourist life alongside a simmering second-chance romance. Ages 12--up. (Dec.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Shortly after Gemma Sun graduates from high school, a mysterious man shows up at her door with dreadful news--her maternal grandfather (gong gong) recently passed away in Taiwan. Gemma receives the first puzzle in her estranged gong gong's will that leads her on an inheritance hunt throughout Taiwan. With the help of her ex and biggest high school rival, Xander, Gemma joins his Taiwanese American Roots Pursuit (TARP) summer program and starts her treasure hunt in vibrant Taipei. Shortly after she arrives, Gemma finds more hints and puzzles from her gong gong's apartment. Soon, Gemma discovers not only her family's hidden treasure but also learns about family, Taiwanese cultural roots, and true love for Xander. The protagonist's journey is full of twists, family secrets, and the rivals-to-lovers relationship with Xander. The hints of the puzzles build upon one another, providing readers with opportunities to solve them along the way. Full of Taiwanese sights, this engaging book will be enjoyed by readers, whether or not they have knowledge of the culture. VERDICT This beautifully written adventure is for readers who have a great interest in Taiwan and its culture, particularly the various specialty foods. For those who are looking for a perfectly sweet romance story, this book is a must-read.--Anna Ching-Yu Wong
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Recent high school graduate Gemma Sun goes on a treasure hunt in Taiwan. Gemma, who's from "Podunksville, Massachusetts," is looking ahead with excited trepidation to attending Amherst College. But covering the tuition weighs on her mind since she and her single mom have limited finances. So she's shocked to hear that her grandfather in Taipei, whom she had believed to be long dead, was in fact estranged from her mom and died only weeks earlier. His attorney shows up with their inheritance: a box filled with old newspaper clippings. Gemma quickly realizes that the articles contain clues hinting at a big treasure for her to find in Taiwan. Her mother agrees to let her go--if she can pay her own way. The tightly written plot moves quickly as Gemma swallows her pride, asking Harvard-bound ex-boyfriend and nemesis Xander Pan to allow her to participate in the all-expenses-paid Taiwanese American Roots Pursuit program he founded (and which she previously scorned). There Gemma explores Taiwanese culture--and her own independence. As she solves puzzles and her hunt for her grandfather's treasure escalates, she also must collaborate with Xander to get to the solution, bringing them closer together in the process. Chao artfully weaves in themes of Asian American identity, generational trauma, and compassion as each clue that Gemma uncovers leads to another compelling revelation. A thoroughly enjoyable romp that's also rich in self-discovery and romance.(Fiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
