Love and Other Moods by Crystal Z. Lee Pages: 324
on December 10, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, contemporary, Coming of Age
Source: Paperback from Author
Love and Other Moods is a coming-of-age story set in contemporary China, about falling in love, learning to adult, finding strength, and discovering one’s place in the world.
Naomi Kita-Fan uproots her life from New York to China when her fiancé’s company transfers him to Shanghai. After a disastrous turn of events, Naomi finds herself with no job, no boyfriend, and nowhere to live in a foreign country.
Amidst the backdrop of Shanghai welcoming millions of workers and visitors to the 2010 World Expo, we meet a tapestry of characters through Naomi: Joss Kong, a Shanghai socialite who leads an enviable life, but must harbor the secrets of her husband, Tay Kai Tang. Logan Hayden, a womanizing restaurateur looking for love in all the wrong places. Pan Jinsung and Ouyang Zhangjie, a silver-aged couple struggling with adapting to the ever-changing faces of their city. Dante Ouyang, who had just returned to China after spending years overseas, must choose between being filial and being in love. All their dreams and aspirations interweave within the sprawling web of Shanghai.
This multilayered novel explores a kaleidoscope of shifting relationships——familial friction, amorous entanglements, volatile friendships——in one of the most dynamic metropolises of the twenty-first century.
Love and Other Moods is a young adult contemporary by Crystal Z. Lee. This is a really nice coming of age story, set in China. I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely journey where the reader really gets to know the characters. I appreciated not only the romance but also the great personal growth of our main character. I think this book is perfect for readers who are looking for a romantic coming of age tale that will transport you to China. I don’t know about you, but since I have not been traveling lately, I have really loved books that transport me to another place so I can travel vicariously through the characters. That is what Love and Other Moods did for me.
in Love and Other Moods, we meet our main character Naomi. Naomi moved to Shangai with her fiancé, but soon after arriving she finds out he is cheating on her. Alone in a new place, Naomi decides to stay in China for her own personal adventure. I really admired Naomi. She went through something really tough and traumatic and she didn’t run home right after. She made the brave decision to try something new on her own. I really liked Naomi. There is a lot packed into the book for Naomi. She not only has to deal with her broken engagement, but she also has to deal with a lot of external real world issues like racism and cultural identity issues. I appreciated that Crystal Lee didn’t shy away from some difficult topics, but she also did a great job balancing out the tough with some lighter fun themes. I thought this book was a beautiful balance of all the emotions. I really enjoyed Naomi’s journey.
Bottom line: This book is perfect for readers who are looking for a beautiful coming of age story and who would like to travel to another country. Love and Other Moods has romance, self-discovery, adventure and plenty of laughs and some tears. This book was a lot of fun. I think author Crystal Z. Lee told a beautiful story and did a great job balancing out the difficult themes addressed with some nice moments of happiness and levity.
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Barbara
Would love to read her books
Jeff L
Great giveaway!
Penny Branson LeBaron
This sound right up my alley!
teresa kunberger
This is something i know i would pick up if i seen!