Loveboat, Taipei

I struggled with how to rate this one, for the most part I found it entertaining and I enjoyed the setting and the cultural elements, but as much as I did like Ever, there were other characters that I think I may have preferred to be at the forefront of the story.

Ever’s parents fear boys and dancing will steer their doctor-to-be down the wrong path so they send her to a summer program in Taiwan where they hope she’ll learn mandarin and stay on track as the “perfect” daughter. However, Loveboat Taipei, as the program is known among the students, offers many opportunities for rebellion and for the first time in her life, Ever decides to indulge.

Partying isn’t remotely my thing in life, so it isn’t necessarily high on my list show more to read about either, but I could see how it was important in Ever’s process of figuring out who she is without her parents making all her decisions for her, so even though those weren’t my favorite scenes in the book, at least they didn’t just feel like the obligatory YA scenes where the characters make obviously questionable decisions, it did feel like that experience was necessary to Ever’s growth.

I’m torn over whether or not this book had too much going on. It touches on bigotry, stereotypes, slut-shaming, mental health, dyslexia, self-esteem, and abuse, which is a lot, but because it only touches on those things, the book rarely feels all that heavy, so on the one hand I think this is a great way for readers who typically shy away from more serious subject matter to just kind of dip their toe in the water without feeling like they’re drowning in difficult things. But for readers like myself who are okay with delving into heavier material, there were definitely moments where I longed for a larger page count that would allow for digging deeper into these subjects, especially since it felt like the author would be capable of doing so.

That’s kind of tied into how I feel about Ever and wondering if maybe I would have liked Loveboat Taipei that much more had other characters been the lead instead of her. I do think having to choose between happiness and pleasing your parents is a strong story, relatable for plenty of people, and I wasn’t bored by Ever, it’s just that her story felt more familiar and I guess to some degree less complicated than what Sophie, Jenna, and Xavier were going through, and so oftentimes I found myself more invested in what was happening with them as side characters than what was happening with Ever the main character. I think part of that was about all three of those characters being a bit more morally gray than Ever, and in a way, a bit more vulnerable than her as well, and where Ever is mostly (though not always) an observer of the serious topics mentioned in the previous paragraph, Sophie, Jenna, and Xavier, were more directly involved in those situations, and to be in the very heart of those issues might have made for a more emotionally involving read.

While this wasn’t ultimately a five star read for me, I do like an author willing/able to mix fluffiness with seriousness and who crafts dimensional characters, so I’ll be happy to give the sequel a try whenever it releases. show less

A college friend was part of a so-called Loveboat program so I was curious to pick this up and see how the experience is portrayed. Ever (short for Everett) chafes at her strict parents’ expectations and dreams for her. They want her to attend medical school; she gets woozy at the sight of blood and her passion is dance. Without asking, they sign Ever up for an 8-week Chinese cultural program in Taipei. Once there, she finds herself one among many Asian American teens versus one of the few in her Ohio town. The program is known for its meat-market aspect; there are plenty of dalliances, flirting, short-lived relationships, and hookups. Ever finds herself in a love triangle between Rick, the prodigy kid her parents have held her up to, show more and his roommate Xavier, a brooding playa with unexpected secrets. A jacket blurb described this as “Crazy Rich Asians” meets Jane Austen. It didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. The characters weren’t fleshed out fully and I wanted more depth in the presentation of the Loveboat program and why it’s a big deal for Chinese American families. However, this #ownvoices book is unique in portraying this cultural phenomenon, and worth checking out for that. show less

Entertaining, but pretty superficial when it came to character development. A young American Asian woman travels to Taipei to attend a camp after high school. She breaks out of her rigid, sheltered childhood and challenges herself to disregard the rules she was raised with. People fall in and out of love in a heartbeat and the relationship felt as ephemeral as the plot. It won't stick with me, but it was a fun quick read.

I really enjoyed this book. It focused not just on first love, etc, it focused on the love of learning where you come from and how to embrace this new side of you. It wasn't an escapist novel, it focused on many different genres, such as LGBTQ/Racism/Sexism/Learning Disabilities/Asian Stereotypes. It did remind of a younger version of Crazy Rich Asians, to the point that just as those adults did in that book, the kids have the pressure of being the best that they can, even if it's not seen that way by their parents. Ever's parents expect her to be a doctor, since her dad was unable to continue practicing as a doctor when they emigrated to the US; Sophie is seeking out a rich husband, while she should be looking at what she can truly be, show more a leader; Rick has the pressure of being the best all-around ever since his father left the family while feeling the need to take care of his girlfriend who tends to be on the suicide route; and Xavier, son of the wealthiest man in Taipei, who is never good enough in his father's eyes. Each of these characters, along with some sub-characters, transform into what they truly want to be with help from each other, exploring sides to themselves they never wished to bring to the forefront before. If it weren't for this "Loveboat" trip, it leaves you wondering what would have happened had they not enrolled in this camp. show less

soapy and sappy. I still enjoyed it.

It's a young adult book with love triangles. Main difference is that it's set in Love Boat Taipei ... where parents send their kids to get educated in Chinese culture and language ... and instead those kids get an education in other things.

I actually disliked Ever, the protagonist, for a good part of the book. As a parent of an eighteen year old, I found a lot of their advice practical. It's the story that kept me turning pages ... like the back story of Xaiver and Rick. And the mystery artist who drew pictures of Ever.

I found this book because my wife was Abby's real life roommate in Love Boat. So I have heard many stories of Love Boat already. And no, my wife and I didn't meet at Love Boat. But we show more did both go to Taiwan at different times as kids. show less

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher (Harper Teen) for promotional purposes.

I was really looking forward to reading this one since it is an Asian American Own Voices novel, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.

The whole beginning and middle section felt like an early 2000’s teen book. There was a lot of unnecessary drama and it felt so unrealistic. The main character, Ever, went from total good girl to rebellious teenager so quickly. Also, the students in the program would often get in trouble for some things, but for other things, the faculty had no clue what was going on. (Sorry if that sounds super vague, I’m trying to remain spoiler free).

Additionally, I didn’t love either of the show more two potential love interests for Ever. I just didn’t see any chemistry between Ever and either one of them.

The book did get better towards the end (around the last quarter). Once a lot of the initial drama was resolved, the book became more enjoyable. There was actually time spent on character development, which was sorely missing for a large part of the book. Also at the end, the message and lessons really shined through.

Overall, parts of this book were lacking, while other parts were satisfying. show less

I hate all the major characters in this book except for Xavier. I didn't know what was triggering me so much from the start to the middle of the book, but it all became clear when Ever made the most annoying thing I hate. This book is all about cheating. Yeah that's how I would summarize it. A sex getaway for the young Asian who are deprived of freedom by their immigrants parents.

Ever felt very guilty for kissing Xavier after his break-up with Sophie, her "friend" who lied and very vicious and practically stole what originally was given for her by the guy who loves her, Xavier. Yet, she was okay seducing Rick, man in a relationship because what? His girlfriend had depression and she never seen her? And worse after the horrible nude show more "pØrn" scandal, which Sophie started, she turn into a goody-two-shoes hypocrite who worries about Sophie's feelings and wellbeing because of course stole Sophie's "boyfriend" still while dreaming that Rick, the guy who went to see his depress girlfriend, would break-up with his girlfriend. Then after giving Xavier hopes she cheat on him. Wow, she sure love to cheat.

I don't think I have to say it, but I will. I regret reading this book to the end. Why didn't I DNF'd this? Stupid me. But my problem was that I was too curious where it will go and the story just keep pissing me off until the end.

Triggers for this book:

Cheating. Emotional abuse. Domestic abuse. Slut shamming. I feel like there's no real friendship in this book. I'm pissed. I'm pissed! ARGHHH!!! show less