Welcome to Litsy!

First read of the year. First five star of 2025. This is a beautiful story of discovering love in different spaces: family, friendship, and romance. The past of others does not write someone else's future.

A big thank you to @MeganAnn for great the #auldlangspine recommendation!

@monalyisha

Every bit as good as expected. Val believes her family is cursed—no one ever has any luck with love, something particularly devastating for someone who loves Valentine‘s Day…until she doesn‘t. Is she really fated to never find true love? She wonders & it‘s a question that comes into sharper focus when she meets a pair of cute lion dancers. Family secrets, friendship, falling into love (maybe?!?) combine in a wonderful story. An entertaining read.

Yang‘s stories never disappoint so I‘m anticipating a good read. 🤞

This is an absolutely delightful young adult graphic novel, both the artwork and the story! I loved being immersed in the Asian culture and though I don‘t normally enjoy romance, I found this to be a believable and heartfelt love story. All about Valentine‘s Day, family, abandonment, but also showing up, lion dancing, second chances, friends, Rome and more! I was charmed. For Heartstopper fans.

I must not be in a graphic novel mood lately. 🤷🏻‍♀️ This story was fine but it just didn‘t grab me that much. It might be me and not the book, though. I think I‘ll try some non GNs for my next few reads.

Book 15 of 2024! I was sad when this YA graphic novel was over. So good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An intriguing, slightly mystical young adult romance. I loved how it incorporated elements from different cultures and mythologies into its theme, and that the art is really important to the story, not just illustrating the words. It would make a fantastic animated movie.

#BlameItOnLitsy

@Faranae I'm tempted to use this for URC “fine art on the cover“ 'cause it's so gorgeous or should I go more conventional?

Valentine‘s Day used to be Valentina‘s favorite holiday—but not anymore. She believes her family is cursed to be unlucky in love. But when she meets a cute lion dancer on Lunar New Year, she embarks on a reluctant journey, hoping that maybe—just maybe—she can break that curse. This didn‘t have the complexity I loved in American Born Chinese, but as a love story, it still took some unexpected turns! Great characters, & I loved the artwork as well.

The author draws inspiration from his personal experience to show the similarities between Judaism and Chinese culture by highlighting the Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions. Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards 2024, it‘s a great picture book with vibrant illustrations to share with young readers, to learn about different cultures and reflect on customs that intertwine so beautifully. The back matter is very informative and helpful.

Such a great graphic novel! The story took a lot of twists and turns, the characters were funny and heartwarming, and the art was INCREDIBLE. I got this around Lunar New Year, and I was a little late in finishing it, but so worth it. Would definitely recommend!