-->

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee | YA Romance

          

"Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee"
Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi



Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee | YA Romance | Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi | Top Indian Book Blogger
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee


Author: Sher Lee

ISBN: 978-1035028313

Genre: Young-Adult Romance

Length: 272 Pages

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

PublisherPan Macmillan India

Cover Art: Myriam Strasbourg | Website: www.myriamstrasbourg.com

Cover Designer: Casey Moses | Website: www.caseymoses.com

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/44LeZ5u



About the author:

SHER LEE writes rom-coms and fantasy novels for teens. Fake Dates and Mooncakes is her debut. Like the main character, she has made mooncakes with her favorite aunt and has an abiding love for local street food (including an incredible weakness for xiao long bao). She lives in Singapore with her husband and two adorable corgis, Spade and Clover.


Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee | YA Romance | Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi | Top Indian Book Blogger
Sher Lee with Spade and Clover

Instagram: @sherleeauthor

Website: sherleeauthor.com


DisclaimerThis review is only intended for initiating discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author. 



REVIEW

"Fake Dates and Mooncakes" is a feel-good teen drama that had me hooked from the very first page. From the outset, it was clear that FOOD would play a vital role, and the delectable prose, steeped in Singaporean and Chinese culinary traditions, lived up to the promise hinted at in the title. Set in the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn and the Hamptons, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Dylan. His world revolves around family – Aunt Jade, along with her children Megan and Tim, not to mention their lovable pet, Clover the Corgi. Dylan grapples with a life-altering decision, torn between pursuing a career as a veterinarian or a chef. At the heart of it all lies Wok Warriors, Aunt Jade's Singaporean-Chinese takeout restaurant, where Dylan lends a helping hand when he's not buried in his studies. However, his world takes an unexpected turn when Theo, the son of a wealthy businessman, enters his life. Theo crashes his cousin's wedding uninvited, with Dylan reluctantly posing as his pretend boyfriend.

Watching Dylan navigate the world of "rich-people problems" alongside Theo was undeniably adorable. Dylan agrees to this charade because of his growing fondness for Theo. On the flip side, Theo's character raises some eyebrows. More often than not, Theo's well-intentioned actions and privileged background seem to bring more chaos than harmony into Dylan's life. Their relationship becomes overshadowed by the financial support Theo provides. Consequently, the focus shifts away from matters of love or genuine dating; it becomes more about friendship and Dylan's reliance on Theo, as it appears he has no other confidant in this endeavour—winning the mooncake-making contest to save Wok Warriors.

Honestly, I found it challenging to see their relationship as anything beyond friends with benefits. Dylan brings emotional depth to their connection through his rich cultural values, while Theo helps Dylan navigate the challenges of opulence, attention, and some rather indifferent individuals. This dynamic didn't resonate with me. Their relationship feels shaky right from the start, lacking the profound connection I was hoping for, aside from a few symbolic gestures like the bracelet, baseball cap, and 'remembrance,' which contribute to the plot but don't really add depth to their bond. However, apart from the aspect of love, other themes are skillfully woven into the narrative. I found myself captivated by the exploration of the legend of Chang'e, the sensitive handling of xenophobia, the tantalizing food, and the intricacies of mooncake-making. Whether you're seeking solace in a comforting read during your leisure time or looking to mend a wounded heart, this book is a perfect choice.




Happy Reading!


Are you on Instagram and Goodreads? Let's connect!




Dhiraj's Bookshelf

Lovelorn : A compilation of heartache and heartbreaksThe WallHomeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in IndiaWhy Am I Like This?: A Journey into Psychological AstrologyTales of Hazaribagh: An Intimate Exploration of Chhotanagpur PlateauThe Cat Who Saved Books
In the Company of StrangersRippling waters of SolitudeGet Out: The Gay Man's Guide to Coming and Going Out!Of Marriages and MadnessDopehriThe Cat and the Cow
The Train to TanjoreRohzinThe Blue Book: A Writer's JournalMurder in the Bylanes: Life and Death in a Divided CityDear Mom: Finding Hope, Happiness and HerThe Ascendance of Evil
A Little Lifesemicolon: a novel


Dhiraj Sindhi's favorite books »




=========================

Follow me on InstagramFacebookTwitter, and Pinterest. Don't forget to subscribe for more content. Thank you so much for reading!

Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

No comments:

Post a Comment

Featured Post

Mihir Vatsa's Tales of Hazaribagh — An Authentic Portrayal of Being a True Wanderlust

      "In Tales of Hazaribagh, Mihir Provides an Authentic Portrayal of Being a True Wanderlust" Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi Tale...

Popular Posts