Parents' Guide to

Loveboat, Taipei

By Amanda Nojadera, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Taiwanese American teen finds love and freedom in fun tale.

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Abigail Hing Wen has created a fun, fast-paced, and dramatic coming-of-age novel about a Taiwanese-American teen who finds love and freedom in an unexpected place. She pulls from her own experience attending the infamous Chien Tan program as inspiration for Ever's story, and her rich, detailed descriptions will transport readers to Taiwan. As in other Asian/Asian American tales, such as American Panda or Frankly in Love, Ever is caught between two cultures and is struggling to please her parents while staying true to herself. And while there are plenty of entertaining moments in Ever's love life, Loveboat, Taipei also delves into some heavy themes, including mental health issues, abusive relationships, and racism. It can be a lot to process at times, but as Ever learns more about herself and begins to embrace her culture, readers will understand how important open, honest communication is in healthy relationships.

Book Details

  • Author: Abigail Hing Wen
  • Genre: Coming of Age
  • Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: HarperTeen
  • Publication date: January 7, 2020
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
  • Number of pages: 432
  • Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
  • Last updated: September 28, 2021

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