Agh this book cut me deep. I'd heard good things about the author's previous book, and the cover immediately drew my attention (it's so gorgeous). On reflection, it's interesting that it's classified as Teens & YA as I feel like the themes are much more New Adult; the main character Pablo grapples with college debt, figuring out his life, new independence from his parents, friends moving in different directions etc.

Firstly, I love the way that it's written. Through the first person prose you really get a sense of Pablo's character and his individual way of thinking, even before you get to know him that well. It goes beyond good writing in the sense of pretty turns of phrase (though it has plenty of those as well), it plays a key part in building Pablo into a character that feels so real, into a person that you genuinely empathise with and feel their moments of despair and joy. That's not to say that you always agree with what he's saying or doing, but it feels very real.

On a personal level, I (along with most people probably) could really empathise with Pablo's uncertainty about what he wants to do in life and desire to escape into another world, as well as his unwillingness/not being able to make the tough decisions and take action. His particular anxiety really came across, to an extent that it felt overwhelming at times. I found Leanna really interesting, and the novel explores this extravagant, deeply strange world of A-List celebrity in a somewhat fresh way, which is incredible given how much the topic has been mined in media already. I appreciate the way the novel established her agency in this world, regarding her career path, but also highlighted the exploitation that people face in the industry, especially young female artists. Really, the book is about Pablo and his journey and so it makes sense that we follow his point of view gaining peeks into her life, but I sometimes couldn't help wanting more of Leanna's story. My favourite element of the book was probably the relationship between Pablo and his family, and his reflections on being a 'mixed' kid, but I also loved the witty exchanges between him and Leanna.

Overall, this is a very well-written, sometimes emotionally tough to read, book that explores the real struggles of being in your early twenties and not knowing how to do life.

I had heard really good things about this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I didn't really see the point of the book and I didn't like the writing style. I read a lot of YA but this one felt really young and I didn't connect with any of the characters. I couldn't see any reason to finish this book so unfortunately had to DNF, which I don't do very often at all.

Mary H. K. Choi is an author that we’ve all heard about a lot within the last year because of her debut, Emergency Contact, that although I own I still haven’t read (oops?), so when presented with the chance of reading her brand new book, I jumped on it.

Permanent Record follows Pablo, a recent university dropout who is trying to figure out what to do next in his life.

I found Pab to very relatable at times mainly regarding how lost he is. However, his I’ll-deal-with-it later attitude annoyed me a lot throughout the book as well as his ‘disregard’ for his family - especially considering how sweet they all were.

His relationship with superstar Leanna felt completely useless to me, I hated the insta-relationship and Lee was not a character I enjoyed reading about.

When it comes to the plot, well, there isn’t really one, is there? I found myself wondering more than once what was the point of it all. The ending did make it better by how sweet and uplifting it was but the process to get there was slow and tenuous.

To conclude I can’t really say I enjoyed Permanent Record. I did like our MC, although only half the time, but that was one of the only things I liked. I found the plot to be almost non-existent and the romance to be completely useless.

I DNFd this one before hitting 50%, I couldn't get into the writing style and didn't enjoy the characters unfortunately.

This book follows Pablo, our main protagonist and the only character who we follow in POV and his relationship with Caroline, a famous pop star, as well as his dealing with his deep debt and mental health. 

Sadly I didn't really like this book. There was nothing to endear the characters to me, and I just didn't like it. 

The boyish banter between Pablo and his friends was a bit much for me (I typically don't like boys as my POV for some reason), the snacks and pop culture references went straight over my head and I just felt so old reading this! Maybe I've outgrown YA contemporary which is a shame. 

The only problems I had when reading this were my own personal problems. I do recommend this, especially if you liked her previous book. 

Trigger warnings for anxiety, depression and talk of debt problems.

I'm not sure how to formulate a substantial review for this at the moment so we're just going to bullet point some thoughts.

• I really appreciated the way our main character was written. His narrative when dealing with anxiety/depression and his concerns about his future and financial situation were all depicted very accurately in my opinion. Yeah, it made him unlikeable at times, and I DEFINITELY wanted to reach in and give him a shake, but thats the reality of mental health and the pressure new adults face.

• I wish we'd had a little bit more from his friend group. I liked the dynamic between them and the fact that Pab got called out for being a shitty friend was fantastic

• Pab's family were all super cute. His Dad is my fav

• It would've been nice to hear Lee's perspective at certain points in the story. I really liked her as a character and found myself immersed in the parts where she discussed her life etc

• The romance wasn't the focus of this entire book and I LOVED that. Of course craved more of the cutesy moments and the butterflies because thats who I am as a person, but it was nice to see that even without that, Pab's story still had me invested

• Finally, the ending. I get the feeling its going to be controversial, but I think it was perfect. I won't elaborate further because spoilers but YES.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, overall.

I had to DNF this because I can't stand Pablo, the insta love between him and Leanne is too weird. Their lovey dovey convos are really nauseating and I think it's because it's told from Pablo's point of view. He idolises someone he barely knows and states he wants to marry Leanne on their first meeting at the shop. It's unrealistic and kind of creepy that he has these thoughts to be honest and I couldn't get past it. I'd laugh it off as cute and funny if he didn't reiterate that sentiment multiple times in the 35% of the book I read.
Pablo's family is also a mess, which is okay because most are, but the fact that his dad is pretty much absent and his mother drowns herself in work leaving his 13 year-old brother to fend for himself. Pablo doesn't live with his family so his brother literally lives by himself most of the time. How has he not been taking away by child services?

I'm probably being too critical but these things actually bothered me while I was reading. And the story is really boring because Pablo is boring and judgemental.

I'm sorry I couldn't finish this, I tried for a whole week, every day, and the story just didn't interest me.

You know when you feel like a book has been sent to you by some divine intervention because it hits you right in the heart and soothes you in a way you never expected? Yeah, that was what Permanent Record and Mary H. K. Choi’s writing did for me. I could relate to this novel on so many levels and I was up till stupid o’clock to finish reading, and it was so worth it. This book is deeply important and it moved me so incredibly much. I found myself feeling so much hope and joy for the characters and their journey and I just know this book holds a permanent place in my heart now. You could even say it holds a permanent record…Okay I’ll stop now and get on with the review.

The novel is centered on Pablo Neruda Rind, a 20 year old college dropout who is working in a bodega to make ends meet, he has crippling student and credit card debt and feels pretty lost in life. He doesn’t know what his future holds and while his friends and family are moving on and succeeding in their pursuits, he just feels stuck. The novel is told entirely through his perspective and I really enjoyed reading how his mind worked, his voice was so entertaining and authentic. At times it does feel kind of overwhelming , but I think this reflects Pablos rapid thought process more than anything and how everything feels like it’s going so fast around him.

One morning as Pablo is working, a beautiful girl walks into the bodega and it’s none other than Leanna Smart, 22 year old mega star whose life is all private jets, glam clothes and hordes of fans. Pablo and Leanna hit it off immediately and so begins their sweet and unconventional relationship. While the romance did feel kind of insta-lovey to me at first, as the story progressed it was kind of understandable. They’re two young people who are riding the ups and downs of being a twenty something year old and so when they find some happiness, an escape and someone who makes them feel understood they both just go for it without overthinking it.

More than any other element in the book however, I could really relate to the exploration of mental illness, specifically depression within the novel. I think that Choi portrays the intricacies of mental health so well and how depression can manifest in different ways depending on the individual and this was so powerful. Depression is not always being unable to leave the house and being ‘outwardly sad’, sometimes it’s putting off important tasks because it overwhelms you, not being able to express your feelings for fear of being rejected, and not being able to ask for help. Pablo exhibits some of these behaviours and while he doesn’t get a formal diagnosis in the course of the novel, it’s evident that he is depressed at certain points in the story, but just doesn’t know how to put this into words.

While this exploration of depression is important, it was just as important, if not more that Pablo manages to work through some of his issues and actually finds happiness. He still doesn’t have everything figured out but he finds a way and it was great to read that he finds light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. It was a nice change to see a character who goes through mental hardship succeed and have their story end in a hopeful and realistic way. I would have liked to see him seeking professional help or even therapy of some sort in the novel itself, but perhaps this will come later. I’m not sure if there will be a sequel or if this is a standalone but either way, I would like to think Pablo gets the help he needs.

The novel is own voices for Korean representation, and it was great to see biracial characters discussing their life experiences, this was so valid and I think readers will really be able to connect with this element of the novel. Most of the characters in the novel are People of Colour and it’s kind of shocking to realise that I’ve gone pretty much my entire life reading novels where POC are a minority so it was refreshing reading a contemporary novel that has such a diverse cast of characters in the forefront, being unapologetically themselves.

Pablo is Korean and Pakistani, but grew up in New York and as much as he appreciates both parts of his heritage, he doesn’t know how to speak Korean or Urdu and he has never visited either country. He is sort of stuck between these worlds and he finds it hard to navigate his identity and this is explored with both his character and Leanna as well. Leanna is Mexican and White and there’s a small moment where she asserts that she is Mexican and claims her heritage that speaks volumes. Although I’m not biracial myself, I recognise and appreciate the discussions opened up in this novel and it was a joy to read it done in a way that felt upfront but sensitive too.

Overall, I can’t recommend Permanent Record enough, this is honestly a life changing read. I think anybody in their twenties who doesn’t have it all figured out, which let’s face it, is most of us at some point or other, will be able to relate to Pablo and the other characters and feel seen and heard through this novel. I hope this review finds you all well,

Review to be posted on: 28th October 2019

A fizzy, crunchy, exceptionally toothsome YA. Diverse, funny, and grounded in relatable and believable detail - come for the romance, stay for the thoughtful, serious treatment of debt and aimlessness (and the excellent snack ideas!)

I really tried to read this book but I ended up not even lasting a chapter and just skimmed it till the end to see how it ended.
I did sympathize with Pablo's struggle with money and finding his place in the world when there is so much inequality and racism only makes it even more difficult but I just couldn't sympathize with him or like him as a person. I also couldn't get my head around the writing style and that was what eventually make me DNF it.
I know that the hype for this astronomical but this story just wasn't for me. I won't give up on the author yet though, seeing as the few pages of Emergency Contact, her first novel seemed much more my speed.
Thank you to Atom and NetGalley for this DRC.

Mary H.K. Choi's Permanent Record was one one of my most anticipated reads this year because I absolutely adored Emergency Contact. I am so pleased I got the chance to read the Advanced Reader Copy! 

Permanent Record is about Pablo, a NYU dropout who works night shifts in a New York deli/bodega, is obsessed with snack foods and has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. When celebrity Leanna Smart turns up in the store early one morning, they immediately click and though their being together feels like a pipe dream, Pablo is whisked away into Lee's world and from his own problems. For a little while, at least. 

The first thing I'll say about this book is that I didn't love it the same way I did Emergency Contact or as much. They are actually very different books, even if they do have Mary H.K. Choi's super cool vibe to them. I was expecting something quite similar to Emergency Contact, and while there are similarities in the tone, I think the biggest difference was the romance aspect of the plot and the fact that it wasn't a multi-perspective narrative. 

Pablo and Lee's romantic relationship was intense, enjoyable and sometimes kinda sad to read. However, I wasn't entirely convinced by their romance. It seemed unlikely and a bit too "insta-love" for my tastes, though I do think that was in some ways intentional as it reflected the way both characters were dealing with making choices and trying to find happiness in their complicated lives. There were definitely some adorable moments in their relationship and I really enjoyed everything they learned by being together and how it all turned out for them by the end of the book. It was quite a refreshing look at romantic relationships. But the most interesting thing that came out of Pablo's relationship with Lee was the insight into her celebrity life and all the sacrifices she had to make to be where she was and have the life she had. It was very well done and made me think I could never cope with being famous!

My favourite thing about this book was without a doubt Pablo himself. His inability to make or act on decisions, habit of running away from his problems and the way he became so caught up in his romance with Lee and his own issues that he started neglecting friends and family were both incredibly frustrating and so relatable because these tendencies are just so human. Pablo is a very flawed character (all the characters are in this book, really) and I really loved how those flaws were explored in the book to discuss anxiety, depression and some rather cynical views about society. It was fascinating. This novel is so character-driven, a book about a guy trying to find his path in the world and I loved that because it was just so relatable for anyone who has no clue what they want to do, as I have in the past and to some degree still am! I also found Pablo's love of snacks really interesting, even though I had no idea what he was on about most of the time as I'd never heard of most of the food. His snack rants and reviews still made me hungry. 

Permanent Record is a fascinating depiction of life and humanity. It contains fantastic portrayals of family relationships and friendships, an interesting romance between two people who would normally never be together and many insights into life, including having the courage to go for your dreams, no matter what they are. I enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it if you want to read something super cool and different..

~~~
This review will be posted on my blog Thesepaperwords on the 24th of October.
Link to my blog: https://thesepaperwords.wordpress.com/

The interaction with a celebrity and ‘commoner’ has long been the source of story lines going way back to Cinderella. The author in this case has taken that strand and brought it right up to date. This time the celebrity is an mega pop star whose image and brand is all over social media. The boy,a college dropout, who works in a health food shop in New York. From there the couple fall in love with each other, an unlikely friendship, yet it works.

Mary HK Choi has written a really good account of their subsequent friendship. It has all the ingredients for a good story and the author doesn’t disappoint with her telling. It’s told with a lot of panache, the chatty way May Choi writes is perfect for the story and you’re soon engrossed in story, not wanting to let go until the end. The twists come thick and fast. The ending is satisfying.

Through out the novel the author questions the impact the social media has on us, how people and their image is not what it always seems. The way people go out of their way to discredit others and bring them down. The online trolls that make lives a misery at times. Yet essentially this is a teen love story set in the times we live in.

I really enjoyed this book, would readily recommend it to teenagers who want a fresh read. The story is fast paced and the characters encourage us to have empathy with them. By the end I really did care what happened to Lee and Pab, not often that happens in YA romance books for me.

This book was sent for a fair and honest review by the author via NetGallery . The resulting review is my honest thoughts after reading the book.

"No finite moment is responsible for my success. There wasn't a fork in the road. Some monumental inflection point where my life changed. It was the accumulation of totally normal, regular-ass days where I worked hard, followed my better instincts, and did the right thing. You don't get to start over every day, you get to keep going."

I have mixed feelings towards this book, there were elements in the story, which I thought was done splendidly but there were also a few things which bothered and annoyed me.

This is a story of Pablo Neruda Rind, a 20 yr old, NYU drop out who has no idea where his life is going or what he wants to do with it. He has gathered a ton of debts and is barely getting by. Then one night, while his shift at a 24 hr Deli, Pop star, Leanna Smart walks in and the two of them hit it off immediately. What follows is a whirl wind of relationship, while Pablo's life spirals out of control.

Mary H.K. Choi writing is lucid, engaging and the plot is a coming off age story which deals with the common dilemmas of being in the 20's and the depression and anxiety that follows when an individual's life isn't going anywhere. In the beginning I could very well understand what Pablo was going through but as the story progressed and Pablo kept running away from his problem, I felt disconnected with his characters. I suppose that was done on purpose but blaming others because of one's own failure is not something I agree on. Now if Pablo had tried and failed, I would have been able to feel for him but instead he chose to whine about his problems and didn't do anything to rectify his situation until the very end. That's something which made me not like him and affected how I felt about this book as a whole.

I also wasn't very fond of the relationship between Pablo and Leanna. Apart from being impulsive and insta-lovey, the relationship between these two didn't made sense to me. I think that Pablo and Leanna would have been just friends and it wouldn't have made any difference to the story because at the heart of it Permanent Record wasn't a romance book, this was more about finding one self and owing one's own life. And because this book is narrated by Pablo himself, I didn't really feel connected to Leanna's character.

Among the things that I did like in the story was the family dynamics and the friendships that Pablo shared with his roommates. Some of my favourite parts were when Pablo was interacting with his family and friends. They were filled with laughter, tears and life lessons, which, I think were the best part of the book. Also, the diversity and the cultural aspect depicted in this book is bang on perfect. I also think that the ending even though a little unconventional was amazing and superbly done.

Overall, Permanent Record was an average, sometimes fun, sometimes tiresome book. This was the first book that I read by Mary H.K. Choi and despite it not meeting all of my expectations, I kind of enjoyed it and will look out for the author's other books in the future.

I am not a massive fan of contemporary YA/ NA but this was lovely. Two people slightly out of step with the rest of the world and with their own lives collide and discover that life is messy but that’s what makes it wonderful. This is an ode to making choices and learning that success can be defined in far more ways than by merely measuring it in money or fame. It was a romance but it had so much more depth than that, involving complicated character study and an incredibly gripping plot that was still very quiet on the action front. Amazing work.

3.5 rounded down

Mary H.K. Choi's sophomore offering is a YA coming of age story following a young man, Pablo Neruda Rind, who has recently dropped out of NYU. He has accumulate a ton of credit card debt and has a job working in a local store. One night, a former childhood star and now international superstar pop singer, Leanna Smart, comes into the store to buy some snacks and the two embark on a relationship.

The relationship ostensibly makes up the main narrative thrust, but for me this was more a novel about finding your way in your 20s when you figure out that you're a) not that special and b) in no position to judge others decisions on how to live their life. Pablo is focused on maintaining an image that he's still at NYU to everyone but his immediate family and best friends, and as the novel progresses we see him struggle to keep up this facade. I thought Pablo's (likely) depression was well portrayed too, and was pleased the ending forwent cliche.

*Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

<b>1.5 stars</b>

I really don't enjoy this new wave of millennial lingo and social media, so when an author adopts this to appear relevant then I'm not here for it. I haven't read <i>Emergency Contact</i>, so I don't know if this is the author's typical style of writing, but It's not something that appeals to me at all, sorry!