This was a really cute story. I liked the artwork, and the characters were easy to connect with. I especially enjoyed the glimpses into the past and the way the story sometimes blended with Haoran’s drawings. It was thoughtfully crafted.

For a romantic debut graphic novel, this did not disappoint. I immediately fell in love with the art style for both main characters, Alice and Haoran. Not to mention, the cover art truly caught my attention to desire to read this novel.

Book Description/Storyline:
The story follows Alice who is off to college after not doing so well on an exam in China (not to mention there are other factors to consider as well). At her new school, she wants a fresh start, meeting new people, and partying. Little does she know how much of an impact one of her roomates, Haoran, has on her.

Hanoran, the main male character, wants to focus and achieve getting a business degree. He wants to study hard and do all his best since his Dad sacrificed so much for him to attend school overseas. However, Hanoran always has an itch to draw and aspire submitting comics for a contest.

When these two characters get tangled up in burnt cooking, getting stuck in an elevator, and just overall hanging out, Alice and Hanoran realize that there may be something more than just a simple friendship. Each character faces a different challenge whether it be choosing your family or your passion; discovering your identity or losing yourself.

My favorite part of the plot was seeing how Alice and Haoran develop a friendship which leads to a crush/romance. The part that takes the cake for me is the misunderstanding yet, how it is made up was heartfelt and sweet. I felt the pacing of the storyline was not rushed and every scene made the build up worth it!

I would recommend this novel to any young adult reader interested in romance, going off to college, and facing difficult situations.

Thank you NetGalley, Sophie Li, and Norton Young Readers for the early ARC!

I loved this graphic novel so much, the characters were so endearing, the art was so beautiful and I got introduced further to other cultures. I loved how food really brought these new friends together and how the author highlighted how different you can be even when you're from the "same place."

A truly lovely and beautifully illustrated graphic novel set in my favourite city, Toronto. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend it!

This was so sweet and emotional. I loved getting to know the main characters, seeing them get to know each other, flashbacks of their lives, and ugh I just want more! The artwork was good, and it went so well with the vibes of the story. Love Love Love!

In Sophie Li's debut graphic novel, two young people from China are newly arrived in Canada to go to college. Alice and Haoran have had very different experiences that have affected their lives, and are approaching their new start in very different ways. I love how the amazing illustrations can get you right in the feels even without needing words. But the words are so good too!

Haoran is adorable even when he acts serious, and doesn't need as much external affirmation. Alice represents people trying to leave behind negative experiences and trying to live for the moment, for better or worse. They are so different but can they also find something to bring them together? Read to find out!

Very fun color ways and I love the flashback and dream coloring to distinguish it from the current plot.

I also want more jianbing in my life!

heartwarming story about two people finding each other and their own place in the world. loved that this was written in both Chinese and English!

This was a really heartwarming story about two people who find each other in the most unexpected of places. I really enjoyed this graphic novel about what it means to find home both physically and emotionally. It was so heartwarming to see two people follow their dreams.

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel gave me all the feels! It hits during that pivotal stage of life when you leave home for the first time and you're trying to figure out who you are outside of your family's expectations. Reinventing yourself as a university freshman is such a relatable experience, and watching both Alice and Haoran navigate their new lives in North America is incredibly endearing.
When we first meet Alice, she's changed herself to fit in--blonde hair, Western name, North American fashions. She's coming off a high school scandal and majorly disappointing scores on a critical exam. Convinced that she's a complete failure in her successful mom's eyes, she blows off classes and procrastinates on assignments.
Haoran, on the other hand, studies in almost every spare moment--determined not to let his hard-working father down. He knows how much he's sacrificed to send him to a university in Canada for a business degree. But he doesn't love business like he loves the process of creating comics. But he doesn't have the money to do whatever he wants like Alice does. He'll just have to tough it out and study even harder.
The two inevitably clash due to their vastly different backgrounds and expectations of work ethic and responsibility. But readers will find themselves rooting for these two to find their way back to each other.