Truth Be Told |
| Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:50 PM PST  Bitter MelonWritten by: Cara Chow Published on: December 28, 2010 Published by: Egmont USA 320 Pages Format: ARCChallenges: Debut Author Challenge 2010 Age Range: 12+ Frances, a Chinese-American student at an academically competitive school in San Francisco, has always had it drilled into her to be obedient to her mother and to be a straight-A student so that she can go to Med school. But is being a doctor what she wants? It has never even occurred to Frances to question her own feelings and desires until she accidentally winds up in speech class and finds herself with a hidden talent. Does she dare to challenge the mother who has sacrificed everything for her? Set in the 1980s. My Review: Bitter Melon by Cara Chow was a brilliantly written novel. This is one of those books that reaches out to you, and makes you connect with the main character, even if you are worlds apart. Something about the way Cara writes, allows you to understand and feel empathetic for what is going on in Frances' (main character) world. When I first read the synopsis, I was really intrigued. I wasn't sure if I would love it, but something about this book reached out to me. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this. The back cover alone cannot summarize everything that goes on in this story. The greatest thing about this book was watching Frances change, once she decided to do things for herself it was like she began to blossom. Towards the middle and ending of the book you were also able to notice a difference in the way Frances' mother spoke to her. Things that once sounded like caring, motherly statements, began sounding more judgmental and rude. Cara Chow did a good job in describing the change of their relationship. As Frances changes, so does the way she sees her mother. This book is also very clean, there is a little bit of romance but nothing sexual happens. Everything is clean cut. Bitter Melon was a standout book, it's one of those books that just about everyone should read. We have all been in a place where we want to make out own decisions but don't want to disappoint others while making those decisions. Bitter Melon really captures that bitter-sweet moment. I hope to read more from Cara Chow. This is one book that should be added to your to-be read list. Bitter Melon is painfully truthful, and reaches out to young adults in today's world.  I give Bitter Melon 5 Lanterns. I enjoyed reading this book and think there should be more books out there that focus on issues surrounding growing up. Links to purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon  | Indie Bound**Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for this review. No other compensation was made. These are my honest opinions.** 
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