A few people recommended this book and I’m really glad I read it. It’s more of a coming of age story than a romance though the love story is beautiful. I learned so much about the time period and what it looked like from the eyes of a young Chinese American girl. While I don’t always enjoy historical fiction, Malinda Lo’s touch was light so that the history served as an interesting backdrop. I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars because there are a few chapters from Lily’s parents’ and her aunt’s perspective that didn’t add much flavor to the story (in my opinion), and the storylines about women being able to be mathematicians or pilots or hold other male-dominated professions felt forced at times (though of course I love to see it). Apart from that, the pacing felt right, the story was appropriate for YA audience, and I was really rooting for Lily.

Short summary: Lily knows something inside her is different than her friends. She’s drawn to male impersonators, lesbian romance, a club known to serve homosexuals, and Kath - the only other girl in math with her; though she doesn’t know exactly why..yet. Can she remain the good Chinese daughter, or will she entertain these confusing feelings?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐