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Book Review of Hangry Hearts 

LibriDilectio

Hangry Hearts: A Culinary Romance that Missed the Mark

When I first came across Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chon, I couldn’t resist its charming premise: a love story set against the vibrant backdrop of the Pasadena Farmers Market, all wrapped up in a delicious mix of food and romance. The idea of Romeo and Juliet—but without the tragic ending—had me perched on the edge of my seat, eager to dive into a narrative that promised flavors of both love and culture. Plus, the added layer of LGBTQ+ representation, particularly with a trans love interest, had me intrigued. I was ready to savor every page.

Honestly, as I sat down to read, I had high expectations, especially after Jennifer shared her journey and insights during the What a Girl Wants panel at the LA Times Festival of Books. Yet, despite the promise of a narrative full of tantalizing dishes and heartfelt connections, I found myself feeling a bit… hungry for more.

The story centers around Julie and Randall, two teens whose families operate rival food stalls. On paper, the rivalry modeled after the dynamic of two feuding families sounded captivating, but the execution felt surprisingly bland. I wanted to be swept away by the scent of jasmine rice and the thrill of young love, but the pacing left me feeling oddly detached. The tension between their families was established, but instead of being a fiery backdrop, it became a mild simmer. While I appreciated the representation of Korean American and Taiwanese American cultures, the emotional stakes did not elevate the story as I had hoped.

As I read, I often found myself wrestling with the storyline. The contrasting neighborhoods—Pasadena and the Westside—felt like they should create a palpable tension, yet the plot stumbled into less engaging territory. The struggle of sneaking around and navigating parental expectations didn’t resonate with my own experiences. I found myself questioning, “Are these really the biggest dilemmas for today’s youth?”

Chon’s writing style, while clean and approachable, occasionally faltered in its ability to draw me fully into the world she crafted. I was hoping for vivid descriptions that would bring the food stalls to life, but despite a few tasty tidbits about the dishes, I never quite tasted the passion behind them. One particular highlight, where Julie and Randall bond over their culinary dreams, had the potential to be a lyrical celebration of food—but it fell flat for me.

There were moments that glimmered, such as introspective reflections on identity and family ties that hit home. Quotes that touched on love and acceptance rang true, but they felt scattered in a narrative that often seemed to lack coherent momentum.

Despite my mixed feelings about the plot and pacing, I believe Hangry Hearts holds a certain appeal for young adult readers who enjoy light romances infused with cultural elements. It might resonate with those seeking a gentle exploration of love and family—a niche that certainly exists in the YA genre today.

In conclusion, while Hangry Hearts didn’t satisfy my palate the way I had hoped, it did spark conversations around representation and the complexities of love in different cultural contexts. I’m left reflecting on how important it is for stories like these to exist, even if they don’t always hit the high notes. If you find delight in easygoing narratives and young love tinged with a flavor of rivalry, give this book a try. Who knows? It might just ignite your taste for a unique romantic journey.

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