In Lunar New Year Love Story, a YA graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang & LeUyen Pham, Val believes she’s cursed. Every romantic relationship in her family has fallen apart and led to heartbreak, and she believes she will never find true love. One Lunar New Year festival changes everything, and the story follows Val over a series of Lunar New Years as she tries to find love. 

 

This graphic novel is a well rounded story about family, friendship and romance. It explores familial and platonic relationships just as much as romantic ones, and readers learn about the experiences of Val’s parents, her best friend Bernice and other minor characters alongside Val. 

 

Val is a kind and loving character, but her journey is full of grief. It isn’t explicitly stated, but it’s clear to me that the story touches on depression. I wish this had been explored more but acknowledge that this would have taken away from the magical realism aspect of the story. The magical realism aspect is not described in the synopsis, and I think it’s better to read this book without knowing too much information. 

 

The best thing about this story is the way it discusses love and grief. Several characters experience different types of grief, and the story recognizes that grief is unavoidable. But this book is also about the ways love will find you again, even when it feels impossible. As much as this book is about grief, it’s also about finding joy and embracing new beginnings. It’s full of hope, and I love the way it includes small acts of kindness that end up having a big impact in the lives of these characters. 

 

I love this book but I do have one issue with it—something happens in the middle of the story that is clearly not okay, and I wish it had been handled differently. This book is otherwise wonderful and includes important messages about family, love and taking chances. 

 

Thank you First Second Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to review.