Blog Tour: Bitter Melon by Cara Chow

Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 28, 2010)
ARC: 224 Pages
Genre: YA Contemporary
Book from: Publisher*

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.

Review by Jessica
BITTER MELON, by Cara Chow is an eye-opening, fast pace novel that left me really thinking about the things I do now and what I wish to achieve. Once I picked this up I could not put it down.

Initially, it took me awhile to just sit down and read this, but as soon as I did I was speeding through the book and left wondering where all the pages went. I was entranced by Frances and her determination to be the best at everything she does so she can be there to support her mother. I felt like I had walked into someones life to learn about another culture. Not only did I enjoy reading this, I learned many new things.

Frances' dedication to her mother was incredible, even when she was put down, beat and made fun of she never gave up. She would strive and push herself to her limit only to get no satisfaction from her mother. I felt bad for her, and I wish I could have yelled at her mother to open her eyes! See that her daughter was awesome!

Ms. Taylor was my favorite character. She is that super cool and supportive teacher that everyone wishes they could have, and the way Frances connected with her made me appreciate my relationships with my 'Ms. Taylor' teachers.

Derek had me swooning, brooding and smiling. I loved how the non-relationship/relationship developed so beautifully between Derek and Frances. I think even I had a little crush on Derek by the end of the novel. I would really love to see more of this couple and Cara Chow!

Check out Cara Chow's Website!

*FTC Disclosure: I received this finished copy from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review..