At the Movies

9/17/2018

It all begins with a great book.

Current box office receipts prove that there is significant interest in romantic comedies featuring an all Asian cast. Crazy Rich Asians has been drawing record-breaking crowds. Interestingly, the movie is based on Kevin Kwan's book with the same title. Jenny Han's YA classic To All the Boys I've Loved Before has been adapted for the screen and is available on Netflix.

But let's not stop with these fantastic films developed from contemporary fiction. There could be more. Look at these three romantic YA novels written by Asian American authors. Each, in my humble opinion, would translate well to the screen. Can you picture some of your favorite actors assuming roles in these stories? I can. If I were a movie producer looking for a follow-up hit movie, I would consider these 2018 YA books.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo

Clara is the class clown, the prankster. When she takes it too far, she and her arch-nemesis Rose get into a knockdown brawl. As punishment Clara and Rose must work together at KoBra, her father’s Korean-Brazilian fusion food truck. Complications arise when Hamlet from the coffee kiosk begins to pay Clara an inordinate amount of attention. After one date, he decides that she is his girlfriend. Whoa! This is more than Clara's typical superficial relationship.

Our girl has some serious growing up to do. Can she sustain a friendship with a former enemy? Can she commit to one guy? Can she work through her complicated relationship with her mother? Can she repair the damage that her impulsive actions have caused? That’s a lot to ask of one sixteen-year-old.

Maurene Goo’s romantic comedy is more than a smart, slick portrait of love and friendship. It’s also a tantalizing send-up to food trucks. Impossible to read this without having some serious cravings for walk-away eats.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: May 8 2018 Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux ISBN: 978-0374304089

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

Twinkle feels that she is a "nobody." Ignored by her parents, she longs to be noticed at school. The opportunity comes when Twinkle is asked to direct a movie for the local arts festival. Here is her chance to show the Colorado Springs community that she has talent.

Film geek Sahil has offered to help her produce her filmmaking debut. They brainstorm an imaginative story concept, turning the classic Dracula into a gender-reversal version. But Sahil clearly wants more than just a business relationship.

There is a slight problem. Twinkle has an ongoing crush on Sahil's athletic superstar twin brother Neil. When she begins receiving anonymous emails from a secret admirer, Twinkle assumes (hopes) that the sender is Neil.

Sandhya Menon uses a series of imaginary emails that Twinkle sends to famous women of filmdom in this story of finding where her heart lies.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: May 22, 2018 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1481495400

American Panda by Gloria Chao

Mei Lu's parents have her life arranged. At the age of seventeen, she has followed the life plan that they set for her and is about to enter MIT, studying to become a doctor. Her mother, who gives new meaning to the term helicopter parent, has obtained a copy of her class schedule and relentlessly voicemails Mei, wanting to know where she is and what she is doing every moment of the day. She has even selected a suitable husband for her daughter. Mei, a germaphobe, constantly worries about contracting a disease from normal human contact and struggles to stay alert in biology class. She loves dance and is attracted to a young man who is definitely not Taiwanese.
Gloria Chao's heartwarming tale of the girl struggling to be true to herself, while honoring and respecting her family and culture is served with a generous quantity of humor. Love her. Laugh with her. Agonize with her. Mei’s story is the quintessential romantic comedy.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: February 6 2018 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1481499101