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Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic
A Korean American former child actress decides to branch out and stand out in order to pursue her newfound love — stand-up comedy. Here's another hilarious novel from the author of Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim and What's Eating Jackie Oh?
They say Hollywood is like high school, and has-been child actor Ambrosia Lee feels like she’s at the bottom of the social ladder. Her acting career peaked at the age of eleven— then she was unceremoniously fired from her big break due to her weight.
Now after years of rejections and backstabbing auditions, teenage Ambrosia turns to stand-up to speak her truth. It’s the perfect way to rant about everything that’s been bothering divorced parents dynamics, Asian stereotypes, and Hollywood drama. It also doesn't hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes of a comedy routine.
It’s all laughs…but comedy clubs can be just as toxic as the Hollywood complex she always mocks.
Can Ambrosia be her true self both on and off the mic?
Patricia Park's humorous new novel explores the complicated worlds of Hollywood and comedy clubs, body image standards, and what it takes to succeed.
They say Hollywood is like high school, and has-been child actor Ambrosia Lee feels like she’s at the bottom of the social ladder. Her acting career peaked at the age of eleven— then she was unceremoniously fired from her big break due to her weight.
Now after years of rejections and backstabbing auditions, teenage Ambrosia turns to stand-up to speak her truth. It’s the perfect way to rant about everything that’s been bothering divorced parents dynamics, Asian stereotypes, and Hollywood drama. It also doesn't hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes of a comedy routine.
It’s all laughs…but comedy clubs can be just as toxic as the Hollywood complex she always mocks.
Can Ambrosia be her true self both on and off the mic?
Patricia Park's humorous new novel explores the complicated worlds of Hollywood and comedy clubs, body image standards, and what it takes to succeed.
Audible Audio
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Patricia Park
4 books200 followers Patricia Park is the author of the award-winning novel, Re Jane, a Korean American retelling of Brontë’s Jane Eyre; and the YA novels, Imposter Syndrome & Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim, and the forthcoming, What’s Eating Jackie Oh? She is a tenured professor of creative writing at American University, a Fulbright scholar, an Edith Wharton Writer-in-Residence, Edith Wharton Writer-in-Residence, a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow, and other awards. She has written for The New York Times, New Yorker, Guardian, and others. She was born and raised in Queens.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
2026
December 10, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What do you do when you no longer look like the child next door? This is the problem that Ambrosia Lee runs into when she hits puberty, and doens’t look thin and cute enough to play the roles that she has been playing since she got into acting. Hollywood wants them young and thin,and if not young, then thin. And Ambrosia can’t do it. She develops an eating disorder, and gives up at that point.
So, the quick answer to the above question is to go into standup. The author said she had to do the same, to get the true feel of what it was like, and in the end, she was happy she did so, but decided to keep her day job.
This is a fun, and telling look at both Hollywood ideals, at Asian stereotypes, and at the world of comedy, both good and bad. Fun, quick book to read. I was sorry when it all ended, as I was having so much fun learning about Ambrosia and all her friends, frenemies and foes.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. All the stars. Really. This book is being published the 28th of April 2026.
So, the quick answer to the above question is to go into standup. The author said she had to do the same, to get the true feel of what it was like, and in the end, she was happy she did so, but decided to keep her day job.
This is a fun, and telling look at both Hollywood ideals, at Asian stereotypes, and at the world of comedy, both good and bad. Fun, quick book to read. I was sorry when it all ended, as I was having so much fun learning about Ambrosia and all her friends, frenemies and foes.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. All the stars. Really. This book is being published the 28th of April 2026.
May 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I read this book in one sitting. I really liked the way this was written, it was such an enjoyable read with some truly fantastic characters. Ambrosia was hilarious and I loved following along on her journey. I also really loved the different media formats in this book; adding in scripts and notes from Ambrosia’s sets were fun elements.
This book had some great lines, some hard truths, and a positive message throughout. Definitely recommend to any YA reader!
I read this book in one sitting. I really liked the way this was written, it was such an enjoyable read with some truly fantastic characters. Ambrosia was hilarious and I loved following along on her journey. I also really loved the different media formats in this book; adding in scripts and notes from Ambrosia’s sets were fun elements.
This book had some great lines, some hard truths, and a positive message throughout. Definitely recommend to any YA reader!
January 24, 2026
Ambrosia Lee is by no means an average teenager. A former child star, a potential stand-up comedian…and a young girl who is juggling the weight of her family’s expectations.
I really enjoyed this book, much like I enjoyed Patricia Park’e first novel “Imposter Syndrome”! Ambrosia has to go through a lot, but we get to see her find her voice both literally and metaphorically as she gets into stand-up. As we see her frequently absorb the impact of how other people view her body in relation to their own perceptions, it’s heartwarming to see her grow in confidence.
Huge thanks to Random House Children’s Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review. “Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” releases on 4.28.26 and this is one I am definitely recommending!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookrecs #netgalley
I really enjoyed this book, much like I enjoyed Patricia Park’e first novel “Imposter Syndrome”! Ambrosia has to go through a lot, but we get to see her find her voice both literally and metaphorically as she gets into stand-up. As we see her frequently absorb the impact of how other people view her body in relation to their own perceptions, it’s heartwarming to see her grow in confidence.
Huge thanks to Random House Children’s Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest review. “Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” releases on 4.28.26 and this is one I am definitely recommending!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookrecs #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” by Patricia Park is a sharp, funny, and deeply thoughtful young adult story that pulls back the curtain on both Hollywood and stand-up comedy as it reveals how brutally similar the two worlds can be, especially for young women. Before going into this review, I do want to provide content warnings for content within the story mainly focusing on body shaming and restricted eating. The body shaming is a major part of this book, which may not be suitable for younger readers.
Ambrosia “Brosh” Lee is a former child actor whose career stalled the moment she no longer fit the industry’s narrow idea of “cute.” After puberty, auditions dry up, typecasting ramps up, and relentless body scrutiny pushes her toward disordered eating. Hollywood wants girls to be young and thin, and Ambrosia quickly learns that talent alone isn’t enough. When acting becomes unbearable, she stumbles into stand-up comedy, hoping it will offer the freedom she’s been denied.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is how authentically it depicts the process of stand-up comedy. The humor actually works because you can see Ambrosia building jokes by testing timing, refining punchlines, and learning firsthand that not every joke lands. The book is surprisingly informative, offering real insight into comedy writing, open mics, and the emotional vulnerability required to get on stage. Patricia Park’s own experience with stand-up clearly shines through, giving the story a grounded, lived-in feel.
However, comedy isn’t the safe haven Ambrosia expects. Just like Hollywood, the stand-up world is riddled with misogyny, racism, and gatekeeping. The story doesn’t shy away from these realities, showing how subjective humor can be and how often marginalized voices are dismissed or weaponized. Still, it also celebrates comedy’s power to connect people and to transform pain into something meaningful.
Ambrosia’s relationships, especially with her parents, add emotional depth to the story. Her family dynamic is refreshingly nuanced, portraying divorced parents who grow alongside their daughter rather than existing as static background figures. Friendships, frenemies, and even a light romantic subplot help round out Ambrosia’s world, though the romance never overwhelms her personal journey.
As stated earlier, content warnings for body shaming and restricted eating are warranted, but the book is clear and compassionate in its message: these ideals are harmful, not aspirational. What makes Ambrosia such a compelling protagonist is that she isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, misjudges situations, and sometimes bombs on stage, but she owns those failures and grows from them. Watching her find her voice, both as a performer and as a person, is incredibly satisfying.
The ending leans a bit sweet, tying things up with warmth and optimism, but it feels earned after the emotional and creative work Ambrosia puts in. By the final pages, she’s not chasing validation from Hollywood or comedy clubs; she’s defining success on her own terms.
Overall, “Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” is funny, insightful, and quietly powerful. It’s a standout coming-of-age story about creativity, identity, and resilience, perfect for anyone curious about comedy, performance, or what it means to take back control of your own narrative.
“Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” by Patricia Park is a sharp, funny, and deeply thoughtful young adult story that pulls back the curtain on both Hollywood and stand-up comedy as it reveals how brutally similar the two worlds can be, especially for young women. Before going into this review, I do want to provide content warnings for content within the story mainly focusing on body shaming and restricted eating. The body shaming is a major part of this book, which may not be suitable for younger readers.
Ambrosia “Brosh” Lee is a former child actor whose career stalled the moment she no longer fit the industry’s narrow idea of “cute.” After puberty, auditions dry up, typecasting ramps up, and relentless body scrutiny pushes her toward disordered eating. Hollywood wants girls to be young and thin, and Ambrosia quickly learns that talent alone isn’t enough. When acting becomes unbearable, she stumbles into stand-up comedy, hoping it will offer the freedom she’s been denied.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is how authentically it depicts the process of stand-up comedy. The humor actually works because you can see Ambrosia building jokes by testing timing, refining punchlines, and learning firsthand that not every joke lands. The book is surprisingly informative, offering real insight into comedy writing, open mics, and the emotional vulnerability required to get on stage. Patricia Park’s own experience with stand-up clearly shines through, giving the story a grounded, lived-in feel.
However, comedy isn’t the safe haven Ambrosia expects. Just like Hollywood, the stand-up world is riddled with misogyny, racism, and gatekeeping. The story doesn’t shy away from these realities, showing how subjective humor can be and how often marginalized voices are dismissed or weaponized. Still, it also celebrates comedy’s power to connect people and to transform pain into something meaningful.
Ambrosia’s relationships, especially with her parents, add emotional depth to the story. Her family dynamic is refreshingly nuanced, portraying divorced parents who grow alongside their daughter rather than existing as static background figures. Friendships, frenemies, and even a light romantic subplot help round out Ambrosia’s world, though the romance never overwhelms her personal journey.
As stated earlier, content warnings for body shaming and restricted eating are warranted, but the book is clear and compassionate in its message: these ideals are harmful, not aspirational. What makes Ambrosia such a compelling protagonist is that she isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, misjudges situations, and sometimes bombs on stage, but she owns those failures and grows from them. Watching her find her voice, both as a performer and as a person, is incredibly satisfying.
The ending leans a bit sweet, tying things up with warmth and optimism, but it feels earned after the emotional and creative work Ambrosia puts in. By the final pages, she’s not chasing validation from Hollywood or comedy clubs; she’s defining success on her own terms.
Overall, “Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic” is funny, insightful, and quietly powerful. It’s a standout coming-of-age story about creativity, identity, and resilience, perfect for anyone curious about comedy, performance, or what it means to take back control of your own narrative.
May 27, 2026
Patricia Park tackles stand-up comedy, body image, and Hollywood in her new book, Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic. Ambrosia Lee (“Brosh” for short) is a Korean-American teen who is also trying to find work as a struggling actor. After a disastrous audition for a bleach commercial, Ambrosia wonders if acting is truly what she wants to do, especially because she only seems to get offers for roles as an UAF (Unidentified Asian Female). While considering her options, Ambrosia meets Teddy, a teen boy hoping to make it as a stand-up comedian, who encourages her to try out her luck as a comedian. Ambrosia loves the idea of comedy, especially as she’s a fan of Josie Kang, an Asian stand-up comedian, and she decides to try out the world of stand-up. Although Brosh loves comedy, she discovers that it isn’t that different from Hollywood, and becomes increasingly frustrated with male comedians who only seem to get laughs by making racist or sexist jokes at events, while she can barely earn a chuckle from the audience. Despite these setbacks, Ambrosia learns that by staying true to herself and her signature humor, she can rise above the detractors and shine in her own light. Ambrosia and her family are of Korean heritage, and the cast also includes other side characters of East and South Asian descent.
I enjoyed this book a lot! Ambrosia is not afraid to speak her mind, and she frequently brandishes her signature wit in her narration and her dialogue with other characters. I thought that the development of Ambrosia’s stand-up material and routines was well plotted and it was great to see her confidence in her abilities grow by the end of the book. I was fascinated by the work that goes into crafting a joke, and I liked all of the information that Brosh learned in the comedy class that she takes. Park does a great job of exposing how toxic the comedy world can be if you only watch standup by cishet men, but also showing how funny and enjoyable it can be when you branch out to other comedians. I also liked the emphasis on not always relying on self-deprecating or mean humor (“punching up” vs. “down”), which I feel like is a much-needed message for aspiring comedians. It was really satisfying to watch Ambrosia’s growth, especially once she found her path into alternative comedy clubs that weren’t solely for guys to use to make fun of other people. I also enjoyed the support that Ambrosia’s friends and parents gave her, and I really loved the friendship between her and her future step-sister, Clarissa. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
I enjoyed this book a lot! Ambrosia is not afraid to speak her mind, and she frequently brandishes her signature wit in her narration and her dialogue with other characters. I thought that the development of Ambrosia’s stand-up material and routines was well plotted and it was great to see her confidence in her abilities grow by the end of the book. I was fascinated by the work that goes into crafting a joke, and I liked all of the information that Brosh learned in the comedy class that she takes. Park does a great job of exposing how toxic the comedy world can be if you only watch standup by cishet men, but also showing how funny and enjoyable it can be when you branch out to other comedians. I also liked the emphasis on not always relying on self-deprecating or mean humor (“punching up” vs. “down”), which I feel like is a much-needed message for aspiring comedians. It was really satisfying to watch Ambrosia’s growth, especially once she found her path into alternative comedy clubs that weren’t solely for guys to use to make fun of other people. I also enjoyed the support that Ambrosia’s friends and parents gave her, and I really loved the friendship between her and her future step-sister, Clarissa. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
May 20, 2026
Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic is a witty and charming story filled with heart.
Ambrosia Lee is a has-been child actor who was fired from an acting job when she was eleven due to her weight. After years of auditions and rejection after rejection, Ambrosia decides to switch gears and give stand-up comedy a try. It's the perfect outlet to air out her grievances about her divorced parents, Asian stereotypes, failed auditions, and all the Hollywood drama. Plus, it doesn't hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes. Maybe this is where Ambrosia will finally be able to be her true self. But she soon discovers that the comedy circuit can be just as toxic as the television industry. Will Ambrosia find a way to make it as a comedian or will she be forced to go crawling back to her sleezy agent and the ostracizing world of show biz she left behind?
Told through narrative, scripts, text exchanges, journal entries, and comedy sets, Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic almost reads like a diary. Because it's told via multiple formats, it's a very quick read.
Patricia Park's writing style is humorous and clever, while also revealing honest truths about the entertainment industry. As a former actress, I appreciated Park diving into the darker side of Hollywood where, no matter what your age, as a woman, you have to be a size -0 or plus sized in order to be successful on screen. As Ambrosia Lee discovers, there is no in between. You could get that part you want but only if you change yourself first. I love the message to young girls Park gives through Ambrosia's story about being true to yourself and not letting others dictate your self-image.
I also love that Park threw herself into the comedy circuit to do research for this book. You can feel Parks' personal experience bleeding through the pages as you read Ambrosia's cringe-worthy open mic sets. Despite her rough start, Ambrosia discovers that with a little hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. A message perfect for teens!
Ambrosia Lee is a has-been child actor who was fired from an acting job when she was eleven due to her weight. After years of auditions and rejection after rejection, Ambrosia decides to switch gears and give stand-up comedy a try. It's the perfect outlet to air out her grievances about her divorced parents, Asian stereotypes, failed auditions, and all the Hollywood drama. Plus, it doesn't hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes. Maybe this is where Ambrosia will finally be able to be her true self. But she soon discovers that the comedy circuit can be just as toxic as the television industry. Will Ambrosia find a way to make it as a comedian or will she be forced to go crawling back to her sleezy agent and the ostracizing world of show biz she left behind?
Told through narrative, scripts, text exchanges, journal entries, and comedy sets, Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic almost reads like a diary. Because it's told via multiple formats, it's a very quick read.
Patricia Park's writing style is humorous and clever, while also revealing honest truths about the entertainment industry. As a former actress, I appreciated Park diving into the darker side of Hollywood where, no matter what your age, as a woman, you have to be a size -0 or plus sized in order to be successful on screen. As Ambrosia Lee discovers, there is no in between. You could get that part you want but only if you change yourself first. I love the message to young girls Park gives through Ambrosia's story about being true to yourself and not letting others dictate your self-image.
I also love that Park threw herself into the comedy circuit to do research for this book. You can feel Parks' personal experience bleeding through the pages as you read Ambrosia's cringe-worthy open mic sets. Despite her rough start, Ambrosia discovers that with a little hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. A message perfect for teens!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you as always to NetGalley, Random House Chikdren’s, and Crown Books for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Ambrosia “Brosh” Lee is a (washed up) child star. Sort of. She was on two episodes of the kids’ tv show Jump! Rope! Jungle! before being replaced by another girl. It’s hard in this business, and Brosh knows better than anyone.
Between being typecast because of her ethnicity, or being rejected because her body is not to the standard of Hollywood (ie: stick thin), she sees rejection left and right. But Brosh handles it well, mostly.
When a chance encounter with a cute young comedian occurs, Brosh decides to actually try out stand up comedy herself. It’s the perfect outlet for her to talk about all the things going on in her life.
But soon enough Brosh realizes that the world of stand up comedy can be just as toxic as Hollywood. She has find a way to truly be herself despite how the world expects her to be.
So I absolutely loved “What’s Eating Jackie Oh”, and when I saw this book, I had to jump on it. Park is a fantastic writer and brings such depth to her characters, and that is definitely still the case here.
I also love stand up comedy, and the fact that she did stand up herself in preparation for this book? That’s commitment. I think that really made the book as well, because the detail Brosh sees and the emotions she experiences is straight out of any comedy club in NYC.
Ambrosia’s family and their dynamic was also given depth! Her parents are divorced, and their relationship is a great (and different) view on divorced parents. Her farher’s remarrying, and I feel like in many stories, the kid doesn’t like the new person, etc. And while that it is that way in the beginning, Brosh is able to not only be happy for them, but she becomes friendly with her future step sibling!
I loved the whole book, and i highly recommend it not only for the comedic elements, but for the character journey our protagonist goes through.
Ambrosia “Brosh” Lee is a (washed up) child star. Sort of. She was on two episodes of the kids’ tv show Jump! Rope! Jungle! before being replaced by another girl. It’s hard in this business, and Brosh knows better than anyone.
Between being typecast because of her ethnicity, or being rejected because her body is not to the standard of Hollywood (ie: stick thin), she sees rejection left and right. But Brosh handles it well, mostly.
When a chance encounter with a cute young comedian occurs, Brosh decides to actually try out stand up comedy herself. It’s the perfect outlet for her to talk about all the things going on in her life.
But soon enough Brosh realizes that the world of stand up comedy can be just as toxic as Hollywood. She has find a way to truly be herself despite how the world expects her to be.
So I absolutely loved “What’s Eating Jackie Oh”, and when I saw this book, I had to jump on it. Park is a fantastic writer and brings such depth to her characters, and that is definitely still the case here.
I also love stand up comedy, and the fact that she did stand up herself in preparation for this book? That’s commitment. I think that really made the book as well, because the detail Brosh sees and the emotions she experiences is straight out of any comedy club in NYC.
Ambrosia’s family and their dynamic was also given depth! Her parents are divorced, and their relationship is a great (and different) view on divorced parents. Her farher’s remarrying, and I feel like in many stories, the kid doesn’t like the new person, etc. And while that it is that way in the beginning, Brosh is able to not only be happy for them, but she becomes friendly with her future step sibling!
I loved the whole book, and i highly recommend it not only for the comedic elements, but for the character journey our protagonist goes through.
April 1, 2026
They say Hollywood is like high school, and has-been child actor Ambrosia Lee feels like she’s at the bottom of the social ladder. Her acting career did a nosedive when puberty-related weight gain led to her getting fired from a popular children’s show for. After years of rejections and backstabbing auditions, the now 16 year-old Brosh is auditioning for “Unidentified Asian Female” (UAF) roles in crime shows and TV commercials when her talent agent drops her, and her divorced father announces that he’s getting remarried.
Fed up with the pressures of Hollywood, Brosh decides to try stand up comedy, and starts performing at open mic nights, using her foundering acting career, her parents’ divorce, and commentary about Korean stereotyping to speak her truth. It’s the perfect way to rant about everything that’s been bothering her. It also doesn’t hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes of a comedy routine.
As romantic tension ignites between Brosh and her teenage comedy coach, she must also navigate increasingly frequent unexpected encounters with her ex-boyfriend who’s a successful actor. She learns quickly that comedy clubs can be just as toxic as the Hollywood complex she always mocks.
Brosh is sharp-witted and her tale is absorbing and empowering as she struggles to succeed in a complicated world. Her story is told through narrative, text messages, and social media posts. I liked parts of it, particularly the parts I can use in comedy unit; however, the excess of profanity, substance use, and sexual innuendo I found less appealing and know they will keep this book off classroom shelves. 3
Fed up with the pressures of Hollywood, Brosh decides to try stand up comedy, and starts performing at open mic nights, using her foundering acting career, her parents’ divorce, and commentary about Korean stereotyping to speak her truth. It’s the perfect way to rant about everything that’s been bothering her. It also doesn’t hurt that a cute boy is helping her learn the ropes of a comedy routine.
As romantic tension ignites between Brosh and her teenage comedy coach, she must also navigate increasingly frequent unexpected encounters with her ex-boyfriend who’s a successful actor. She learns quickly that comedy clubs can be just as toxic as the Hollywood complex she always mocks.
Brosh is sharp-witted and her tale is absorbing and empowering as she struggles to succeed in a complicated world. Her story is told through narrative, text messages, and social media posts. I liked parts of it, particularly the parts I can use in comedy unit; however, the excess of profanity, substance use, and sexual innuendo I found less appealing and know they will keep this book off classroom shelves. 3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
*mic tap*
hello? is this thing on? i sure would hope so considering that im holding it. it was about eleven pm when i picked up this book and hoped for it to solidly fix my life. im a good humor girlie and i love comedians (well some of them) i grew up listening to comedy with my dad. this book is right up my alley because i believe i'm on the track to a netflix special (my audience? me myself and i) and i got halfway and started to realize "okay maybe im not doomed with books lately or maybe im delulu with a side of fries". it's a mix of both.
i loved our fmc ambrosia because who doesnt want to be named after a nasty salad? no offense to the ambrosia salad lovers, ive had it, its not all that. but she was super strong, confident, and super witty. i love a girl in comedy !! the highlight of her finding her own journey and not really a romance was a fun little switch from my usual contemporary vibe. teddy and the other jerk can go like take a hike.
the different formats of the book, adding in scripts and scenes and notes for ambrosia's sets were so fun and i love different media formats inside of a novel. it adds more intrigue. all in all, a solid ya novel with a funny plot and a funnier fmc.
*mic tap*
hello? is this thing on? i sure would hope so considering that im holding it. it was about eleven pm when i picked up this book and hoped for it to solidly fix my life. im a good humor girlie and i love comedians (well some of them) i grew up listening to comedy with my dad. this book is right up my alley because i believe i'm on the track to a netflix special (my audience? me myself and i) and i got halfway and started to realize "okay maybe im not doomed with books lately or maybe im delulu with a side of fries". it's a mix of both.
i loved our fmc ambrosia because who doesnt want to be named after a nasty salad? no offense to the ambrosia salad lovers, ive had it, its not all that. but she was super strong, confident, and super witty. i love a girl in comedy !! the highlight of her finding her own journey and not really a romance was a fun little switch from my usual contemporary vibe. teddy and the other jerk can go like take a hike.
the different formats of the book, adding in scripts and scenes and notes for ambrosia's sets were so fun and i love different media formats inside of a novel. it adds more intrigue. all in all, a solid ya novel with a funny plot and a funnier fmc.
May 2, 2026
While there are many youngsters out there who dream of being a child star, this novel [3.5 for me!] proves that it's not all that it's cracked up to be. On the edge of stardom when she was younger, Ambrosia Lee has been chasing fame ever since being dumped from her series. Still a teen, she's no longer young and has gained weight. Now, as she prepares for her father's wedding and deals with her overbearing mother, she's at a fork in the road, trying to decide how far she's willing to go to grab that brass ring or whether she's even interested in it at all. She's attracted to stand-up comedy, which seems to be the perfect place to hone her voice and speak out about her trials and tribulations in Hollywood and maybe even within her family. The writing here is sharp, funny, and incisive, and readers will feel as though they know Brosh quite well. The use of texts and scripts adds to the novel's teen appeal and verisimilitude. After reading this book, I want to read the other two by this author. Through her protagonist, she speaks many truths with which teen readers--and older ones--will relate.
April 8, 2026
Just over here genuinely enjoying this book! I had the privilege of bringing my students to see Patricia Park speak at Center for Fiction about a month ago for her book What’s Eating Jackie Oh? and was excited to hear what she had to say about this one coming out in late April. And it delivered!
I haven’t even heard of many books featuring young comedians, with the exception of James Patterson’s I Funny series and Jackie Ha-Ha, but those don’t feel like the same genre to me (though truly I haven’t read them). There’s just an undercurrent of such realness that Park hits on here with Ambrosia and her parents’ dynamic that really held it all together for me. The characters are written so vividly and I love it when they stand tall in their convictions!!
I’m trying to do this spoiler free y’all!! I will be buying this one for my middle school library even though it skews slightly older (dick jokes mostly!) and I’m 100% confident my students will love it!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t even heard of many books featuring young comedians, with the exception of James Patterson’s I Funny series and Jackie Ha-Ha, but those don’t feel like the same genre to me (though truly I haven’t read them). There’s just an undercurrent of such realness that Park hits on here with Ambrosia and her parents’ dynamic that really held it all together for me. The characters are written so vividly and I love it when they stand tall in their convictions!!
I’m trying to do this spoiler free y’all!! I will be buying this one for my middle school library even though it skews slightly older (dick jokes mostly!) and I’m 100% confident my students will love it!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really love Patricia Park's books. She explores the human condition with so much humor yet hits delves into what that character is going through. And her characters run the range through the Korean diaspora but it's just who they are. Here, Ambrosia is a former child star, trying to find her acting footing and falls in love with standup. And, she's the child of divorce while also navigating feelings with a capital F. And, in true Park fashion, the voice is so relatable with just the right amount of stark. I am an OG Park fan with the criminally underrated Re Jane and will continue to read her books.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Sixteen year old Ambrosia is already a has-been. After a brief child acting star turn, her career has devolved into smarmy commercials. There are few roles for Cute Asian Girls, and fewer still for those who are not stick-thin. Ambrosia hated how she felt the one time she dieted herself into the Hollywood ideal; could it be time to experiment with a new type of performing? She dives into the world of NYC stand-up, but it’s tough to juggle the misogyny and racism plus she’s coming to terms with her dad’s remarriage. Plenty of laugh out loud scenes, nicely well-rounded adults, and a well-realized setting. Funny without being frothy. Earc from Edelweiss.
May 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this moving YA novel about a Korean American teen girl trying to make it in Hollywood and finding a passion for standup while also dealing with disordered eating and trying to fit the 'ideal' Hollywood body type. She has so much pressure to lose just one more size and keeps losing roles to slimmer, white actresses. Ambrosia also has to deal with her divorced Dad's new marriage and a crush who makes her the butt of his standup routine. Heartfelt, relatable and perfect for fans of books like Stand up, Yumi Chung! or The marvelous Mrs. Mazel. Don't skip the author's note included at the end either!
May 6, 2026
I straddled between 3-4 the whole time, so I settled on 3.5.
There were some things I really liked. I like Ambrosia's parents and how they were fleshed out over time. I liked the fictional look int show business. And I was so happy .
Maybe I'm not the audience, but I don't think Ambrosia ever got that funny. The biggest laughs from me came from other characters. I also don't feel like the consequences always matched the actions.
There were some things I really liked. I like Ambrosia's parents and how they were fleshed out over time. I liked the fictional look int show business. And I was so happy .
Maybe I'm not the audience, but I don't think Ambrosia ever got that funny. The biggest laughs from me came from other characters. I also don't feel like the consequences always matched the actions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First book of 2026 and definitely going to be a favorite for the year. So fascinating to get an inside look into comedy and child actors. Every character was unique and thoughtful and the entire story was excellent-great pacing, excellent ideas on writing comedy, and an important look the dark underside of comedy. Heroine perseveres to write more uplifting and hilarious jokes. Love the multiple formats of texts and comedy journaling along with prose. An awesome book for all library collections -late middle school and up!
May 1, 2026
This is a delightful, quick read! It deals with some heavier topics while still maintaining an overall lighthearted tone, which I think is helped by the stand up comedy aspect of the story. There are some truly laugh out loud moments in this book, which I feel like doesn't happen much in YA anymore. All of the characters are wonderfully fleshed out, and though it's on the shorter side, it was an enjoyable read!
Read
May 1, 2026Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: A priest, a rabbi, and a minister…
Drinking Buddy: Two Drink Minimum
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (some adult humor, crude jokes, alcohol)
Talky Talk: Didja ever notice…
Bonus Factor: Stand Up Comedy
Anti-Bonus Factor: Assimilation
Bromance Status: Let’s Give it Up!
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: A priest, a rabbi, and a minister…
Drinking Buddy: Two Drink Minimum
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (some adult humor, crude jokes, alcohol)
Talky Talk: Didja ever notice…
Bonus Factor: Stand Up Comedy
Anti-Bonus Factor: Assimilation
Bromance Status: Let’s Give it Up!
Read the full book report here.
May 22, 2026
4.5 - Not sure where this one came from, but somehow it was on my library shelf and I’m so glad it found me. A really well written YA novel. I liked the rhythm of the storytelling and the idea of trying. The afterword provided a note that made me like the book even more. Nice little find for a rainy day.
May 25, 2026
This book was true to the descriptors. It was realistic. It was funny. Addresses many of the Asian stereotypes, but not in a stereotypical way. And finally a book depicting a female MC who doesn't end up in a relationship, and it perfectly happy with herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I think readers in grades 6-9 would enjoy this one the most.
May 17, 2026
I was so hopeful this book would be actually funny. It wasn't NOT funny, but it didn't make me laugh. So my missed expectations really tempered my experience. I did really like the journey to self awareness and I loved the supportive parents.
May 26, 2026
Devoured this book in one sitting, it’s starkly written—funny, and honest—Park does an amazing job at capturing the life of a teenage girl navigating girlhood, newfound passion and life in general! I also loved the characters, they all have so much depth that at the beginning I found myself hating Nami and her daughter but Patricia Park wraps it all together in the end that it’s simply hard to hate any of them! One of my fav reads of the year, def!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
This book was SO GOOD!! I enjoyed every second of Ambrosia’s new path. I can’t wait to introduce this book to our students!!
This book was SO GOOD!! I enjoyed every second of Ambrosia’s new path. I can’t wait to introduce this book to our students!!
May 4, 2026
Not Printzy
May 5, 2026
Gorgeously fun, well-written book about standup comedy with a great main character (Ambrosia) and with some superb plotting from start to finish. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
May 21, 2026
Pretty cute.
My favorite part was actually the authors note at the end - it was really good and heartfelt.
Content warning, there’s a couple of F words and some crass comedy for those who care.
My favorite part was actually the authors note at the end - it was really good and heartfelt.
Content warning, there’s a couple of F words and some crass comedy for those who care.
May 28, 2026
Fun YA book. Fair character development.
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