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Clementine and Danny Save the World
You’ve Got Mail gets a YA twist in this rom-com that spotlights the power of activism and community organizing in the face of gentrification.
Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888.
Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea.
When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years.
When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?
Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888.
Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea.
When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years.
When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
21 people are currently reading
5207 people want to read
About the author
Livia Blackburne
24 books1,323 followersNew York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne wrote her first novel while researching the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, she’s switched to full-time writing, which also involves getting into people’s heads but without the help of a 3 Tesla MRI scanner.
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTER OF DUSK, and ROSEMARKED (an Amazon best book of the month and YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee).
Visit her online at www.liviablackburne.com
She is also the author of MIDNIGHT THIEF (an Indies Introduce New Voices selection), DAUGHTER OF DUSK, and ROSEMARKED (an Amazon best book of the month and YALSA Teens Top Ten Nominee).
Visit her online at www.liviablackburne.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 22, 2023
In short, this was a little underwhelming for me. I was expecting a lot more to happen both from a character/romance standpoint as well as from the standpoint of the cause they were fighting for.
While a lot of the reactions and outcomes in the book (does that sound non-spoilery enough??) probably mirrored reality very well, that’s not why I picked up the book. I was looking for a spine tingling young romance with a charitable foundation power couple. Instead, I got two people who sniped at each other more than they liked each other and very little progress on the charity front.
Danny was straight up a jerk to Clementine sometimes always being on the defensive. It was like, dude, you’re right but do you have to be so belligerent about it? That’s a no go for me in my MMC. And Clementine very much had a Mary Sue thing going on for most of the story. She excelled at everything she did, she had a bunch of extra-curriculars, and she had a great group of supportive friends. Towards the end she did get the swift kick she needed, but I also felt that her realization of that was pretty glazed over. She ended up doing better, but it was almost like the character development there was a passing reference.
They weren’t super likeable characters for me, but they were fine enough for the overall story.
For the nonprofit, we saw a lot into the day-to-day boring aspects (ie, canvassing), but I didn’t feel enough really came out of the nonprofit being involved. They were definitely involved throughout the whole story and were the overarching reason our MCs started hanging out, but I was hoping for more success from the efforts, even if it was more detail into their goings on at the end of the story. Perhaps an epilogue could have been used here to state the fruits of their labor around the foundation a bit more.
Another criticism I have is I was expecting more communications to happen via their online personas than actually did, especially once one of them found out who the other was. I was a bit disappointed in how little they interacted online throughout the whole thing as I thought this would be a main feature of the book.
What I did really like was the comradery from their friend groups, as well as their internal monologues. Their friends were total MVPs! No matter what was thrown at them, their friends always had their backs and were always cheering them on. Their monologues had me dying at times! They were funny, realistic, and self-deprecating to the max, and were honestly just so good. I remember thinking a lot of the same things when I was young, dumb, and full of...lust.
I also liked the sense of community the author built, which was a large part of the overall story. All the Aunties and Uncles, all of the various shop owners with different backgrounds, and the whole Chinatown backdrop was captured very nicely.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I liked the idea behind this, but it lacked in execution for me. A fine read for anyone looking for an introductory to the world of YA romance.
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Quill Tree Books, and Livia Blackburne for the opportunity to read this book. The review expressed above is honest and my own.
While a lot of the reactions and outcomes in the book (does that sound non-spoilery enough??) probably mirrored reality very well, that’s not why I picked up the book. I was looking for a spine tingling young romance with a charitable foundation power couple. Instead, I got two people who sniped at each other more than they liked each other and very little progress on the charity front.
Danny was straight up a jerk to Clementine sometimes always being on the defensive. It was like, dude, you’re right but do you have to be so belligerent about it? That’s a no go for me in my MMC. And Clementine very much had a Mary Sue thing going on for most of the story. She excelled at everything she did, she had a bunch of extra-curriculars, and she had a great group of supportive friends. Towards the end she did get the swift kick she needed, but I also felt that her realization of that was pretty glazed over. She ended up doing better, but it was almost like the character development there was a passing reference.
They weren’t super likeable characters for me, but they were fine enough for the overall story.
For the nonprofit, we saw a lot into the day-to-day boring aspects (ie, canvassing), but I didn’t feel enough really came out of the nonprofit being involved. They were definitely involved throughout the whole story and were the overarching reason our MCs started hanging out, but I was hoping for more success from the efforts, even if it was more detail into their goings on at the end of the story. Perhaps an epilogue could have been used here to state the fruits of their labor around the foundation a bit more.
Another criticism I have is I was expecting more communications to happen via their online personas than actually did, especially once one of them found out who the other was. I was a bit disappointed in how little they interacted online throughout the whole thing as I thought this would be a main feature of the book.
What I did really like was the comradery from their friend groups, as well as their internal monologues. Their friends were total MVPs! No matter what was thrown at them, their friends always had their backs and were always cheering them on. Their monologues had me dying at times! They were funny, realistic, and self-deprecating to the max, and were honestly just so good. I remember thinking a lot of the same things when I was young, dumb, and full of...lust.
I also liked the sense of community the author built, which was a large part of the overall story. All the Aunties and Uncles, all of the various shop owners with different backgrounds, and the whole Chinatown backdrop was captured very nicely.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I liked the idea behind this, but it lacked in execution for me. A fine read for anyone looking for an introductory to the world of YA romance.
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Quill Tree Books, and Livia Blackburne for the opportunity to read this book. The review expressed above is honest and my own.
September 7, 2023
4.5 stars
I’m on a roll! Two sweet, gentle Y.A. books in a row that I thoroughly enjoyed! And that had no alcohol, drug use, or foul language. Sigh…another one that was like a breath of fresh air to read!
I’m on a roll! Two sweet, gentle Y.A. books in a row that I thoroughly enjoyed! And that had no alcohol, drug use, or foul language. Sigh…another one that was like a breath of fresh air to read!
October 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
Exploring themes such as class, identity, gentrification and community, Livia Blackburne’s charming, You’ve Got Mail-style YA was a sweet and incredibly heartfelt read—guaranteed to pull at your heart strings and make even the grouchiest of readers chuckle.
Told through the alternating POVs of online enemies turned IRL collaborators, Clementine and Danny. Who, despite their differences of opinion, find themselves falling for one another as they try to figure out how best to help their Chinatown community (in the midst of gentrification.)
I’m a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope and when done well, absolutely love a good secret identity/misunderstanding arc. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to read this and was NOT disappointed.
Our protagonists (Clementine and Danny) were incredibly nuanced and depth filled characters, whose very personal motivations and juxtaposed opinions were especially intriguing to explore. Allowing us to explore their lived experiences (from two socio economic backgrounds) and understand their reasonings (and flaws) a little better. The Sunshine x Grump-esque dynamics between Clementine and Danny was also really entertaining.
It does focus on the experiences of two Chinese American teens and their own differing connections to their Chinatown community and cultural heritage. But the exploration into their community and the amazing people within it (like Aunty Lin and her endearing over-competitiveness when playing mahjong) really brought home just how important it can be in finding support and a place to belong.
Overall, a fun yet moving read that would definitely be perfect for starting conversations around activism with younger (teen) readers—and showing that enacting change at a local level is possible, despite how challenging can seem.
Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the proof.
Exploring themes such as class, identity, gentrification and community, Livia Blackburne’s charming, You’ve Got Mail-style YA was a sweet and incredibly heartfelt read—guaranteed to pull at your heart strings and make even the grouchiest of readers chuckle.
Told through the alternating POVs of online enemies turned IRL collaborators, Clementine and Danny. Who, despite their differences of opinion, find themselves falling for one another as they try to figure out how best to help their Chinatown community (in the midst of gentrification.)
I’m a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope and when done well, absolutely love a good secret identity/misunderstanding arc. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to read this and was NOT disappointed.
Our protagonists (Clementine and Danny) were incredibly nuanced and depth filled characters, whose very personal motivations and juxtaposed opinions were especially intriguing to explore. Allowing us to explore their lived experiences (from two socio economic backgrounds) and understand their reasonings (and flaws) a little better. The Sunshine x Grump-esque dynamics between Clementine and Danny was also really entertaining.
It does focus on the experiences of two Chinese American teens and their own differing connections to their Chinatown community and cultural heritage. But the exploration into their community and the amazing people within it (like Aunty Lin and her endearing over-competitiveness when playing mahjong) really brought home just how important it can be in finding support and a place to belong.
Overall, a fun yet moving read that would definitely be perfect for starting conversations around activism with younger (teen) readers—and showing that enacting change at a local level is possible, despite how challenging can seem.
Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the proof.
May 19, 2023
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.
To be honest, I went into reading this book with a pretty critical eye as Livia gathered a lot of the research that informed this book from the organization I’m a part of and care deeply about: Chinatown Community for Equitable Development.
What I found what that Livia was able to capture the nuances of current situations that Chinatowns across North America are facing as well as the nuances of all the different kinds of actors involved in a way that felt really authentic.
The romance between Clementine and Danny was also so fun with the conceit of the food blogging fights, and I think this book would be an engaging and accessible way to teach about gentrification. The moments where they would notice each other’s body parts got to be a little much/cringe for me but I supposed typical in YA lol
Overall, highly recommend this fun & meaningful read!
To be honest, I went into reading this book with a pretty critical eye as Livia gathered a lot of the research that informed this book from the organization I’m a part of and care deeply about: Chinatown Community for Equitable Development.
What I found what that Livia was able to capture the nuances of current situations that Chinatowns across North America are facing as well as the nuances of all the different kinds of actors involved in a way that felt really authentic.
The romance between Clementine and Danny was also so fun with the conceit of the food blogging fights, and I think this book would be an engaging and accessible way to teach about gentrification. The moments where they would notice each other’s body parts got to be a little much/cringe for me but I supposed typical in YA lol
Overall, highly recommend this fun & meaningful read!
August 5, 2023
I found this book to be extremely cute!
I love that it has blogging involved, journaling and even tea!
I love the community feel that it had.
I could really feel the emotions.
Would definitely read another from this author.
Definitely recommend this book!
I love that it has blogging involved, journaling and even tea!
I love the community feel that it had.
I could really feel the emotions.
Would definitely read another from this author.
Definitely recommend this book!
July 31, 2023
A sweet YA romance exploring activism, the power of community and the impact of gentrification.
While I enjoyed this overall, it didn’t entirely blow me away. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance, specifically the outcome of a certain aspect of it (which I can’t mention without spoilers) and other than the protagonists, I found the characters weren’t fleshed out enough for me.
That being said, I really liked the community tea shop aspect, the nuanced discussions of gentrification and and Clementines gutsy ‘go get em’ attitude.
I also came away wishing I was a tea drinker because Livia wrote about it in such an enticing way!
While I enjoyed this overall, it didn’t entirely blow me away. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance, specifically the outcome of a certain aspect of it (which I can’t mention without spoilers) and other than the protagonists, I found the characters weren’t fleshed out enough for me.
That being said, I really liked the community tea shop aspect, the nuanced discussions of gentrification and and Clementines gutsy ‘go get em’ attitude.
I also came away wishing I was a tea drinker because Livia wrote about it in such an enticing way!
December 9, 2024
this was really similar to i hope this doesnt find you except clementine was somehow even more of a bitch. also there was like two pages of romance and the rest was pointless kiss ass yap
July 6, 2023
I can commend this book for its bravery. It directly discusses gentrification and the complex problem of cultural preservation, creating space for these important topics all while maintaining its lighthearted YA tone. I really liked how the protagonists had different perspectives and how both were, in some ways, wrong, but still good-hearted and wanted the best for Chinatown. Although there was some complexity that I thought the book could've reached for in its conclusion, overall the presentation was mature! And it's a good way of introducing the topic to YA readers who might not know about it normally.
I struggled with getting attached to the characters, and the entire romance plot seemed a little rushed to me - it's as instalove as instalove can be without being completely instant. Genuinely, if I have to read another mention of some teenager's "well-defined" biceps, I will lose it. I thought that Danny was well-written, and I could relate to a lot of his internal conflicts, but I think there was just a lot of lost potential in his interactions with other characters.
In general, I felt that there was a lot of lost potential everywhere. The "secret identity" trope is so fun to play with, and it was almost never brought up. The blog subplot honestly felt shoehorned in, and imo, it caused more problems than it needed to. Clementine is always talking about how successful her blog is and how big her audience is, but then why does nobody talk about it at school? Danny casually hates on Clementine's blog in private but then suddenly his friends also hate on it too?? Clementine says she's been running this blog for YEARS, so has she been reviewing tea since she was in middle school??? I was too confused about a silly little blog for the entire book.
I think it was mostly just a clash of style: Blackburne writes about a very serious issue, and manages to introduce the complexity of it, but I didn't feel like there was any major insight delivered. Part of this, I believe, is in how the narration is also lacking. I am not joking when almost every chapter ended abruptly on some random dialogue, without internal reflection or monologue. I genuinely felt like I was missing something in my ARC. But I really admire the concept, and I think activism in YA is definitely a subgenre that can be more explored!
I struggled with getting attached to the characters, and the entire romance plot seemed a little rushed to me - it's as instalove as instalove can be without being completely instant. Genuinely, if I have to read another mention of some teenager's "well-defined" biceps, I will lose it. I thought that Danny was well-written, and I could relate to a lot of his internal conflicts, but I think there was just a lot of lost potential in his interactions with other characters.
In general, I felt that there was a lot of lost potential everywhere. The "secret identity" trope is so fun to play with, and it was almost never brought up. The blog subplot honestly felt shoehorned in, and imo, it caused more problems than it needed to. Clementine is always talking about how successful her blog is and how big her audience is, but then why does nobody talk about it at school? Danny casually hates on Clementine's blog in private but then suddenly his friends also hate on it too?? Clementine says she's been running this blog for YEARS, so has she been reviewing tea since she was in middle school??? I was too confused about a silly little blog for the entire book.
I think it was mostly just a clash of style: Blackburne writes about a very serious issue, and manages to introduce the complexity of it, but I didn't feel like there was any major insight delivered. Part of this, I believe, is in how the narration is also lacking. I am not joking when almost every chapter ended abruptly on some random dialogue, without internal reflection or monologue. I genuinely felt like I was missing something in my ARC. But I really admire the concept, and I think activism in YA is definitely a subgenre that can be more explored!
March 19, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Clementine Chan has a full schedule on her plate, what with her school work, college applications, the school paper, and her popular blog. Dealing with a rogue troll, BobaBoy888, is one thing, but when she learns that a popular strip mall is about to be destroyed, and a chain move in to take it's place, Clementine joins forces with the Chinatown Cares community group, and an unlikely volunteer, Danny Mok. Danny has worked in his parents tea shop for as long as he can remember, and he hates the idea of change. Working with Clementine was not what he expected, but the more time he spends with her, helping the community, the more he thinks of his future. But he is hiding the fact that he is BobaBoy, and if the two discover just what the other has been hiding, it'll change their relationship for good.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, but once I started reading it, I was gripped by Clementine and Danny's story. Both have flaws, and strive for perfection, though it's not easy to find. Clementine runs herself ragged trying to be the best she can be, and takes on more and more responsibility without really considering the cost. I liked that she wobbled, and had moments of self doubt. It made her feel like a real person. She was an idealist though, and didn't always consider that her experience in life might be different to that of others. Danny felt very different to Clementine, and he relished in tradition and the old way of things. He hated Hibiscus's blog, and the way they wanted to get Chinatown to modernise. Venting his frustrations in whatever way he could, usually via comments on Babble Tea, he felt slightly better, but still, he knew that his parents way of thinking, and the Kalecorp takeover, was inevitable. I knew that there had to be moments of angst, and it definitely came, but the solution and conclusion was well worth it. A great YA contemporary!
Clementine Chan has a full schedule on her plate, what with her school work, college applications, the school paper, and her popular blog. Dealing with a rogue troll, BobaBoy888, is one thing, but when she learns that a popular strip mall is about to be destroyed, and a chain move in to take it's place, Clementine joins forces with the Chinatown Cares community group, and an unlikely volunteer, Danny Mok. Danny has worked in his parents tea shop for as long as he can remember, and he hates the idea of change. Working with Clementine was not what he expected, but the more time he spends with her, helping the community, the more he thinks of his future. But he is hiding the fact that he is BobaBoy, and if the two discover just what the other has been hiding, it'll change their relationship for good.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, but once I started reading it, I was gripped by Clementine and Danny's story. Both have flaws, and strive for perfection, though it's not easy to find. Clementine runs herself ragged trying to be the best she can be, and takes on more and more responsibility without really considering the cost. I liked that she wobbled, and had moments of self doubt. It made her feel like a real person. She was an idealist though, and didn't always consider that her experience in life might be different to that of others. Danny felt very different to Clementine, and he relished in tradition and the old way of things. He hated Hibiscus's blog, and the way they wanted to get Chinatown to modernise. Venting his frustrations in whatever way he could, usually via comments on Babble Tea, he felt slightly better, but still, he knew that his parents way of thinking, and the Kalecorp takeover, was inevitable. I knew that there had to be moments of angst, and it definitely came, but the solution and conclusion was well worth it. A great YA contemporary!
October 13, 2023
Клементіна і Денні - мешканці китайського кварталу-чайнатауну в одному з каліфорнійських міст. Клементіна є редакторкою шкільної газети, а Денні, який вчиться в тій же школі, працює разом з батьками в їхній традиційній чайній. Коли торговий центр, в якому розташована ця чайна і купа інших маленьких бізнесів, важливих для китайської громади, вирішує викупити велика мережа супермаркетів, Клементіна і Денні включаються в громадський активізм, щоб врятувати це місце. А ще Клементіна веде блог про чайні їхнього кварталу, а Денні її вже багато років троллить, правда, про оффлайн ідентичність своїх віддавніх супротивників з мережі вони не знають.
Мене дуже тішить, що теперішні американські підлітки можуть у такій ненав'язливій формі отримати відомості про такі соціально-економічні процеси як джентрифікація. Ну, не підручникове визначення, а людські наслідки: люди, які готові платити більше, повертаються в міста, і в результаті звідти витісняються люди, які там жили десятиліттями. А ті, кого ще не витіснили, залишаються без інфраструктури, до якої звикли, бо не можуть собі дозволити споживати на рівні з багатіями, які заїхали, в бізнесах, чий рівень цін підлаштований уже під них. Попередня книжка, яку я читала на цю тему (There Goes the Neighborhood), мені дуже сподобалася, тому я цілком готова була взяти почитати ще щось про підлітків, які борються за свої райончики, як тільки можуть. Тут, на відміну від Джейд Адії, немає детективної складової, але в іншому може здатися, що вони винесли свої задуми з одного письменницького семінару. Тільки у Адії йдеться про виселення з житла, а у Блекбурн про виселення бізнесів. Як людині, яка походить з зовсім іншого культурного контексту, мені складно зрозуміти, чому люди взагалі покладалися як на гарантоване на щось, що вони просто роками орендували, і чому вони намагаються соціальним активізмом і протестами вирішити те, чим нібито в капіталістичному суспільстві керує ринок. Але в цій книжці такого роду заперечення не залишилися проігнорованими, і наприкінці історії герої переходять до інших стратегій порятунку громади. Та байдуже яку саме стратегію діяльності пропонує окремий автор художнього твору, мені здається важливим, що читачеві пропонують думати в таких категоріях.
З категорії літературної гри мені тут сподобалася лінія про подвійне життя Клементіни і Денні, де в реалі у них співпраця і майже роман, а в мережі - хейт і троллинг. Здається, це така сучасна фантазія на тему дуже улюблених ренесансними і бароковими драматургами мотивів, коли люди закохуються перевдягненими, невпізнаними у своїх ворогів чи ще у когось, в чию реальну ідентичність їм закохуватися не можна. А тут, виявляється, сучасні реалії дають такий чудовий матеріал для преломлення тих же мотивів.
Мене дуже тішить, що теперішні американські підлітки можуть у такій ненав'язливій формі отримати відомості про такі соціально-економічні процеси як джентрифікація. Ну, не підручникове визначення, а людські наслідки: люди, які готові платити більше, повертаються в міста, і в результаті звідти витісняються люди, які там жили десятиліттями. А ті, кого ще не витіснили, залишаються без інфраструктури, до якої звикли, бо не можуть собі дозволити споживати на рівні з багатіями, які заїхали, в бізнесах, чий рівень цін підлаштований уже під них. Попередня книжка, яку я читала на цю тему (There Goes the Neighborhood), мені дуже сподобалася, тому я цілком готова була взяти почитати ще щось про підлітків, які борються за свої райончики, як тільки можуть. Тут, на відміну від Джейд Адії, немає детективної складової, але в іншому може здатися, що вони винесли свої задуми з одного письменницького семінару. Тільки у Адії йдеться про виселення з житла, а у Блекбурн про виселення бізнесів. Як людині, яка походить з зовсім іншого культурного контексту, мені складно зрозуміти, чому люди взагалі покладалися як на гарантоване на щось, що вони просто роками орендували, і чому вони намагаються соціальним активізмом і протестами вирішити те, чим нібито в капіталістичному суспільстві керує ринок. Але в цій книжці такого роду заперечення не залишилися проігнорованими, і наприкінці історії герої переходять до інших стратегій порятунку громади. Та байдуже яку саме стратегію діяльності пропонує окремий автор художнього твору, мені здається важливим, що читачеві пропонують думати в таких категоріях.
З категорії літературної гри мені тут сподобалася лінія про подвійне життя Клементіни і Денні, де в реалі у них співпраця і майже роман, а в мережі - хейт і троллинг. Здається, це така сучасна фантазія на тему дуже улюблених ренесансними і бароковими драматургами мотивів, коли люди закохуються перевдягненими, невпізнаними у своїх ворогів чи ще у когось, в чию реальну ідентичність їм закохуватися не можна. А тут, виявляється, сучасні реалії дають такий чудовий матеріал для преломлення тих же мотивів.
February 16, 2023
Clementine and Danny are both students at the same high school in China Town, but don't really know one another in person. Online is another story. Clementine blogs about different tea spots in China Town, while Danny, who's parents own a teahouse in the area haaaates Clementine's blog and critiques each of her posts in the comments. But when a Wholefoods-type superstore wants to buy out the strip mall where Danny's parents' tea shop is, both he and Clementine feel passionate enough to fight the gentrification of their beloved China Town. Pairing up in real life, all the while not knowing they are online rivals, the two work side by side developing a friendship along with maybe something more.
This very much is a YA take on the movie You Got Mail and I was very here for it. The characters were charmingly imperfect and the story was delightful. I read this in almost one sitting and couldn't put it down as I was simply enchanted by the world the author created and wouldn't have minded living there a little longer. Even though the characters did deal with an array of real issues that will certainly resonate with readers, overall it left me with a light, happy feeling overall.
Thank you so much to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This very much is a YA take on the movie You Got Mail and I was very here for it. The characters were charmingly imperfect and the story was delightful. I read this in almost one sitting and couldn't put it down as I was simply enchanted by the world the author created and wouldn't have minded living there a little longer. Even though the characters did deal with an array of real issues that will certainly resonate with readers, overall it left me with a light, happy feeling overall.
Thank you so much to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
The backstory is interesting - saving a historical establishment in a Chinese community. But the mmc is behaving like a 12 year old instead of his age, 18. The conflict that he has created is just immature and like throwing a tantrum. 🫠🫣
January 26, 2025
Very cute! The “I’m going to kiss you now” moment was epic. 🥹
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
October 16, 2023
While I didn’t love this book. It didn’t blow me away. The beginning hooked me pretty quickly and reminded me a lot of Tweet Cute by Emma Lord. The banter between the characters was enjoyable but then Danny fell for Clementine a little too quickly. What made the beginning enjoyable was their back and forth.
The characters felt flat, they were very underwhelming and forgettable which is probably why by the second half, the romance felt that way too.
I appreciated the cultural parts of the story. I liked the discussions around family obligations and following your dreams. It was interesting that Clementines family was so different from Danny’s, that was new.
There was a scene towards then end that was a bit of a surprise but by this point in the story I was no longer invested and just trying to finish it.
My review seems harsh, on the auto face level I enjoyed it. It’s a good average book. I just found it slightly dull and forgettable.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters felt flat, they were very underwhelming and forgettable which is probably why by the second half, the romance felt that way too.
I appreciated the cultural parts of the story. I liked the discussions around family obligations and following your dreams. It was interesting that Clementines family was so different from Danny’s, that was new.
There was a scene towards then end that was a bit of a surprise but by this point in the story I was no longer invested and just trying to finish it.
My review seems harsh, on the auto face level I enjoyed it. It’s a good average book. I just found it slightly dull and forgettable.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
If You've Got Mail gave you big no's on the ship, this is the read for you. One blogger, and one ornery commentator who work together to save a strip mall from gentrification. Clementine and Danny are two Chinese American high school students who come from two very different backgrounds but have the same goal. And, in the background, lots of tea talk: Clementine who is a connoisseur and Danny who is an expert, due to working in his parents' restaurant his whole life. As they learn about activism, as well as intention v. impact, the reader just roots for this couple and their goals.
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.
December 29, 2023
this was cute
July 3, 2023
Thank you to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888. Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea. When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years. When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?
Clementine knows what she likes and is keen to get stuck in. Achieving at all she can, she wants to help as many people as possible. Her blog is dedicated to remaining positive about her community but offering little tidbits to help keep businesses alive and gain foot traffic. I really liked that she remained upbeat for the majority of the book, truly wanting nothing but to help others. Even when things got tough, she did her best to have a positive outlook. She definitely makes a statement, and an impact, at different points in the book. I think she was a pretty great character to read.
Danny does his best to keep his family’s restaurant afloat and running day to day. He’s dedicated to his family and their happiness and wants only the best for them. His time online as BobaBoy888 shows his passion for keeping traditions alive and thriving in Chinatown, but it comes across as snarky and smug. It’s a part of Danny I wasn’t too keen on. Generally, he was kind and considerate but his online presence felt a bit like a let down for his character. He definitely opened up as the book went on and he spent more time with Clementine - it made a nice change to his slightly more reserved self at the beginning. I just wish we could have seen more of his tender side!
I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers so I knew I had to read this one. I do think this is a well written story but it just didn’t grab me as much as I hoped it would which is such a shame. I could feel the passion in the plot and the flow was great but I felt like a spark was missing for me where I could feel a great connection to what was happening. I think that perhaps it was just lacking emotion at times from some of the characters - one moment they’re happy, then it suddenly changes and my brain is scrambling to work out what happened. The ending worked quite nicely considering the events of the book. It was left a little open-ended which I’m not the biggest fan of but it did work for the overall story. This is probably more of a 3.5 star book for me. I just wish it could have been more!
Overall, Clementine and Danny Save the World is a story with a great message but sadly missed the mark for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book.
Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888. Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea. When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years. When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?
Clementine knows what she likes and is keen to get stuck in. Achieving at all she can, she wants to help as many people as possible. Her blog is dedicated to remaining positive about her community but offering little tidbits to help keep businesses alive and gain foot traffic. I really liked that she remained upbeat for the majority of the book, truly wanting nothing but to help others. Even when things got tough, she did her best to have a positive outlook. She definitely makes a statement, and an impact, at different points in the book. I think she was a pretty great character to read.
Danny does his best to keep his family’s restaurant afloat and running day to day. He’s dedicated to his family and their happiness and wants only the best for them. His time online as BobaBoy888 shows his passion for keeping traditions alive and thriving in Chinatown, but it comes across as snarky and smug. It’s a part of Danny I wasn’t too keen on. Generally, he was kind and considerate but his online presence felt a bit like a let down for his character. He definitely opened up as the book went on and he spent more time with Clementine - it made a nice change to his slightly more reserved self at the beginning. I just wish we could have seen more of his tender side!
I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers so I knew I had to read this one. I do think this is a well written story but it just didn’t grab me as much as I hoped it would which is such a shame. I could feel the passion in the plot and the flow was great but I felt like a spark was missing for me where I could feel a great connection to what was happening. I think that perhaps it was just lacking emotion at times from some of the characters - one moment they’re happy, then it suddenly changes and my brain is scrambling to work out what happened. The ending worked quite nicely considering the events of the book. It was left a little open-ended which I’m not the biggest fan of but it did work for the overall story. This is probably more of a 3.5 star book for me. I just wish it could have been more!
Overall, Clementine and Danny Save the World is a story with a great message but sadly missed the mark for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book.
September 5, 2023
Clementine and Danny are Chinese American teens living in Chinatown. They both love tea. This is the kickoff point for a book that I have seen described as a more modern version of "You've Got Mail" (the 1998 romcom starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan), but that's a movie I never watched.
It feels like there is a definite decision to contrast these two characters who have had very different family lives. Danny has lived and worked his whole life in the family teashop. Clementine has a lot more of a modern consumer-culture perspective on tea and business, that she flexes on her blog about tea. Danny is frustrated at this blogger who disrespects his traditional tea making values and he habitually trolls her blog, and the two engage in continual critical banter.
When a corporation starts moving in on Chinatown and buying up the cheap real estate, the leases on the stripmall where Danny's family works are not going to be renewed. Faced with dwindling business and potential buyout bonuses, his family's future seems uncertain.
The editor of the school newspaper is encouraged by her family to put her money where her mouth is, if she is really so concerned about the gentrification of Chinatown, and makes posters to recruit her schoolmates to a social activism non-profit that is protesting the buyout. Danny feels like he ought to do Something and joins her fight.
This book discusses and challenges a lot of stereotypes about tradition, acculturation, social media, community, family expectations, bullying, information security and online authenticity. A lot of these topics are relevant conversations that teens need to engage with to stay safe, find their identity and behave in healthy and socially responsible ways in online space. A key takeaway is also that people will make mistakes, and when you do, it is often less damaging to all involved to own them and work on getting better for next time.
There is a romance angle in this story, but it is pretty tame. There are cringe feelings involved, and a bit of PDA, but it's not overtly sexy.
It feels like there is a definite decision to contrast these two characters who have had very different family lives. Danny has lived and worked his whole life in the family teashop. Clementine has a lot more of a modern consumer-culture perspective on tea and business, that she flexes on her blog about tea. Danny is frustrated at this blogger who disrespects his traditional tea making values and he habitually trolls her blog, and the two engage in continual critical banter.
When a corporation starts moving in on Chinatown and buying up the cheap real estate, the leases on the stripmall where Danny's family works are not going to be renewed. Faced with dwindling business and potential buyout bonuses, his family's future seems uncertain.
The editor of the school newspaper is encouraged by her family to put her money where her mouth is, if she is really so concerned about the gentrification of Chinatown, and makes posters to recruit her schoolmates to a social activism non-profit that is protesting the buyout. Danny feels like he ought to do Something and joins her fight.
This book discusses and challenges a lot of stereotypes about tradition, acculturation, social media, community, family expectations, bullying, information security and online authenticity. A lot of these topics are relevant conversations that teens need to engage with to stay safe, find their identity and behave in healthy and socially responsible ways in online space. A key takeaway is also that people will make mistakes, and when you do, it is often less damaging to all involved to own them and work on getting better for next time.
There is a romance angle in this story, but it is pretty tame. There are cringe feelings involved, and a bit of PDA, but it's not overtly sexy.
October 20, 2023
“The FBI has nothing on the auntie network.”
I was sent an ARC copy of this book by HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: bullying, racism, classism, grief, death
I had high hopes for this book. I'm a big fan of the rivals to lovers trope so I was intrigued about how the romance between Clementine and Danny would pan out. It was sweet in the beginning but without getting into spoilers, there were some events that I wasn't a big fan of and had a hard time looking past. I also found that this book focused primarily on Danny as opposed to Clementine. I would have enjoyed learning more about her and her family and seeing her grow as a character. Speaking of the characters, I liked the feeling of community that was created, especially with the various shop owners in Chinatown. The discussion around gentrification and culture grabbed my attention and I was invested in reading more.
I was sent an ARC copy of this book by HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: bullying, racism, classism, grief, death
I had high hopes for this book. I'm a big fan of the rivals to lovers trope so I was intrigued about how the romance between Clementine and Danny would pan out. It was sweet in the beginning but without getting into spoilers, there were some events that I wasn't a big fan of and had a hard time looking past. I also found that this book focused primarily on Danny as opposed to Clementine. I would have enjoyed learning more about her and her family and seeing her grow as a character. Speaking of the characters, I liked the feeling of community that was created, especially with the various shop owners in Chinatown. The discussion around gentrification and culture grabbed my attention and I was invested in reading more.
November 27, 2024
this was more of a love letter to chinatown and chinese culture than a love story. and i adored it. the romance was cute but what really stuck with me were the people that made up chinatown. i admired clementine’s drive to help and danny’s love of chinatown. i cherished the moments with the aunties and uncles, and mourned when they did. i wish we saw more of what happened next with the tea shop - did danny’s parents decide to open a new one, or did they decide to retire it and move onto other pursuits? but that’s the thing about life (and ya) - we don’t always know the next chapter. all in all, i loved this book more than i thought i would!
October 3, 2023
This was relatively sweet, though it drags quite a bit in the middle and the ending feels rushed. I don't think Clementine and Danny ever really resolve their ideological differences in any satisfying way, which was also a letdown--they just push it all under the rug by the end. The friend characters are also pretty underdeveloped, and I wonder if they could have played more of a role in the middle in order to provide more plot/moments of interest. It just feels a little slow and underdeveloped overall, though I was invested in the outcome and the perspective on culture and gentrification.
August 23, 2024
Why do I read books with teenagers as the main characters?!?! Every time I am disappointed. Rightly so, because generally, most teenagers are not capable of communicating maturely with other people.
This book was nice in the Asian culture regard. I love it when stories seem steeped in rich commentary on important topics.
I had a low-grade frustration through most of the story and couldn't appreciate the well-intentioned commentary very much 🤷♀️
This book was nice in the Asian culture regard. I love it when stories seem steeped in rich commentary on important topics.
I had a low-grade frustration through most of the story and couldn't appreciate the well-intentioned commentary very much 🤷♀️
January 5, 2023
This book was amazing! Thank you to Harper Collins Children's Books and Quill Tree Books for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. This story has "You've Got Mail" vibes on the surface, but delves into so much more. This book deals with familial expectations, traditions, trauma, drama and so much more. The central story is interesting and well-paced and the ending was what I didn't know I wanted until I got it. Please check out this book!
July 25, 2023
DNF- 58%
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC, all opinions are my own.
I’m sorry I just can’t with this book. I could never really get into it because of of the pacing. The romance was very odd. It felt like all of a sudden they just started having feelings for the other. Also, Danny is such a mean person at times. What’s the point of releasing your anger on an anonymous blogger. This book wasn’t for me.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC, all opinions are my own.
I’m sorry I just can’t with this book. I could never really get into it because of of the pacing. The romance was very odd. It felt like all of a sudden they just started having feelings for the other. Also, Danny is such a mean person at times. What’s the point of releasing your anger on an anonymous blogger. This book wasn’t for me.
dnf
July 24, 2023dnf @ 20%
I just don't care at all
I just don't care at all
December 28, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
July 30, 2024
I enjoyed this one! It was a sweet romance with a subtle commentary on activism.
Want to read
December 12, 2024putting on hold for now, definitely want to read this at some point tho <3
April 10, 2024
Eh not really my thing. The writing was fine, it was a sweet story but just very basic. Kind of like a hallmark movie but in a book.
March 22, 2024
Danny and Clementine’s anonymous online personas have been feuding for years on Clementine’s tea review blog, with each having no idea about the other’s real identity. When rumours start flying about the Chinatown strip mall where Danny’s family’s teahouse is located being bought up by a big corporation, Danny and Clementine team up with a local activist group to try and stop the sale from happening.
This is a rom-com, and a lot of the ‘com’ comes from Danny’s narration. He’s full of quips and funny thoughts, and reading from his perspective often put a smile on my face. He’s the relatable, introverted, terrified-of-public-speaking one and I really felt for him as he realised he may have bitten off a little more than he’d like to chew. I also enjoyed reading Clementine’s chapters! She’s a friendly and confident girl who cares deeply about the community around her, who isn’t afraid to get up and do something about a situation she thinks is unjust. She knows what she wants in life and isn’t willing to sit around and wait for it, she’s going to march outside and go to it.
I wasn’t super convinced that they were falling in love with each other, but I was convinced that they did very much enjoy each other’s company. I’m choosing to see that as a win. Their relationship is built on them genuinely getting along and actually liking each other as people, so even if the romance aspect didn’t quite hit for me I still enjoyed reading about them!
If Danny were to write an AITA post about his online actions then the response he’d get would be a resounding YTA. He’s not a bad person by any means, which is shown by the genuine horror he feels when certain things come to light. There’s a lesson to be learned from this book and it’s to treat the people you come across online with respect, and that if there’s someone you don’t like for whatever reason then you’re better off ignoring them and/or blocking them than the vast majority of the alternatives. It just saves so much grief.
In all, this is an enjoyable read! I easily read the whole book in just one day. If you’re looking for a new rom-com, a book involving activism, or a book that celebrates Chinese American culture, and especially tea, then I’d recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me an arc in return for an honest review.
Rep: Chinese American main characters, Chinese & Chinese American side characters, Black Nigerian side character
CW:
This is a rom-com, and a lot of the ‘com’ comes from Danny’s narration. He’s full of quips and funny thoughts, and reading from his perspective often put a smile on my face. He’s the relatable, introverted, terrified-of-public-speaking one and I really felt for him as he realised he may have bitten off a little more than he’d like to chew. I also enjoyed reading Clementine’s chapters! She’s a friendly and confident girl who cares deeply about the community around her, who isn’t afraid to get up and do something about a situation she thinks is unjust. She knows what she wants in life and isn’t willing to sit around and wait for it, she’s going to march outside and go to it.
I wasn’t super convinced that they were falling in love with each other, but I was convinced that they did very much enjoy each other’s company. I’m choosing to see that as a win. Their relationship is built on them genuinely getting along and actually liking each other as people, so even if the romance aspect didn’t quite hit for me I still enjoyed reading about them!
If Danny were to write an AITA post about his online actions then the response he’d get would be a resounding YTA. He’s not a bad person by any means, which is shown by the genuine horror he feels when certain things come to light. There’s a lesson to be learned from this book and it’s to treat the people you come across online with respect, and that if there’s someone you don’t like for whatever reason then you’re better off ignoring them and/or blocking them than the vast majority of the alternatives. It just saves so much grief.
In all, this is an enjoyable read! I easily read the whole book in just one day. If you’re looking for a new rom-com, a book involving activism, or a book that celebrates Chinese American culture, and especially tea, then I’d recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me an arc in return for an honest review.
Rep: Chinese American main characters, Chinese & Chinese American side characters, Black Nigerian side character
CW:
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