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Lost in Taiwan
A story about stepping out of your comfort zone—literally—on an unlikely journey to making new connections and learning to explore the big wide world around you, Lost In Taiwan is the latest from celebrated graphic novelist Mark Crilley.
THIS WASN’T PAUL’S IDEA.
The last thing he’s interested in is exploring new countries or experiencing anything that might be described as “cultural enrichment.” But like it or not, he’s stuck with his brother, Theo, for two weeks in Taiwan, a place that—while fascinating to Theo—holds no interest to Paul at all.
While on a short trip to a local electronics store, Paul becomes hopelessly lost in Taiwan’s twisting, narrow streets, and he has no choice but to explore this new environment in his quest to find his way back to Theo’s apartment.
In an unfamiliar place with no friends—and no GPS!—there’s no telling what adventures he could happen upon. And who knows? Maybe it turns out he has friends in Taiwan, after all.
THIS WASN’T PAUL’S IDEA.
The last thing he’s interested in is exploring new countries or experiencing anything that might be described as “cultural enrichment.” But like it or not, he’s stuck with his brother, Theo, for two weeks in Taiwan, a place that—while fascinating to Theo—holds no interest to Paul at all.
While on a short trip to a local electronics store, Paul becomes hopelessly lost in Taiwan’s twisting, narrow streets, and he has no choice but to explore this new environment in his quest to find his way back to Theo’s apartment.
In an unfamiliar place with no friends—and no GPS!—there’s no telling what adventures he could happen upon. And who knows? Maybe it turns out he has friends in Taiwan, after all.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2023
11 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Mark Crilley
115 books370 followersMark Crilley is an American comic book creator and children's book author/illustrator. He is the creator of Miki Falls, Akiko, and Brody's Ghost. He is also noted for his instructional videos for drawing in the manga-style. Crilley distributes drawing advice to artists via YouTube videos and his DeviantArt account. In August 2010, he starred in some how to draw videos for Funimation on demand. Mark Crilley's wife is Miki Crilley who he named Miki Falls after. The two have a daughter, Mio, and a son, Matthew.
Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cri...
Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cri...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 16, 2023
Yea I’m not sure what to make of this one…
On one hand I really enjoyed the artwork. It reminded me of some of those early comics that I used to read. On the other hand, I wasn’t a huge fan of the storytelling. The story follows the main character after he gets lost in Taiwan while he’s in search of a video game. He’s there for the summer visiting his brother who teaches English. At the beginning of the story he hasn’t really left the house so it’s a pretty big deal when he gets lost. He fortunately meets a girl around his age that offers to help him find his brother’s house. While this was supposed to be a lesson about understanding and respecting other cultures, it felt like it was a little to on the nose which catered to too perfect resolutions. I wasn’t a fan of the main character and I don’t believe that it’s realistic to assume that a day hanging out with people will change biased and ignorant views. I understood the attempt here and think that some of the messaging will be great for middle grade readers, but the execution didn’t work. Also, it’s not the job of marginalized communities to teach/educate others. I think it’s important to continue to foster resourceful, inquisitive, and empathetic behaviors in youth that would make them want to learn about others rather than being forced into doing so or relying on those individuals to do the work for them.
On one hand I really enjoyed the artwork. It reminded me of some of those early comics that I used to read. On the other hand, I wasn’t a huge fan of the storytelling. The story follows the main character after he gets lost in Taiwan while he’s in search of a video game. He’s there for the summer visiting his brother who teaches English. At the beginning of the story he hasn’t really left the house so it’s a pretty big deal when he gets lost. He fortunately meets a girl around his age that offers to help him find his brother’s house. While this was supposed to be a lesson about understanding and respecting other cultures, it felt like it was a little to on the nose which catered to too perfect resolutions. I wasn’t a fan of the main character and I don’t believe that it’s realistic to assume that a day hanging out with people will change biased and ignorant views. I understood the attempt here and think that some of the messaging will be great for middle grade readers, but the execution didn’t work. Also, it’s not the job of marginalized communities to teach/educate others. I think it’s important to continue to foster resourceful, inquisitive, and empathetic behaviors in youth that would make them want to learn about others rather than being forced into doing so or relying on those individuals to do the work for them.
June 13, 2023
Sulky teen Paul is reluctantly visiting his brother in Taiwan. After vegetating on the sofa for days, he finally makes a solo outing only to end up hopelessly lost miles from his brother's apartment. Luckily, he's rescued by an English-speaking girl who helps him move past his "ugly American" ways in how he views the local culture and makes progress in getting his head extracted from his butt in regards to his personal relationships.
This love letter to Taiwan has a nice, idealized story that is a little too pat with its feel-good outcomes but still pleases.
This love letter to Taiwan has a nice, idealized story that is a little too pat with its feel-good outcomes but still pleases.
December 22, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
October 12, 2023
Lost in Taiwan is a YA graphic novel.
I am just loving graphic novels right now. This one features an American teenager who goes to Taiwan to visit his brother. He starts off as a bratty teen with an attitude problem. But when he gets lost it forces him to try to get help. A local girl befriends him and I absolutely loved seeing her and her family.
I enjoyed this story very much. And it made me want to visit Taiwan for sure.
August 19, 2023
The art is just gorgeous!
March 17, 2025
3.25🌟
This took me a bit longer to finish compared to some of the other graphic novels I have read because I have been very busy but I still enjoyed it the same. I liked learning more about Taiwan and reading about the different things Paul got to see. I also really liked Paul’s character development and how his relationships with other characters grew. The illustrations were well done and it was overall a good read.
This took me a bit longer to finish compared to some of the other graphic novels I have read because I have been very busy but I still enjoyed it the same. I liked learning more about Taiwan and reading about the different things Paul got to see. I also really liked Paul’s character development and how his relationships with other characters grew. The illustrations were well done and it was overall a good read.
July 7, 2024
One of my favorite. This book explores what it means to have an open mind, the excitement of travel, and the importance of friends, wherever you may find them. Beautifully written with detailed pictures. ❤️❤️❤️
December 18, 2023
The illustrations in this graphic novel are absolutely gorgeous and the storyline is equally enchanting. At first I expected a cliché story set in Taipei but I was pleasantly surprised! The setting is a small village in Yunlin County and the writer skillfully portrays the authentic essence of rural life – the rice paddies, the serene embrace of nature, the cultural richness of temples, food and friendly locals. I was captivated from the first page :-) hands down one of the best graphic novels I've ever read!
May 23, 2024
THIS WAS SO CUTE !!!!!!!! art style is absolutely delightful and totally transports you to the charming (if a little chaotic at times) winding streets of taiwan
July 18, 2023
As simple of a plot it is, I find this book comforting and I love the drawings of the different sceneries you would definitely find in Taiwan. Although I've never been to Taiwan myself, I have watched many Taiwanese dramas to appreciate the culture and the positivity of their peoples. I love that the author uses the kindness of Taiwanese people to illustrate the adventure Paul (male main character) goes through while he is lost by the way Paige and her cousin Wallace speaks with proper manners and dialogue (similar to how I would picture Taiwanese people), how welcoming they treat him by buying food for him and introducing Paul to their food culture, and even how Paige showed Paul the tea ceremony that her grandpa does traditionally.
I find that the more I read this book and how it illustrates Taiwan culture, I find myself wanting to purchase this book to add to my collection. I would say the author did an amazing job illustrating Taiwan and I hope that people will see what a beautiful country Taiwan really is!
On a side note, I love LOVE that the author included the pelican in the drawings, especially when they visited Paige's grandparents and Paul saw the brush painting. Pelicans really symbolizes Asian culture since most East Asian countries are near water and most have rice fields. I also love towards the end of the book, the author included the scene where Paul saw a real pelican in the rice fields early in the morning while he went to drink Ke kou ke le (coca cola). It creates such a beautiful memory that lasts a lifetime.
On a side side note, I did not know that Ke kou ke le in Chinese, “ke kou” means tasty and “ko le” means amusing, which translates to “happiness in the mouth”. I did not know this and it’s such a lovely name for Coca Cola haha!
I also love the ending where it seems like Paul really had a wonderful time in Taiwan, to the point where he would study Chinese in the States and even promised to come back next summer. Maybe there will be a second book? If so, I would love to read it! Perhaps the author might even show other sceneries of Taiwan?
I find that the more I read this book and how it illustrates Taiwan culture, I find myself wanting to purchase this book to add to my collection. I would say the author did an amazing job illustrating Taiwan and I hope that people will see what a beautiful country Taiwan really is!
On a side note, I love LOVE that the author included the pelican in the drawings, especially when they visited Paige's grandparents and Paul saw the brush painting. Pelicans really symbolizes Asian culture since most East Asian countries are near water and most have rice fields. I also love towards the end of the book, the author included the scene where Paul saw a real pelican in the rice fields early in the morning while he went to drink Ke kou ke le (coca cola). It creates such a beautiful memory that lasts a lifetime.
On a side side note, I did not know that Ke kou ke le in Chinese, “ke kou” means tasty and “ko le” means amusing, which translates to “happiness in the mouth”. I did not know this and it’s such a lovely name for Coca Cola haha!
I also love the ending where it seems like Paul really had a wonderful time in Taiwan, to the point where he would study Chinese in the States and even promised to come back next summer. Maybe there will be a second book? If so, I would love to read it! Perhaps the author might even show other sceneries of Taiwan?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
“Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get you to the right place.” - Mandy Hale, The Single Woman
Paul is lost… he has no friends that aren’t inside of a computer screen. He doesn’t trust easily and he feels isolated. Gaming is his life and exactly why his family sends him halfway across the world to get away. His older brother Theo lives in Taiwan, teaching English, and is the perfect person to help him find himself again. When he fails at pulling him away from the screen, Theo decides to go on a one-night getaway with his girlfriend.
The only thing that entices Paul to leave the apartment is the chance at a brand new video game console, which takes him all the way across the city. But his online friend got the information wrong and it turns into a bust, which upsets him enough to accidentally drop his phone in a puddle of water, losing his only way home….
Lost in Taiwan is an endearing tale of losing yourself and the adventure it takes to get you back to where you belong. I feel like we all have a Paul inside of us, pushing us to be anti-social and untrusting, but it takes a little push to send us back on the right path. And making new friends really helps.
Peijing and Wallace were my favorite parts of the story. They were both ready to make a new friend and welcome him with open arms. Both of them made me smile a lot.
I love that there was a lot of culture in the book and great moments of teaching sensitivity and understanding for the reader’s perspective. Paul definitely makes some cringe comments that I’m glad were addressed immediately on page. Being different than you doesn’t make the other person weird, they just aren’t you and their customs may be different.
Paul is lost… he has no friends that aren’t inside of a computer screen. He doesn’t trust easily and he feels isolated. Gaming is his life and exactly why his family sends him halfway across the world to get away. His older brother Theo lives in Taiwan, teaching English, and is the perfect person to help him find himself again. When he fails at pulling him away from the screen, Theo decides to go on a one-night getaway with his girlfriend.
The only thing that entices Paul to leave the apartment is the chance at a brand new video game console, which takes him all the way across the city. But his online friend got the information wrong and it turns into a bust, which upsets him enough to accidentally drop his phone in a puddle of water, losing his only way home….
Lost in Taiwan is an endearing tale of losing yourself and the adventure it takes to get you back to where you belong. I feel like we all have a Paul inside of us, pushing us to be anti-social and untrusting, but it takes a little push to send us back on the right path. And making new friends really helps.
Peijing and Wallace were my favorite parts of the story. They were both ready to make a new friend and welcome him with open arms. Both of them made me smile a lot.
I love that there was a lot of culture in the book and great moments of teaching sensitivity and understanding for the reader’s perspective. Paul definitely makes some cringe comments that I’m glad were addressed immediately on page. Being different than you doesn’t make the other person weird, they just aren’t you and their customs may be different.
July 12, 2023
Listen, I really loved the illustrations, how the author use a lot of dialogue-less panels to push readers to process the scene and pay attention to the surrounding. But the MC was an absoute prick and his character development felt impossibly quick. but i get the points and overall it's still a good graphic novel.
September 11, 2023
This made me want to book a ticket to Taiwan!
This graphic novel is about a young teen that was sent from America to Taiwan to visit his older brother. He was addicted to his phone and gaming and really didn’t have any friends. One day he set out to find a store using his gps. Long story short, he ended up lost and the adventure starts there!
This graphic novel is about a young teen that was sent from America to Taiwan to visit his older brother. He was addicted to his phone and gaming and really didn’t have any friends. One day he set out to find a store using his gps. Long story short, he ended up lost and the adventure starts there!
June 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book throughly! It’s amazing how things can change when we change our own perspectives! I think my HS students will like this book!
July 27, 2023
This book made me want to hop on a plane and immediately head to Taiwan, and I hate international flights. What a gorgeous love letter to the simple pleasures of a culture!
October 7, 2023
What a fantastic message! I can’t think of a single middle schooler who won’t take something away from this story of self-discovery.
Grades 7 and up.
Grades 7 and up.
November 11, 2024
Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley was a lovely graphic novel. American teen Paul goes to Taiwan to spend two weeks with his older brother Theo, who lives there, teaching English. As it begins, the visit isn't going well at all. Paul has planted himself on the couch and basically refuses to explore anywhere with his older brother. He won't even try the local food. Theo loves the city and his girl friend. Paul spends his time on his phone with online friends and eating McDonald's food.
When Theo goes away for a couple of days, Paul is told by one of his 'friends' that a local store is selling the latest Nintendo Swoop. Paul braves the city and using google maps, finds the store. The Swoop, it turns out is a little child's game. Paul drops his phone and breaks it and finds himself lost in this strange new city. Thanks to a lovely local girl, Peijing, he begins both an exploration of the city and culture but also makes a new friend.
It's a wonderful growing up story. It's beautifully drawn and Crilley presents the story, which takes place over one day, so easily and sympathetically. The characters are all likable, even Paul, as he begins to grow up and discover himself. It was just such a positive story that it draws you in completely. And it definitely makes you want to visit Taiwan. Most enjoyable. (4.0 stars)
When Theo goes away for a couple of days, Paul is told by one of his 'friends' that a local store is selling the latest Nintendo Swoop. Paul braves the city and using google maps, finds the store. The Swoop, it turns out is a little child's game. Paul drops his phone and breaks it and finds himself lost in this strange new city. Thanks to a lovely local girl, Peijing, he begins both an exploration of the city and culture but also makes a new friend.
It's a wonderful growing up story. It's beautifully drawn and Crilley presents the story, which takes place over one day, so easily and sympathetically. The characters are all likable, even Paul, as he begins to grow up and discover himself. It was just such a positive story that it draws you in completely. And it definitely makes you want to visit Taiwan. Most enjoyable. (4.0 stars)
October 22, 2024
I liked this slice of life story of Paul spending 2 weeks in Taiwan with his brother, Theo. Paul just sits around playing video games and never even tries to see the country or what it has to offer. Theo and hos girlfriend go away for the day and Paul finally decides to leave the apartment in search of a video game consule that no one in the US will have. While out and about he gets lost and can't use his phone. He meets Peijing who takes him on a journey hoping to help him remember where his brother lives. The only thing I didn't like was that several charaters speak Chinese only and the author didn't translate any of that dialogue. And maybe that was the point to put us in Paul's shoes but there were some Chinese spices that they translated so...
The illustrations were ok and some of them felt a little too unfinished for my taste.
The illustrations were ok and some of them felt a little too unfinished for my taste.
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January 27, 2025I totally agree that some of the storytelling is at best "on the nose" and at worst, problematic. It's probably not nuanced enough. But, I read it after my 9 year old did, and I saw that he took from it why calling someone "exotic" is offensive, even if well intentioned. So yeah, hopefully adults already know that (but clearly not all do!), but everyone has to learn it somewhere, and from a book seems like a better option.
May 25, 2023
Gorgeous graphic novel! Absolutely loved all the scenes, landmarks, landscapes, and food depicted.
I wish there was slightly more to the storyline … there is just something missing here that keeps it from being a 5 star read for me. Maybe a day or an excursion with his brother after the lost day?
I wish there was slightly more to the storyline … there is just something missing here that keeps it from being a 5 star read for me. Maybe a day or an excursion with his brother after the lost day?
July 27, 2023
I’ll write a proper review when I’m not on my phone, but I loved this story, and the drawings were (of course) amazing.
September 13, 2023
A simplistic story about opening yourself up to possibilities is elevated by Crilley's beautifully detailed art in this love letter to Taiwan. Nice.
July 22, 2024
A beautiful story!
April 12, 2025
This was so cute and the artwork was great. The color palette was 💯. Highly recommend for all ages.
June 18, 2025
It’s a cute YA novel with an angsty teen. I did like the tour of Taiwan and learning about tea, food, and ritual
January 3, 2025
Read in under 1 hour. Beautiful artwork! And loved that it took me back to my first time in Taiwan! The places they visited weren’t too iconic which made you feel that the main character (and the reader) was getting a local’s tour of the beautiful country!
July 20, 2023
It was not Paul's idea to visit his brother in Taiwan, nor is he excited about the trip. He spends the first couple of days on the couch, gaming, chatting with online friends, and eating McDonalds. But when a friend tells him about an exclusive Nintendo item being sold in a handful of places - Taiwan being one of them - Paul decides to venture out into the city.
The store selling the special "Nintendo Swoop" is miles away, and Paul has to get there on his own, navigating the streets of a foreign country with the help of his trusty smartphone...until the phone breaks and Paul finds himself utterly lost. His search for home will be full of exploration, adventure, discovery, and maybe even a few new friends to help him on his way.
This fast-paced graphic novel celebrates the magic of travel and shows how travel, honesty, and friendship help us grow.
The store selling the special "Nintendo Swoop" is miles away, and Paul has to get there on his own, navigating the streets of a foreign country with the help of his trusty smartphone...until the phone breaks and Paul finds himself utterly lost. His search for home will be full of exploration, adventure, discovery, and maybe even a few new friends to help him on his way.
This fast-paced graphic novel celebrates the magic of travel and shows how travel, honesty, and friendship help us grow.
December 12, 2023
This story was beautiful leaning in very heavily with the art as a way to convey the setting and emotions of the characters. The art is simply beautiful and detailed with a water color feel. The characters were relatable and the plot was fun and a great hook.
November 26, 2023
Loved this graphic novel! I lived in Taiwan for 2 years and when there with my wife for our 1st year anniversary, our second honeymoon. It is a amazing country! The sights, the atmosphere, the food, and especially the people are all wonderful!
This book did an amazing job representing the culture, the visual details and the kindness found in Taiwan. I agree with the author's note, the Taiwanese people are some of the most kind and thoughtful people in the world, even to strangers.
I really appreciated that this book took me back to that beautiful island. Going to have to book my next trip there!
This book did an amazing job representing the culture, the visual details and the kindness found in Taiwan. I agree with the author's note, the Taiwanese people are some of the most kind and thoughtful people in the world, even to strangers.
I really appreciated that this book took me back to that beautiful island. Going to have to book my next trip there!
October 15, 2023
I loved the way the main character was forced to fall in love with a city he initially had no interest in exploring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews