-An instant New York Times Bestseller and Indie Bestseller!-Optioned for film by the producers of Jenny Han’s Netflix series, TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE -#1 Cosmopolitan Audiobook of the Year-Featured in Entertainment Weekly, Seventeen, Boston Globe, South China Morning Post, World Journal, UK Evening Standard, Book Riot, Bustle, Nerd Daily, Forbes, Bloomberg, NBC Bay Area, ABC7- Barnes … Journal, UK Evening Standard, Book Riot, Bustle, Nerd Daily, Forbes, Bloomberg, NBC Bay Area, ABC7
– Barnes and Noble YA Book Club Pick
– Companion novel Loveboat Reunion out Jan 25, 2022
Praised as “an intense rush of rebellion and romance” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber, this romantic and layered debut from Abigail Hing Wen is “a roller-coaster ride of romance and self-discovery.” (Kirkus)
“Our cousins have done this program,” Sophie whispers. “Best kept secret. Zero supervision.”
And just like that, Ever Wong’s summer takes an unexpected turn. Gone is Chien Tan, the strict educational program in Taiwan that Ever was expecting. In its place, she finds Loveboat: a summer-long free-for-all where hookups abound, adults turn a blind eye, snake-blood sake flows abundantly, and the nightlife runs nonstop.
But not every student is quite what they seem:
Ever is working toward becoming a doctor but nurses a secret passion for dance.
Rick Woo is the Yale-bound child prodigy bane of Ever’s existence whose perfection hides a secret.
Boy-crazy, fashion-obsessed Sophie Ha turns out to have more to her than meets the eye.
And under sexy Xavier Yeh’s shell is buried a shameful truth he’ll never admit.
When these students’ lives collide, it’s guaranteed to be a summer Ever will never forget.
“A unique story from an exciting and authentic new voice.” —Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes
“Equal parts surprising, original, and intelligent. An intense rush of rebellion and romance.” —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval
“Fresh as a first kiss.” —Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon
“Fresh, fun, heartfelt, and totally addictive, a story about finding your place—and your people—where you least expected.” —Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of the William C. Morris Award finalist Conviction
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The hopes were high with Loveboat, Taipei. It got off to a very rocky start and I can’t say that I love a lot of things happen in this book, but the second half for me was way better than the first half. I felt like I understood Ever more because she was finding herself. I felt like her confidence grew, she stood up for herself more, and decided to take control of her future. That to me was honestly the best part of the book for me.
I also really loved the characters. They were very complex and dealing with their own issues. Boy Wonder, Xavier who I adored and felt wasn’t given enough justice, and all the girls with the exception of Sophie.
My one issue is that I would have liked to see the more serious topics to be properly addressed instead of being kind of skimmed over. There are characters that deal with abuse, mental illness, and suicide to name the one’s I can remember off top. I think they deserved to be addressed more in depth.
I do look forward to reading more books by this author in the future as this was still a nice read.
When I was reading this book, I felt like I was having an affair. Loveboat, Taipei was all I could think about. I would grab it and flip it open any little chance I got throughout the day, eager to see what would happen next. I stayed up way too late reading, even though I knew I would have to get up early to take care of my baby daughter the next morning. This book centers around Ever Wong and her transformative summer experience in the Chien Tan educational summer program in Taipei. My favorite parts of the book were Ever’s path of self-discovery and her intensely satisfying romance with a fellow Loveboat student. (Not saying who, so I don’t give away the plot twists!) This was the perfect escapist read for these anxious days of quarantine: filled with romance, rebellion, and character-driven emotion.
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen –The first in a new series.
This young adult novel deals with issues faced by second generation children of Asian parents. The parents are comfortable with their traditional culture, and wish to control every facet of the children’s lives —what they will be as adults, and where they will go. This is one of the problems Ever must come to terms with. She already feels different from her classmates and having very strict parents sets her farther apart. Ever has a dream, but it is not what her parents will allow.
This was such a good listen filled with drama, family duty, trusting one’s self ,and embracing the culture of your parents country, as well as, your own and learning about love. There are behaviors most parents would object to, but it is realistic. I particularly liked the group of students who spoofed Asian stereotypes. If we are aware of the ‘type casting’ we can refrain from saying things that, though well meant, are racist.
I love the diverse representation in this book, particularly regarding the nuanced cultures in Taiwan. Abigail Hing Wen also exposes the weighty topics of individualism, family duty, racism, mental health, and more. At one point, it seemed like a lot to take in, but I’m glad she highlighted those serious issues. Kudos also for her in-depth look at family expectations and difficult communication.
Even though I enjoyed the romance side of the story, that part felt exaggerated. I couldn’t quite swallow the appearance of multiple Crazy Rich Asians in the tale. But it was still fun to read and to cheer for the ending.
Overall, a novel that educates not only about Loveboat and the Taiwanese culture but encourages reflection about personal well-being and societal perceptions.
Cute, interesting YA book. Gave me some insight into Asian culture and made me want to travel to Taipei!
Deeply enjoyed this book. Loved the message.