Review Detail

A PHO LOVE STORY is a sweet YA contemporary romance about family, community, and finding your own path. Linh and Bao have grown up in competing pho restaurants across the street, aware of a bitter rivalry between their parents though not knowing what started it. Bao feels a bit directionless, knowing he will need to decide on his future but not quite sure where he wants to go. He participates in the school newspaper with the same attitude - that is, until he is given an assignment with Linh to review restaurants while she illustrates them.

Linh is feeling crushed under the weight of her parents' expectations. She loves art and wants to forge her career with this thing that she loves - but they are determined that she be an engineer. She struggles with defining her own path and maintaining her relationship with them while working so many hours at the restaurant that she may miss important art things. As she takes the assignment with Bao, they know that they should not be spending time together, but despite their families' animosity, they are each drawn to the other.

What I loved: This was ultimately a really sweet YA contemporary romance with some Romeo and Juliet flair (hold the tragedy). Linh and Bao were each really compelling characters, and I adored their meet-cutes. The book really takes it all further as it tackles some really important themes around the weight of parental expectations, forging your own path, hatred/prejudice, the challenges faced by immigrants and first generation Americans, finding your passions, and the importance of family and community. These are some really powerful themes that will resonate with readers who may be struggling with their own paths and also bring awareness to the challenges faced by immigrants as well the hatred/prejudice around that.

The premise of the story with the families that compete in business but also have a personal vendetta is one that is always engaging, and Linh and Bao really bring this story forward with a great deal of kindness and care that make them such a fantastic couple. The newspaper articles added some fun with some great official "dates" that kept the reader engaged as they spend time getting to know each other. The romance was really sweet, and it was fun to get to know them individually and as a couple. The dual perspectives really brought both characters and their families to life.

Final verdict: Overall, A PHO LOVE STORY is a lovely YA contemporary romance that I highly recommend for fans of TWEET CUTE, MADE IN KOREA, and THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL.