"Never do anything halfway." Warcross by Marie Lu 5 stars Pros: Fascinating technology Mysterious antagonist Smart and independent Asian main character Intriguing love interest Cons: Easily guessed the antagonist I absolutely loved Warcross. I’m a big fangirl of Marie Lu ever since she exploded on the scene with the Legend series. Yes, there are some single titles within her two series (Legend; Young Elites) that I don’t enjoy as much. Overall, though, I love her … [Read more...]
KU Fall Book Fair
October 18, 2017 2 Comments
Don't miss out! From October 15 through October 31, a bunch of YA titles will be FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Look for Dragonfly Dreams and other exciting young adult novels on Amazon. Here's a list of books that are participating: http://www.leamckee.com/kubookfair/ … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Starswept
September 25, 2017 2 Comments
"Romance will come your way soon." Starswept by Mary Fan 4.5 stars Pros: An invented language! Unique world-building Focus on the arts Cons: Too much mystery in the beginning Starswept is a wonderful book. I love the premise of the situation, where the arts are adored by an alien race. There are also interesting underlying themes of prejudice, xenophobia, and the value of human lives in the novel. I’m able to really identify with the main character, Iris. I love how … [Read more...]
Dragonfly Dreams Highly Recommended!
September 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
"You will be the guest of a gracious host." "I highly recommend Dragonfly Dreams not only to its intended young adult audience, but also to those interested in exploring acculturation across generations." ~ Lisbeth Coiman Today's post is a quick peek at a very kind review of my novel from Lisbeth Coiman, a bilingual writer: https://lisbethcoiman.com/review-dragonfly-dreams-by-jennifer-chow/ Keep an eye out for her forthcoming raw and moving memoir, I Asked The Blue Heron. … [Read more...]
#BookReview: The Sun is Also a Star
August 7, 2017 4 Comments
"Now is the time to go ahead and pursue that love interest!" The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon 5 stars Pros: Quick pace Timely discussion (immigration issues, cross-cultural relationships) Love story Cons: Different narrative formats (could be disorienting for some) Belieavability about love at first sight (for those who don't think it exists) The Sun is Also a Star is an amazing book. I love how it deals with really sensitive issues like immigration and … [Read more...]
New audiobook
July 31, 2017 Leave a Comment
"You should be able to undertake and complete anything." Just in case you missed it... Dragonfly Dreams now has an audiobook version! This is the second time around I've used Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX). ACX helps turn books into audio versions through two methods: a 50/50 royalty split with the narrator, or upfront costs paid to the narrator. Both times I've decided to split royalties. What I like about ACX is that you can put your project (book) out there and have people audition … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Under the Feet of Jesus
May 15, 2017 2 Comments
“You have an accurate and professional mind.” Under the Feet of Jesus by Helena Maria Viramontes 3.5 stars Pros: Clear snapshot of farming life Complex characters Cons: Not plot-paced, a slower read Less about the teen protagonists (though they serve as main characters) 3.5 stars. I really liked the picture Viramontes gives us of field workers. It's a fascinating and heartbreaking world that I didn't have much exposure to. The words in the novel are all beautiful, … [Read more...]
LA Times Festival of Books
May 1, 2017 Leave a Comment
"A thrilling time is in your immediate future." The last time I went to the Festival of Books, it was held at the UCLA campus (go, Bruins!). Most recently, though, the event occurred at USC. A weekend-long event (April 22&23), it gathered together readers, writers, and book-lovers. There were sessions for listening to speakers and opportunities to get signed books. Rows of booths (I was at the SCBWI one) provided a chance to hobnob with authors and also seek out services: the library … [Read more...]
#AuthorProfile: Shawna Yang Ryan
March 13, 2017 2 Comments
"Your kind spirit will lead to many new friendships." Name: Shawna Yang Ryan Accomplishments: Fulbright Scholar; Teaches at University of Hawaii Latest book: Green Island Shawna Yang Ryan is super sweet and down-to-earth. Her latest novel, Green Island, took many years of research. She ended up interviewing people, both in Taiwan and here in America, about how the 228 Massacre affected their lives. Before penning her book, she also had to process all the turbulent emotions involved in … [Read more...]
