Title: Private Label
Author: Kelly Yang
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: May 31, 2022
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Book Depository | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
Serene’s plans for her future to become a fashion designer like her mom suddenly get put on hold when her mom is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Now, Serene has to take over her mother’s business with little experience. Something the investors don’t like. All the while trying to figure out what really happened with her dad in Beijing.
Lian moved to Serene’s California town from Beijing a year ago. He’s been struggling to fit in at school while also trying to get the courage to tell his parents he wants to be a standup comic. Lian is losing hope in ever following his dreams, until he starts a Chinese club at school. And Serene walks in. The two have a strong connection, and might just need each other to nagivate all the things life throws at them.
Review: Private Label
Thanks to HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Private Label by Kelly Yang to review! I feel like most people know Yang from her middle grade work, but this is her second YA novel and she’s not afraid to delve into difficult topics. We saw that in Parachutes and it’s just as true in this book.
Yang excels at writing emotions. We see Serene’s struggles with her mom’s cancer, all the while trying to figure out how to save her business. We see Lian struggling with his parents expectations and what he really wants to do with his life. Both characters need each other as they try to figure out how to move forward, and the way their relationship evolved felt very realistic.
Not only do we get to see the emotions playing out between Serene and Lian, but we also get to see both of their different family dynamics. They are complicated and ever evolving and conflicts that a lot of teens deal with. There are so many emotions in play in this book, and Yang nails every one of them.
My only complaint is that the book feels a bit long at times. In the middle, it felt like the pacing lost itself a bit. But other than that, this is absolutely a strong, emotional read that you’ll want to have on your radar for summer!
4/5 stars