Loveboat Forever

Pearl Wang, a junior and promising concert pianist from Ohio, finds herself in trouble on social media and escapes the spotlight by enrolling in a summer language program in Taipei. Nicknamed "Loveboat" for its reputation of fostering teenage romances, the program brings together high school students from the U.S. While there, Pearl discovers the Chinese instrument called the pipa, quickly mastering it and falling in love with the beauty of traditional Chinese music. At the same time, she experiences romantic feelings for two boys and grapples with figuring out her true emotions. The story captures the psychology and emotional growth of teens navigating pivotal high school years.

Initially, I thought the book would focus solely on teenage romance given the "Loveboat" reputation, but it offered much more. It explores deeper themes like coping with loss, facing unexpected health challenges, and reconnecting with ancestry through music. Pearl’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about embracing her identity as a second-generation Chinese American. Through her camp experiences, she unites her Western musical talent with her newfound appreciation for Chinese music, reconnecting with her heritage and family in China. This book taught me about growing up, building meaningful friendships, and courageously confronting stereotypes to define your own path.