Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of feel-good, modern fairy tales with a twist - think The Princess Diaries but set in Japan - this book is totally up your alley! "Tokyo Ever After" brings a fresh perspective with its Japanese American heroine, Izumi, who discovers she's a secret princess. Readers who love seeing genuine cultural representation and witty, lovable friend groups will be charmed. If you're into heartfelt coming-of-age journeys, strong family themes, and a dash of romance, you'll probably fly through this one. Great for fans of YA romance, princess tropes, and anyone wishing for more non-white royal stories.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers might find the plot a little predictable, especially if they're familiar with the royal discovery trope or looking for an unpredictable story arc. The romance element leans into insta-love, which isn’t for everyone, and some hoped for more depth in exploring complicated family dynamics. If you’re after hard-hitting realism, slower character growth, or less fluff, this lighthearted romp might feel a bit sweet for your taste.
About:
Tokyo Ever After follows Izumi Tanaka, a Japanese American teenager from Mt. Shasta, CA, who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. The story revolves around Izumi's journey to Japan to meet her father and the Imperial Family, where she navigates the challenges of fitting into a new culture while also dealing with the pressures of royal life. The book blends elements of modern fairytales like The Princess Diaries with themes of cultural identity, family relationships, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as lush and engaging, creating a vivid portrayal of Izumi's world as she transitions from her life in California to the complexities of royal life in Japan.
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Has Romance?
There is a notable romance subplot in the story, but it takes a backseat to the main character's journey of self-discovery.
From The Publisher:
The New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine YA Book Club Pick! Emiko Jean's Tokyo Ever After is the "refreshing, spot-on" (Booklist, starred review) story of an ordinary Japanese American girl who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan
Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in-it isn't easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it's always been Izumi-or Izzy, because "It's easier this way"-and her mom against the world. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father's identity…and he's none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.
In a whirlwind, Izumi travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn't all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.
Izumi soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself-back home, she was never "American" enough, and in Japan, she must prove she's "Japanese" enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairy tale, happily ever after?
Look for the sequel, Tokyo Dreaming, in 2022!
Ratings (7)
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (25):
Read It (10) | |
Want To Read (11) | |
Not Interested (4) |
1 comment(s)
Princess diaries meets Japanese culture. This book deals with identity, coming of age with new revelations, love and father and daughter relationships. Which actually kind of made me jealous. So good.
What can you read after
Tokyo Ever After?
About the Author:
When Emiko Jean isn't writing, she is reading. Before she became a writer, she was an entomologist, a candlemaker, a florist, and most recently, a teacher. She lives in Washington with her husband and children (unruly twins). She is also the author of Empress of all Seasons and We'll Never Be Apart.
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