I Love You So Mochi
by Sarah Kuhn
Realistic Fiction
Romance
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Kimi Nakamura has been accepted to a prestigious art school for college, but is having second thoughts about a career as an artist/painter. When her mother finds out she’s dropped her senior painting class, she’s very disappointed and after a few terse interchanges, Kimi accepts an invitation from her estranged grandparents and flies all the way around the world to stay with them for spring break in Japan. She’s hoping that two weeks away from all of her problems at home will help her figure out what she wants to do with her life. Almost immediately she meets a cute boy, Akira, with whom she connects instantly. She finds herself opening up to him about her identity crisis and he vows to help her discover her bliss. Along the way, she learns more about Japan, her grandparents, her mother’s past, as well as herself. Kimi’s energy and enthusiasm and passion for life are contagious. Readers will practically taste all the colors and flavors of Japan (plus a smattering of Japanese words) and will be able to visualize the show-stopping creations Kimi fashions with her designer’s eye. Although it will be obvious where Kimi’s talents lay, her journey of self-discovery is one that’s well-worth taking. For those who enjoy fashion, art, design, romance, Japan, and realistic fiction.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
