Wait for Me

An Na's 'Wait for Me' is a poignant young adult novel about Mina, a Korean American high school senior in Southern California. Mina grapples with the immense pressure of her family's expectations, the demands of their business, and caring for her younger sister, all while yearning for personal freedom and self-discovery. Her journey takes a significant turn when she experiences first love, offering her a potential escape and a catalyst for defining her own identity. This book sensitively explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, independence, and the complexities of young love, making it ideal for high school readers navigating similar challenges.

As her senior year in high school approaches, Mina yearns to find her own path in life but working at the family business, taking care of her little sister, and dealing with her mother's impossible expectations are as stifling as the southern California heat, until she falls in love with a man who offers a way out.