A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to bridge the gap between traditional family expectations and their own digital-age identity. It is a perfect choice for families navigating the specific tensions of being 'too much' for one culture and 'not enough' for another. The story follows Sharlot and George, two teens whose parents meddle in their lives by catfishing each other on a dating app to set their children up. As the two families collide in Indonesia, the book explores themes of cultural heritage, the weight of parental sacrifice, and the humor found in awkward family dynamics. It is highly appropriate for ages 14 and up, offering a hilarious yet poignant look at why parents sometimes do the wrong things for the right reasons.
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Sign in to write a reviewExplores the stress of social media shaming and feeling like an outcast.
The book deals with identity and cultural belonging through a secular, contemporary lens. It addresses online shaming and viral infamy in a direct, realistic way. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on reconciliation and authentic self-expression.
A 15-year-old who feels misunderstood by their immigrant parents or who has ever felt the crushing weight of an 'internet fail.' It is for the kid who loves romantic comedies but wants to see their specific cultural reality reflected in the jokes.
Read cold, but be prepared to discuss the ethics of parental monitoring and 'catfishing' as a (misguided) protective measure. A parent hears their teen say, 'You don't understand my life at all,' or sees their child withdrawing due to social media pressure.
Younger teens will focus on the slapstick humor and the romance. Older teens will resonate more with the nuances of code-switching and the pressure of fulfilling parental legacies.
Unlike many 'culture clash' books that can be somber, this uses Jesse Q. Sutanto's signature chaotic comedy to make deep emotional truths accessible and genuinely funny.
Sharlot, a Chinese-Indonesian girl living in LA, is caught in a viral social media scandal. Her mother, fearing Sharlot is losing touch with her roots, takes her to Indonesia. Meanwhile, George is a wealthy, awkward gamer in Jakarta whose father is desperate for him to socialize. The parents meet on a dating app posing as their children, leading to a massive, awkward, and comedic collision when the truth comes out.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.