#BookReview: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Synopsis: 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 Izzy 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, Izzy 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.

Izzy 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 fairytale, happily ever after?



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars
My Review:  This is such an adorable book with Princess Diaries vibes. I immediately fell in love with Izumi and her group of friends, especially her BFF Noora who helps her find out who her father is. Following Izumi's journey as she meets her father and his family, as well as finding her place in Japan was both hilarious and heartbreaking.  This was a fun story that touched my heart and made it impossible to put it down. 

Review

Junior Library Guild Selection

“A refreshing and spot-on depiction of Japanese Americans exploring their heritage, with appeal far beyond female Asian readers.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Izumi’s determined spirit and character arc will endear readers to her. A fun experience that readers will want to read again and again.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“A fresh, funny, emotive, inspiring and empowering #OwnVoices triumph.” ―Shelf Awareness

“Emiko’s flair for sumptuous detail―Food! Castles! Swoony confessions! Court drama! Cherry blossoms by the million!―locked me helplessly into a world of splendor I never wanted to leave.” ―David Yoon, New York Times bestselling author of Frankly in Love

“Move over, Mia Thermopolis! Princess Izumi will completely capture your heart while making you laugh nonstop. With an unforgettable voice and a heart-fluttering romance, Tokyo Ever After is an instant favorite.” ―Gloria Chao, author of American Panda

“Despite the swoon-worthy love interest and glittering palaces, Tokyo Ever After is not your typical princess story. Izumi is a spunky, irreverent, lovable narrator who struggles to reconcile her American upbringing with her Japanese heritage. A fresh and distinctly modern fairy tale.” ―Katharine McGee, New York Times bestselling author of Majesty

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 (un

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Posted in: 4 Stars, AuthorChat, Flatiron Books, HeatherR, Review, Young Adult