The Silence that Binds Us

In the book "Maybelline," a grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in a complex, timely story. It delves into themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing. Maybelline is a multifaceted narrator whose drive to right wrongs and stand up to injustice deserves applause.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

A young teen's journey to find her voice amidst the backdrop of Asian hate is a powerful and timely story. In her debut novel, Joanna Ho explores complex themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing. With a layered and sensitive voice, Hos story delves deep into the experiences of Maybelline Chen, a Chinese Taiwanese American girl who defies her mother's expectations by pursuing her passion for writing.

Maybelline's journey is filled with personal and familial grief, as she grapples with the loss of her beloved brother, Danny, who secretly struggles with depression. Ho's portrayal of mental illness and its stigma among Asian Americans is nuanced and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the importance of listening with empathy and seeking help.

The novel also weaves in themes of racism and grief, highlighting the experiences of Asian Americans in a society that often perpetuates stereotypes and discrimination. Maybelline's struggle to find her place in the world and her desire to right wrongs are relatable to many teens, and her determination to stand up to injustice is inspiring.

Through Maybelline's eyes, readers are introduced to a diverse range of characters, including her mother, who struggles with her own expectations and biases; her best friend, who offers support and understanding; and her therapist, who helps her navigate her grief and mental health challenges. Ho's portrayal of these characters is authentic and relatable, creating a sense of community and connection among the characters.

The writing in the novel is exquisite, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and their experiences to life. Ho's use of language is powerful and evocative, allowing readers to feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.

Maybelline is a multifaceted narrator whose drive to right wrongs and stand up to injustice deserves applause. Ho illuminates both activism and mental health in marginalized communities, showing that even a bright, young achiever can experience depression without anyone knowing.

This sensitive novel does an impressive balancing act, examining mental illness and its stigma among Asian Americans while weaving in themes of racism and grief. The overarching messages—listening with empathy, and seeking help—ring loud and clear.

Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, has written an exquisite, heart-rending debut young adult novel that will inspire all to speak truth to power. Maybelline Chen is not the Chinese Taiwanese American daughter her mother expects her to be. May prefers hoodies over dresses and wants to become a writer. When asked, her mom can't come up with one specific reason for why she's proud of her only daughter. Mays beloved brother, Danny, on the other hand, has just been admitted to Princeton. But Danny secretly struggles with depression, and when he dies by suicide, May's world is shattered.

Maybelline's grief is palpable, and her search for meaning and purpose is intense. She turns to writing as a way to process her emotions and find healing. Through her writing, she discovers her voice and begins to speak out against the injustices she witnesses.

The novel also explores themes of identity and belonging. Maybelline struggles with her Chinese Taiwanese American identity and feels like she doesn't fit in with her family or her community. She questions whether she is truly Chinese or Taiwanese, and whether she should embrace her American identity.

Through her journey, Maybelline learns to embrace her uniqueness and to find her place in the world. She realizes that her identity is not defined by her race or her culture, but by her own experiences and beliefs.

The novel's ending is hopeful and uplifting, as Maybelline finds her voice and uses it to make a positive impact in the world. She becomes an advocate for mental health awareness and works to create a more inclusive and just society.

In conclusion, A Grieving Teen Fights Asian Hate by Finding Her Voice is a powerful and timely YA debut that explores complex themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing. With a layered and sensitive voice, Joanna Ho delves deep into the experiences of Maybelline Chen, a young teen who defies her mother's expectations and pursues her passion for writing. Through Maybelline's journey, readers are introduced to a diverse range of characters and are challenged to think critically about the issues facing Asian Americans and marginalized communities. The novel's ending is hopeful and uplifting, as Maybelline finds her voice and uses it to make a positive impact in the world. This is a must-read for teens and adults alike, and a powerful testament to the power of storytelling to inspire change and promote empathy.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 134 x 203 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063059351