3.5 stars

I like what this book was in terms of a coming-of-age novel. How Lily grappled with her sexuality and eventually come to terms with it. It was rather nicely executed. I think my favorite thing was the exploration of queer nightlife in the 50s. I do wish it had more explained queer Asian nightlife, though as the author stated in her note, there isn't much documented info regarding that. The elements of the Red Scare, and how terrifying it was to be a Chinese American during the paranoia of the 50s was also pretty interesting. But i found the parts about Lily's parents and her aunt really boring.

The romance was cute, but idk i expected MORE from this book. The ending was sad, but the epilogue was hopeful, so there's that. But that oomf factor was just not there.