Plus, it came on in a horrifyingly embarrassing way. Viola has a goal to do 50 bake sales to support 50 different causes by the time she graduates. her awesome baking skills combined with her intensive writing and research will get her into her dream college to pursue journalism.
Viola was hoping to sell red bean baos to some Firefly fans when a guy bearing a strong resemblance to Thor shows up wanting to sell his comic at her booth. Just as she's getting worked up to tell him how sexist the art is (even if Thor is distractingly hot), she has her first reaction to the sun and passes out.
As her crisis management parents try to manage Viola and her new condition, she's realizing more every day that all her future hopes and plans may be over.
And Thor, AKA Josh? One minute he seems too perfect and the next he disappears, but as their relationship develops, she realizes he's not the sexist she thought he was and that Josh has issues of his own to deal with.
Can Viola find a new life and a new hope for herself in the dark?
First, I love Justina Chen! North of Beautiful is one of my favorites! I liked that this book doesn't have an unrealistic ending. Sometimes things happen and we have to reevaluate and dream new dreams, but that doesn't mean we give up on life. Chen tends to write her love interests as almost preternaturally perfect. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but Thor may give readers unrealistic expectations! Also, the constant references to Firefly may be confusing for people who haven't seen the show as many times as Viola (and I) have.
Overall, the message of not giving up on yourself or becoming trapped by fear is a good one, and this is an engaging read. Recommended for grades 8 and up.
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