I Love You So Mochi

Kimi has a problem.  It's senior year, and she's been accepted into an amazing fine arts program for college, but she's just stuck.  She dropped her art class back in the fall, and she hasn't painted anything for months.  She has been creating, though.  She makes amazing outfits for herself and even created the perfect dress for one of her best friends, the dress that gave her the courage to ask her crush on a date.

But Kimi's mom is an artist, and she sees fashion as a frivolous hobby.  When she finds out about Kimi's artist's block, it seems like an amazing coincidence that Kimi gets a letter from her estranged maternal grandparents.  Kimi's mother has barely spoken to them since she left Japan, but now her grandfather wants Kimi to come visit!

It's not really a decision.  Kimi has to get away from her mother's disappointment and figure out what she really wants to do with her future.

Kimi is instantly inspired by Japan, and soon her sketchbook is filled with fabulous new designs, and that's not all.  Kimi has never really been in love.  The reality never lives up to the fantasy, but then she meets Akira, a really cute guy dressed like a giant mochi.  She is instantly smitten, and Akira, who is set on becoming a doctor, vows to help Kimi discover her true passion.

Sarah Kuhn's romance is sweet confection with a big helping of international travel.  I enjoyed the side plot of the strained relationships in her family's past which informs Kimi's situation in the present.  Kimi's character, though, is a bit of a cliche.  How many more stories do we need about tiny, adorable, awkward girls who don't realize the guy actually likes her.  That's the plot of at least 90% of romantic comedies.  Kimi is saved by being Japanese American, at least.  I also don't get what the real difference between painting and fashion is.  They are both careers in the arts in which making a living is difficult.  I don't really see how one is better than the other.  The main conflict just seems a little silly.  However, it's cute, sweet, and clean with two Asian love interests, so I would recommend it anyway.