"So will you stay?"
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A couple of days ago, I've seen that wonderful cover above circulating around twitterverse and I learned that it was the the newest and the first YA book of a Filipina author. I've read a previous work of Agay Llanera before (Vintage Love) which I really enjoyed. I wanted to read her other book, Once Upon A Player, but I haven't had the chance 'cause I don't have a copy yet lol maybe sometime soon?
Anyway, I was thrilled when Miss Mina Esguerra gave away a copy of Choco Chip Hips which I obviously grabbed at once! Even though I still have a handful of currently-reading's, I eagerly started on this one because I think I need a break from all the "heavy" YA's that I've been consecutively reading for the past few weeks. I could say that it is one of the best decisions I've ever made this week :)
Sixteen-year-old Jessie, a baking aficionado, is shy, overweight, and worries too much about what people think. But one summer, a family emergency makes her realize that life is too short to live it on autopilot. Taking her life by the reins, she embarks on a journey that involves ditching the apron for her tank top, as she hip-hop dances her way to new friendships, stronger family ties, and into her school’s most elite club.
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A few chapters in, Choco Chip Hips reminded me of one of my favorite reads of all time: Ines Bautista-Yao's One Crazy Summer. Not only because the story takes place during summer but also because the main character from both of the books were baking/cooking enthusiasts.
Then, a few more chapters flew by and I just couldn't help but envision Jessie and Dave as Eleanor and Park which are also characters from a top fave novel, Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park.
Considering it reminded me of two of my favorites, it's not surprising that I adored Choco Chip Hips. The surprising thing, though, is the fact that I enjoyed it for what it was and not just because of its resemblance with the two latter books.
What I liked most about it was that it isn't just your plain love story. It dealt with so much more than that: loss, insecurities, friendship, family, and many other things than love. In fact, the "love story" here wasn't given too much emphasis and was more of a side story than the actual plot. Still, even though there were only a little of it, every bit of the cute scenes made me smile and swoon a lot :) (because I swear Dave's effortlessly cute! ahhh my fangirl heart <3) I loved their adorable childhood history together (I'm such a sucker for fluffy childhood histories) and how awkward-cute they were when they're already grown up! HEARTS! <3
I also loved Jessie's characterization! She actually reminds me a little bit of myself haha :) Sure, we don't actually belong to the same body range but I get her weight insecurities. I always fail at dieting too ('cause food's hard to resist!) and my wardrobe choice reflects hers. I'm glad that eventually, she found herself comfortable in her own skin and actually wanted to turn to a healthier lifestyle not just because of her physical appearance but because she values her (and her dad's) health.
Another thing I loved about her is that she conquered her fears and did not let her mom's achievements tower over her like a shadow. Instead, she made it as an inspiration to do what she loved despite of what others might say. Jessie's relationship with the people around her was well-written and it contributed a lot to her character :)
The pages just flew by and before I knew it, it was already the end. I'm satisfied at how it concluded though I wanted more of Dave and Jessie. I know not every YA book needs romance but I just NEED some kind of a more solid reassurance that there IS something in there between the two, and no, not just friendship. Come on, my ship needs to sail!! Also, I wanted to know how Jessie would deal with the events post-audition. An extra chapter or epilogue set a few weeks later wouldn't have hurt, I guess? Or better yet, a sequel perhaps? *wink wink*
*I would've added a whole lot more but I was so engrossed with reading that I forgot to take notes of the other quotes I loved haha :D
"Reality check. I was probably cute twelve years ago, but now I was just an entirely different being who was as attractive as masking tape." -Jessie
"Life is too short and precious for fears." -Jessie's Dad
"It took a while for some people to get it -that the first step to mending a broken friendship was an apology." -Jessie
"So will you stay?" -Dave
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This book was the perfect light YA read that I needed! Plus, the writing was sooooooo good that I craved for something yummy while reading (NEWS FLASH: I munched on sweet corn chips, yum! It made me feel a bit guilty though, haha!)
It also made me reconsider a thing I had fun doing before but now too shy to get into again: Dancing. I liked "required dancing" in school such as modern/hip hop-ish dancing in high school PE and our ballroom PE course in college because it allowed me to do something I enjoy without feeling too self-conscious since everyone's doing the same hahaha :)
I also wanted to legitly try to get fit. You know dieting, work-out, the works? I was supposed to hit the gym this vacation but I didn't because... reasons. Maybe one day? :)
Four and a half out of five rating for Agay Llanera's Choco Chip Hips!
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| Ines Bautista Yao's One Crazy Summer! |
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| Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park! |
Then, a few more chapters flew by and I just couldn't help but envision Jessie and Dave as Eleanor and Park which are also characters from a top fave novel, Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park.
Considering it reminded me of two of my favorites, it's not surprising that I adored Choco Chip Hips. The surprising thing, though, is the fact that I enjoyed it for what it was and not just because of its resemblance with the two latter books.
What I liked most about it was that it isn't just your plain love story. It dealt with so much more than that: loss, insecurities, friendship, family, and many other things than love. In fact, the "love story" here wasn't given too much emphasis and was more of a side story than the actual plot. Still, even though there were only a little of it, every bit of the cute scenes made me smile and swoon a lot :) (because I swear Dave's effortlessly cute! ahhh my fangirl heart <3) I loved their adorable childhood history together (I'm such a sucker for fluffy childhood histories) and how awkward-cute they were when they're already grown up! HEARTS! <3
I also loved Jessie's characterization! She actually reminds me a little bit of myself haha :) Sure, we don't actually belong to the same body range but I get her weight insecurities. I always fail at dieting too ('cause food's hard to resist!) and my wardrobe choice reflects hers. I'm glad that eventually, she found herself comfortable in her own skin and actually wanted to turn to a healthier lifestyle not just because of her physical appearance but because she values her (and her dad's) health.
Another thing I loved about her is that she conquered her fears and did not let her mom's achievements tower over her like a shadow. Instead, she made it as an inspiration to do what she loved despite of what others might say. Jessie's relationship with the people around her was well-written and it contributed a lot to her character :)
The pages just flew by and before I knew it, it was already the end. I'm satisfied at how it concluded though I wanted more of Dave and Jessie. I know not every YA book needs romance but I just NEED some kind of a more solid reassurance that there IS something in there between the two, and no, not just friendship. Come on, my ship needs to sail!! Also, I wanted to know how Jessie would deal with the events post-audition. An extra chapter or epilogue set a few weeks later wouldn't have hurt, I guess? Or better yet, a sequel perhaps? *wink wink*
"Reality check. I was probably cute twelve years ago, but now I was just an entirely different being who was as attractive as masking tape." -Jessie
"Life is too short and precious for fears." -Jessie's Dad
"It took a while for some people to get it -that the first step to mending a broken friendship was an apology." -Jessie
"So will you stay?" -Dave
It also made me reconsider a thing I had fun doing before but now too shy to get into again: Dancing. I liked "required dancing" in school such as modern/hip hop-ish dancing in high school PE and our ballroom PE course in college because it allowed me to do something I enjoy without feeling too self-conscious since everyone's doing the same hahaha :)
I also wanted to legitly try to get fit. You know dieting, work-out, the works? I was supposed to hit the gym this vacation but I didn't because... reasons. Maybe one day? :)
Four and a half out of five rating for Agay Llanera's Choco Chip Hips!
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| 4.5/5 Rating! :) |
i chanced upon your review on goodreads and this totally made my day! i'm glad you won that freebie :-) let me figure out how to do the instafreebie thing and i'll send you a free copy of once upon a player. send me your email? thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my little review Miss Agay! :D and omg, for real?! THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)) I'll DM you my email on twitter :) Thank you again and I hope you write more YA haha ^^
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