21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sushi for One, April 27, 2008
I am not one who is drawn to the "chick-lit" format, but having seen Cami around on other blogs, Novel Journey, and the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), I was curious about SUSHI FOR ONE. When I received it as part of a review group I belong to, and saw quotes like "hilarious romance" and "entertaining romp", I again sighed thinking I was in for a slap-stick comedy with no depth or true story. Let me say, I was pleasantly surprised! Though SUSHI FOR ONE does indeed have its humorous situations, the weight of the book deals with Lex Sakai, and how she deals with the interference of her extremely tight-knit family.
I really enjoyed the development of Lex's character, a women striving for independence in a culture where woman are expected to be marriage-minded. I'm so glad I was able to read this entertaining novel. This was a typical case of - Don't judge a book by its cover.
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ok honestly I hate sushi but I loved this book!, September 12, 2007
Lex Sakai is being tortured by her grandmother to find a husband or else her volleyball team will have to suffer. So now Lex has to find a boyfriend in a mere matter of weeks or else suffer the wrath of having no funds for the team. Everyone seems to want to set her up, from the losers her brother keeps pointing her towards to the guys who only want to get her because of her insider info to the latest game. Lex decides there must be a guy who meets every one of her requirements and plans to stick to her Ephesians list. Then she meets Aidan, who is everything NOT on her list, but seems to be everything that she wants. A wonderful story blending chick lit with Asian culture.
I have been dying to read this book since I first started visiting Camy Tang's blog. Being an Asian American myself, there are few choices even in mainstream for books written by Asian Americans, let alone in Christian fiction. So when I heard that there was going to be a Christian chick lit book written by an Asian American author, I nearly passed out. And this book definately made all my expectations and more. Even if you're not Asian, you will still be able to follow the story and you get to learn about new cultures as well. Some people might say there's some stereotyping in this book with the Asian culture. Well let me say that we really do act like this. I love how there's a distinction of two different types of Asian cultures in this book and it shows readers that Asian are not one big group to be lumped together. I love how Lex loves sports and is not afraid to let her sports knowledge show. There are lots of hilarious spots in this book, my favorite is cameo of the author herself involving a volleyball accident. However there are serious moments in this book as well which makes this story extremely well written. The book goes from downright hilarity to painful memories within the same chapter. I really felt for Lex in this book and enjoyed her adventure. The only negative thing I have about this book, and I'm sorry, but I don't like the grandmother. Why does she want to force Lex to get married? All her insults were really spiteful and I don't blame Lex at all for what she does near the end of the book. I'm hoping we learn why she acts like this so that I don't hate her for the rest of the series. And yes I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out. An excellent debut, a wonderful cultural chick lit novel and an inspiration to aspiring Asian Americans writers!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Long short read with no satisfying resolution, April 18, 2010
Lex Sakai is an independent dependent woman who wants to have it all: a fulfilling job, coach of a winning volleyball team, and a place of her own. While Lex strives for these things, at the bottom of the totem pole is finding a man to marry, which is priority #1 for her grandmother. There is a big underlying reason for Lex not wanting a boyfriend, but the author literally spends exactly ONE page (if not less) on it and never integrates it into Lex for growth through the book. The premise of the story takes us through the trials of tough breaks, unfair treatment, and small victories for Lex. The time constrained rush of everything is caused by Lex's grandmother, who will pull funding for Lex's beloved junior high volleyball team if Lex does not find a REAL boyfriend by the time of Lex's cousin's wedding.
Although the storyline drew me in, the characters turned me off. Lex is an uncouth woman who barks at people rather than work with what she has. If Lex is so independent, why does she somehow expect Grandma to fund the team or Daddy to keep a roof over her head? And how does she attempt to break the stranglehold of Grandma's purse strings? By dating a man with money. Come on - what about fundraisers and soliciting businesses. With the people Lex did try and solicit, Grandma "got to them," and that reach no longer worked.
For a woman who wants to do it all on her own, she sure has a limited vision. The logic in the story seem plausible, but seriously, Lex lacks brains. She reminds me of the procrastinating college student who throws temper tantrums like a child when she doesn't get what she wants. Is there some justification to this behavior? Sure, but not in EVERY scene.
There is familial support that changes like a wayward wind. If we are to get a glimpse of Asian culture, I can tell you right now, I have YET to see an Asian grandmother use the ultimatum of disowning her son and grandson, Lex's dad and brother, to get Lex to search for a boyfriend. With the Asian families I know, none of them behave this way - give conditional support. For example, Lex's brother was willing to introduce her to whatever guy he knew or didn't know, in exchange for a new car from Grandma. It's ridiculous.
By the end of the story, there is really no character growth or any real life lessons won. Every character lacks any social graces or conscience except for perhaps, Aiden, the nice man who somehow sees light in Lex. Aiden does something underhanded to spare Lex, but she turns it into a personal affront where he should be sorry?
The book was not funny or inspiring and the references to Christianity seemed out of place, especially since it was a primary criterion for Lex's perfect man. Lex, herself, did not behave like with the daily values set of a Christian woman. The read is easy, but after reading "Sushi for One," I will be passing on any more books from Camy Tang if they are written like this.
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