Clementine and Danny Save the World
Series: None
Author: Livia Blackburne
Published July 18th 2023 by Quill Tree Books

Goodreads Synopsis
You’ve Got Mail gets a YA twist in this rom-com that spotlights the power of activism and community organizing in the face of gentrification.

Clementine Chan believes in the power of the written word. Under the pseudonym Hibiscus, she runs a popular blog reviewing tea shops and discussing larger issues within her Chinatown community. She has a loyal, kind following, save for this one sour grape named BobaBoy888.

Danny Mok is allergic to change, and the gentrification seeping into Chinatown breaks his heart. He channels his frustration into his internet alter ego, BobaBoy888, bickering with local blogger Hibiscus over all things Chinatown and tea.

When a major corporation reveals plans that threaten to shut down the Mok’s beloved tea shop, Clementine and Danny find themselves working together in real life to save this community they both love. But as they fall hard for this cause—and each other—they have no clue that their online personas have been fighting for years.

When the truth comes to light, can Danny and Clementine still find their happily-ever-after?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Clementine Chan has a full schedule on her plate, what with her school work, college applications, the school paper, and her popular blog. Dealing with a rogue troll, BobaBoy888, is one thing, but when she learns that a popular strip mall is about to be destroyed, and a chain move in to take it's place, Clementine joins forces with the Chinatown Cares community group, and an unlikely volunteer, Danny Mok. Danny has worked in his parents tea shop for as long as he can remember, and he hates the idea of change. Working with Clementine was not what he expected, but the more time he spends with her, helping the community, the more he thinks of his future. But he is hiding the fact that he is BobaBoy, and if the two discover just what the other has been hiding, it'll change their relationship for good.

I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, but once I started reading it, I was gripped by Clementine and Danny's story. Both have flaws, and strive for perfection, though it's not easy to find. Clementine runs herself ragged trying to be the best she can be, and takes on more and more responsibility without really considering the cost. I liked that she wobbled, and had moments of self doubt. It made her feel like a real person. She was an idealist though, and didn't always consider that her experience in life might be different to that of others. Danny felt very different to Clementine, and he relished in tradition and the old way of things. He hated Hibiscus's blog, and the way they wanted to get Chinatown to modernise. Venting his frustrations in whatever way he could, usually via comments on Babble Tea, he felt slightly better, but still, he knew that his parents way of thinking, and the Kalecorp takeover, was inevitable. I knew that there had to be moments of angst, and it definitely came, but the solution and conclusion was well worth it. A great YA contemporary!

Dates Read:
March 14-18, 2023

Rating
4 Stars