Woon, Yvonne. My Flawless Life. HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen, 02/2023. 352pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-300869-4. GRADES 9 – 12. ADDITIONAL.
Hana Yang Lerner is a high school student and a fixer, someone who solves problems for her wealthy classmates. When Hana takes on a new, mysterious client, she doesn’t know exactly what she’ll be fixing. Written in first person, there is a noir detective feel to the prose that makes Hana seem very put-together, even though that is far from the truth. While the prose is strong, the plot sometimes feels unbelievable and the characters too adult. The text does deal with many timely issues, including a college admissions scandal and politics, which will appeal to readers. Racism also plays a role in the story, mostly through microaggressions that Hana, who is mixed race (Chinese and white), deals with. The book also features Hana’s ex-best friend, Luce, who is Cuban American, and love interest James, who is Chinese American. An overall enjoyable read, but not a standout in the high school mystery genre.
Lillian Whithaus — Berkeley Public Library / Temple Isaiah Library