Title: Yolk
Author: Mary H.K. Choi
Series: Standalone
Publish Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Print, Hardcover
Goodreads Summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Mary H.K. Choi comes a funny and emotional story about two estranged sisters switching places and committing insurance fraud to save one of their lives.
Jayne Baek is barely getting by. She shuffles through fashion school, saddled with a deadbeat boyfriend, clout-chasing friends, and a wretched eating disorder that she’s not fully ready to confront. But that’s New York City, right? At least she isn’t in Texas anymore, and is finally living in a city that feels right for her.
On the other hand, her sister June is dazzlingly rich with a high-flying finance job and a massive apartment. Unlike Jayne, June has never struggled a day in her life. Until she’s diagnosed with uterine cancer.
Suddenly, these estranged sisters who have nothing in common are living together. Because sisterly obligations are kind of important when one of you is dying.
Review: To be totally honest, this book was a test of patience. And I am glad that it paid off.
Before I go into the novel itself, let me talk about the cover. I’m not sure if it is standard, but the cover design blew me away. I have the Barnes and Noble YA book club edition and it’s so beautiful. The detail on the hardcover of the book was so lovely, and having their hands stretch across the pages on the edge was perfect. Kudos to whoever designed it.
As for the book, it took me a long time to get into it. Almost 100 pages, actually. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t really sympathize with Jayne, or maybe it was the writing style, but something held me back. Then, around page 100, I was suddenly hooked and I couldn’t stop reading. I finally got Jayne.
This novel deals with a lot. The trigger warnings alone have been very much covered, but it is not really for the faint of heart. If you fall for characters and they tug on your heartstrings, be prepared.
But while it was a hard read, it was an important read, and I’m glad I finally sat down an gave it the love it deserves.
Rating: 4/5
Goodreads Goal 24/52
(Quick note: I didn’t write a review for the 6th, 8th, 10th, 16th, and 22nd “books” I read this year, as they are five of the six The Old Guard: Tales Through Time issues, which are 32 pages each. I decided I’ll just review the series as a whole when the final issue is released in September.)
