Book Review: "Only Uni" by Camy Tang and BOOK GIVEAWAY!

I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Monday, March 23. Good luck! International readers are welcome to enter this giveaway!

Solid Sophomore Sushi Sequel

Trish Sakai is trying to turn over a new chapter in her life when it comes to relationships with guys. This means following rules from 1st and 2nd Corinthians which will guarantee that she won't end up in another disastrous relationship that she had with artist Kazuo. Unfortunately for Trish, life doesn't always go as planned. She doesn't foresee her budding relationship with her coworker Spenser or her grandmother trying to get Trish and Kazuo back together. Then there's trying to teach Sunday School, fixing up a moldy apartment and repairing her relationship with her cousins. Why are things so hard even when she's trying to do everything right?

Ever since I heard there was an Asian Christian chick lit author releasing books, I knew I was going to be a fan. After reading Sushi for One I was hooked and couldn't wait for the sequel to come out. As soon as I got Uni in the mail, I tore into it like I was let loose at a Chinese buffet. I enjoyed this book even more than Sushi. I think that the story flowed much more smoothly in this book and that the characters were easier to follow and likable as well. I could also relate more to Trish and the situations she was going through. I loved the scenes during the worship services when Trish finally allows herself to be free and throw her hands up to praise God. I felt exactly the same way she did when I was at Passion earlier this year so it was great to see someone else feeling the same way I did. I also thought it was hilarious at how focused Trish was on her worshiping that she didn't notice that she had given Blondie the black eye (who I thought totally deserved it). Another scene that stood out most to me was Matthew and the hamster. Bleh! I don't want to spoil the story but if you are squeamish about rodents and children who put inedible objects in their mouth, read with caution!!! While Grandma is still uber-annoying in this book, she's not as irritating with Trish as she was with Lex. Trish actually stood up to her on several occasions. Kazuo really freaked me out by the way he kept trying to control Trish. It's scary because there are lots of girls who fall prey to guys who are like that and what was worse was how Grandma kept trying to make Trish stay with him. I did like Spenser very much and loved the bantering that went on between the two of them. As in the first novel, there are serious issues mixed in with all the hilarity which will make the reader think and want to support Trish throughout the book. I really love Camy's writing and I enjoyed seeing all the Asian culture blended in throughout the story. This is a stellar second novel and it makes me really want to read the next book in the series. One of the best chick lit novels of the year and is very highly recommended.

Only Uni by Camy Tang is published by Zondervan (2008)