Well, That Was Unexpected

Product Information

After Sharlot Citra’s mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia. It’ll be exactly what they both need. Or so her mother thinks. Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. The Nottinghill Carnival takes central stage in this story about families, memories and the power of dance and festivals. Author Yaba Badoe tells...

This is definitely my favorite Romantic Comedy of the year and in fact, is one of my favorites ever. the book starts off with sharlot and george, caught in awkward situations (not together, they're in different countries) by their parents. sharlot's mom whisks her away to indonesia for the summer.Meanwhile, George’s billionaire tycoon family is desperate to protect his image. When his father finds Sharlot’s profile on a dating app (run by her mom), it’s a score. They (as in, the protagonists’ PARENTS) arrange to meet.

Charming and immersive, this book feels like taking a trip to Indonesia. Jesse Q. Sutanto writes such vibrant characters, with gorgeous descriptions of setting, culture, and food. Don’t read this on an empty stomach!” —Nicole Lesperance, author of The Depths. Across the globe, George Clooney Tanuwijaya, tested with a name that is a daily embarrassment, is tested further when his father and sister, Eleanor Roosevelt, decide to take it upon themselves to find him a respectable girlfriend. His family—one of the wealthiest, most famed in Indonesia—has a reputation to uphold. Sharlot and George’s story starts how all good love stories do – they’re catfished by their own parentsAnd I think that even if I didn’t have this preexisting personal connection to Indo, I would feel one after reading this book. That’s how perfect it was. And the plot. Oh my God, the plot. This was a wild ride of a romance and a disaster and Indonesia all rolled up in one beautiful cover. Fake dating for the media? Billionaire love interest? Travel romance? Catfishing? Mutual pining paired with deception? Guys, the PINING.

What I didn't like: that the story's substrate was based on non-communication. I hate this trope, especially when there's a perfect opportunity right up front for two supposedly reasonable teens, left alone, to just clear the air. Instead, the story has to bang along with contrived ways to keep the non-communication going, when it wasn't necessary. I thought the story would actually have been a lot stronger if the two had been on the same team from the gitgo, instead of the manufactured "fights" built on no one having the brains to just say what was going on. both they're parents then decide to play matchmaker for their children. (not knowing the other parent was on the other end and not either sharlot or george☠️) this book was hilarious from the get go and i was hooked from the beginning to end. i ended up reading this in just a day! Basically, Sharlot’s mother catches her in a partially-nude circumstance with her boyfriend, and as punishment jets them off to Indonesia for the summer. She claims that all Sharlot really needs is a proper understanding of her culture - and a boyfriend. A good, Indonesian boyfriend. I have now read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s writing in three (3) different genres, so let me make something very clear: I will follow her into the very fires of Mordor. What is she publishing next? Children's literature? Middle grade? Graphic novel? I am reading it. A cookie recipe? I'm ALSO reading it. The phone book? I'm reading that too. Is she doodling on a roll of toiler paper while she's on the phone? TAKE MY MONEY because I'm buying it. Seriously, this author's talent is so multifaceted and boundless, I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.When George and Sharlot actually start to enjoy each other’s company they both have a huge secret pending because of their parents’ meddling. anyway, u know what’s another suitable title for this book? “nothing and everything”!!!! because every time it was mentioned in the book, an aww kind of smile would be plastered on my face; the phrase holds so much power imo. it’s like be it in si

Well, that was very expected, if I do say so myself. The premise of this novel promised a large meddlesome family, references to Chinese Indonesian culture, a coming-of-age story, and an adorable fake dating romance, and it delivered on all fronts. I think my favorite aspect of this novel was definitely learning about Indonesian and Chinese Indonesian culture and noting the similarities between South Asian and Southeast Asian foods, traditions, cultures, and language. I also really appreciated how refreshing the characters felt (i.e. they never felt into their typical character achetypes), such as Bradley being a supportive ex instead of a toxic one, Kiki and Eleanor being kind and caring towards Shar instead of being catty snobs, and Shar's mother owning up to her mistakes and actually apologizing as an Asian mother. Shar was by no means a perfect person either, and I really loved watching her grow and recognize her ignorance towards Indonesia. I only wish that the resolution after the climax was a little more drawn out instead of ending so abruptly, but overall, this story was ridiculously over-the-top in the best way possible. While I haven't read Jesse Q. Sutanto's other novels, such as Dial A For Aunties, based on what I know of her other novels, I think fans of her previous works will definitely love Well, That Was Unexpected! Neither George, nor Sharlot, knows that the other one’s patent was communicating with “them”. They are just aware of their own parent pretending to be them. Jesse Q. Sutanto books have a way of bringing me home. It might be because I am exactly matched to her in terms of culture (Chinese-Indonesian bitches for the win) but something about the combination of relatable protagonists, rolling-on-the-floor crying humor, and gorgeous Chinese-Indonesian representation just makes me feel so seen and recognized and whole. Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Family / Multigenerational, Young Adult Fiction / People & Places / Asia, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy Well, That was Unexpected is a delightful, hilarious, captivating love letter to Indonesia, and coming of age in a large meddlesome family, and the thrill of finding your person where you least expect it!” — Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love HypothesisAfter Sharlot Citra's mother walks in on her clumsily exploring her sexuality, her mother freaks out. Things are going to change around here! I continue to recommend Dial A for Aunties as one of the funniest books I’ve read. And I think this book flew under the radar a bit since it’s YA but it is so funny! If you liked Aunties you’ll enjoy this one too.