The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu: Jasmine has found herself in a sugary circle and no its not the donuts that 
she has been munching on, a year after finishing university Jasmine has no job or boyfriend in sight much to her strict Chinese parents disappointment. Which is how she finds herself work at the family donut shop even though it is definitely not what she enjoys doing, but when a crazy rent increase hits the Tran’s Jasmine has no choice but to think of a way to save her family’s business. Things finally take a turn for Jasmine when her bestie sets her up on a date with Alex, her college crush. However with her parents disapproving of Alex, Jasmine has no choice but to resort to some sneaky dating while she tries to keep the family business afloat.
“Alex and I shared more than a mutual attraction. After Sunday’s revelation, I saw him as someone trying to figure out himself and his place in his family, just like me. How could I not have a soft spot for that?”
Oh how I loved the sound of this book, I mean who wouldn’t love a book where donuts are in the title, cute title aside I absolutely loved that this book was so real and touched on so many very relevant issues that second generation immigrant kids face. The catchy writing style and fast pace of the novel made this book a breeze to read and one that you don’t want to put down.
Jasmine was such a relatable character and this made following her story all the more enjoyable. I really liked that she faced her problems head on. I loved that she took charge to help her parents even when it meant having some hard conversations. The relationship between Jasmine and her parents played a huge role throughout this novel and I loved that Tieu kept this so true to what many families face, the pressure and expectations placed on immigrant kids.
This book was more one of Jasmine’s journey with a small cute little romance. There really isn’t to much that can be said about Alex, his character felt more like a filler to Jasmine’s overall story. The focus is more on finding that personal balance between what Jasmine wants as an individual and what will also make her parents happy. I did like the small romance element that provides a small escape and a place for Jasmine to grow on her own.
Overall The Donut Trap was an interesting read that will take you along on Jasmine’s journey to finding her spot in the real world. I can’t say that this was a romance but none the less it made a good read.
Book Info:
Publication: November 9th 2021 | Avon |
Jasmine Tran has landed herself behind bars—maple bars that is. With no boyfriend or job prospects, Jasmine returns home to work at her parents’ donut shop. Jasmine quickly loses herself in a cyclical routine of donuts, Netflix, and sleep. She wants to break free from her daily grind, but when a hike in rent threatens the survival of their shop, her parents rely on her more than ever.
Help comes in the form of an old college crush, Alex Lai. Not only is he successful and easy on the eyes, to her parents’ delight, he’s also Chinese. He’s everything she should wish for, until a disastrous dinner reveals Alex isn’t as perfect as she thinks. Worse, he doesn’t think she’s perfect either.
With both sets of parents against their relationship, a family legacy about to shut down, and the reappearance of an old high school flame, Jasmine must scheme to find a solution that satisfies her family’s expectations and can get her out of the donut trap once and for all.
