A young child goes missing in the Philadelphia airport, setting in motion the events of the book My Other Heart. The story then moves easily between the Philadelphia suburbs and cities in Asia. The book was very readable, the plot engaging and the characters well developed.

I highly recommend this excellent debut novel by Emma Nanami Strenner,

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for honest review.

#NetGalley #VikingPenguin #MyOtherHeart #EmmaNanamiStrenner

This book is a gut punch in the best way. It dives deep into the messy, complex layers of family, race, and identity. Mimi’s heartbreaking quest for her daughter, Kit’s search for her roots in Tokyo, and Sabrina facing her hidden truths are all so incredibly well-crafted. The emotions run raw and real, with a sharp look at what belonging really means, whether it’s about blood or something else entirely. The writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I felt every page of this.

This was a bit anti-climactic for me. I really felt as though the story drug on for a little too long. I just needed a little more substance.