I have been reading, and a fan, of Gloria Chao since debut. And I have to say that Ex Marks the Spot might be my favorite! Talk about a story about complex feelings about the past, second chance romance, and a scavenger hunt! Keep reading this book review of Ex Marks the Spot for my full thoughts.
Summary
For Gemma’s whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.
There’s just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather’s home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it’s about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.
Book Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Ex Marks the Spot has rivals, second chance romance, family secrets, scavenge hunts, and – of course – exes! Beginning, it asks us what happens after we turn the final page of a rivalry? And what happens when it seems to be a one sided rivalry? But Ex Marks the Spot quickly turns into a story about family secrets and discovering ourselves. It’s about knowing sometimes we have to loosen up, take a second chance, and also give the ones in our lives a second change. Xander and Gemma are utter opposites, on paper, but what happens when they actually share more than they think?
With the scavenger hunt, Chao delivers a story with a constant thrum of action, revelations, and swoons. On one level, it asks us whether we can form new habits, new patterns of conversations, and take a second look at someone. She’s so scared to let people in, but also so desperate for family. To not feel alone. Ex Marks the Spot is about the family secrets, the things that people don’t understand, and lies we have to tell. I loved the way Gemma doesn’t feel Taiwanese or American enough – that was a big gut punch to my own feels.
In Ex Marks the Spot Chao also explores the differing relationships each of the students have with their culture. The different points we recognize and feel lacking. No two experiences are the same. It’s also about loving someone including their flaws, the mistakes they make, and their regrets. All the ways the people we love can let us down, but also support us.
Find Ex Marks the Spot on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.
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