You tell me adoption rep and I am sold. As a transracial adoptee, I’ve been looking forwards to The Jasmine Project ever since it was announced. And I loved every second of reading it. Talk about a book I just wanted to read in one sitting. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Jasmine Yap’s life is great. Well, it’s okay. She’s about to move in with her long-time boyfriend, Paul, before starting a nursing program at community college—all of which she mostly wants. But her stable world is turned upside down when she catches Paul cheating. To her giant, overprotective family, Paul’s loss is their golden ticket to showing Jasmine that she deserves much more. The only problem is, Jasmine refuses to meet anyone new.
But…what if the family set up a situation where she wouldn’t have to know? A secret Jasmine Project.
The plan is simple: use Jasmine’s graduation party as an opportunity for her to meet the most eligible teen bachelors in Orlando. There’s no pressure for Jasmine to choose anyone, of course, but the family hopes their meticulously curated choices will show Jasmine how she should be treated. And maybe one will win her heart.
But with the family fighting for their favorites, bachelors going rogue, and Paul wanting her back, the Jasmine Project may not end in love but total, heartbreaking disaster.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Jasmine Project is thrilling, charming, and endearing from start to finish. Every shade of relatable – from having a partner who is truly no good for you, but you don’t want to leave because you’re worried no one will ever love you? – The Jasmine Project resonated deeply with me. Because that wonder if you’ll ever find someone else and maybe you should hold on to someone, even when you’re not sure? Can someone please not expose my past so thoroughly?
But besides the fact that The Jasmine Project feels like it was ripped from my diary, I was captivated from the first page. There’s a current of energy that picks you up. It feels cute and charming, even if you’re scared of the fall out. Because you want to find out who Jasmine ends up falling for and, most importantly, if she can realize her own self worth. Jasmine’s journey in The Jasmine Project may seem like it’s about her dating, but it’s about her realizing her potential, dreams, and value.
All the times when that person we’re dating is just like a physical embodiment of our own fears. Of the doubts we have about our dreams and our own value. That our worst enemy can be ourselves. The person who stops us from taking the steps towards love, but also who we truly are. By the time I was about 40% through The Jasmine Project, I knew it was going to be a five star read for me. It is a book that made me laugh, side eye my past me, and cry.
Find The Jasmine Project here:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56980402-the-jasmine-project
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Jasmine-Project-Meredith-Ireland/9781534477025
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781534477025
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-jasmine-project/9781534477025-item.html?ref=isbn-search
About the Author
Meredith Ireland was born in Korea and adopted by a New York librarian. Her love of books started early and although she pursued both pre-med at Rollins College and law at the University of Miami, stories were her fate. She currently resides with her two children, and Bob, a carnival goldfish, who’s likely a person. She writes young adult books, some of which you may like. The Jasmine Project is her debut novel.
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