Book Review: Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda

Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: AmazonEncore
Pages: 217
Source: Received from AmazonEncore for honest review

Summary: A loner in his all-white high school, Chinese-born Xing (pronounced “Shing”) is a wallflower longing for acceptance. His isolation is intensified by his increasingly awkward and undeniable crush on his only friend, the beautiful and brilliant Naomi Lee. Xing’s quiet adolescent existence is rattled when a series of disappearances rock his high school and fear ripples through the blue collar community in which he lives. Amidst the chaos surrounding him, only Xing, alone on the sidelines of life, takes notice of some peculiar sightings around town. He begins to investigate with the hope that if he can help put an end to the disappearances, he will finally win the acceptance for which he has longed. However, as Xing draws closer to unveiling the identity of the abductor, he senses a noose of suspicion tightening around his own neck. While Xing races to solve the mystery and clear his name, Crossing hurtles readers towards a chilling climax.

My Review: Crossing was an inspiring, powerful, and original novel. I am in awe of Andrew's detailed writing and creative plot. This is definitely a YA book that tackles important issues such as stereotypes, bullying and race. Xing a.k.a. Kris was a clever, misunderstood teenager. Being the second Asian in his school was challenging. However, he did have his best friend Naomi to depend on. Xing had an accent while Naomi was more Americanized and respected among her peers. No one really took him seriously and never cared to let go of their ignorance to get to know him. Its been a while since a main character touched me on a deeper level. I admired his integrity and detected so much promise in his abilities.

The thriller aspect of this book was suspenseful and mysterious. I had no clue who the kidnapper was and was floored when it was revealed. I was caught by surprise and couldn't believe the shocking twist that changed the whole story. I was angered at first but after I thought about it, I understood why Andrew ended it that way. All the elements were put into place and it just made sense at that point. I truly believe this unforgettable plot and ending will stay with me for a while. I recommend this book if you're looking for something unique and real. This story spoke to me and I look forward to reading Andrew's future releases. Plus, I am a fan of Asian culture so, I'd love to see more leading roles with Asian male characters which I believe is lacking in YA.

My Rating: (4.5)
Book Trailer:

Author's Info:
Born in Manhattan and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew Fukuda is half-Chinese, half-Japanese. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Cornell University and went on to work in Manhattan’s Chinatown with immigrant teenagers for a number of years, an experience that led to the genesis of Crossing. He currently resides on Long Island, New York, with his wife and two sons.

For more info on Andrew, visit his site(s):
-Website

-Twitter