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393rd out of 1,169 books
—
6,219 voters
Subway Girl
He is shy. Unassuming. Inexperienced.
She is Subway Girl. Cool. Unattainable.
From the moment he sees her on a Hong Kong subway, Simon is intrigued by Amy, but he doesn't have the nerve to talk to her. When he finally works up the courage, he realizes he can't. Because Amy doesn't speak Chinese, and Simon is failing English.
But somehow, Amy and Simon connect, and they find t...more
She is Subway Girl. Cool. Unattainable.
From the moment he sees her on a Hong Kong subway, Simon is intrigued by Amy, but he doesn't have the nerve to talk to her. When he finally works up the courage, he realizes he can't. Because Amy doesn't speak Chinese, and Simon is failing English.
But somehow, Amy and Simon connect, and they find t...more
Hardcover, 224 pages
Published
March 15th 2011
by HarperTeen
(first published March 1st 2011)
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I received this galley at the Harper librarian preview and read most of it on the subway. (How meta.) At one point, I almost missed my stop because I was so engrossed in the story, which is both highly engaging and deceptively simple (meaning, it is a quick read, but a rich, multifaceted one).
The chapters alternate between the perspectives of Simon (who speaks very little English) and Amy (who speaks no Chinese). Despite the fact that they are experiencing life very differently, the two of them...more
The chapters alternate between the perspectives of Simon (who speaks very little English) and Amy (who speaks no Chinese). Despite the fact that they are experiencing life very differently, the two of them...more
Simon is a teenage boy that only speaks Chinese. He is learning English for a major test he will have to take, but it is very hard for him, and doesn’t enjoy it. Amy, also known as “Subway Girl” to all the boys is new to Hong Kong. She also doesn’t speak Chinese, which makes it hard to communicate with Simon. But communicating with Simon shouldn’t be what Amy is most concerned about. Because she recently found out that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby.
After finishing this book, I fo...more
After finishing this book, I fo...more
I first picked up this book because I was intrigued by how two people could communicate without knowing what the other was talking about, but I'll admit it: My expectations were probably set too high.
I think the book has potential of being a great(er) book, but it's just missing 'something'. Sometimes I get confused by the dialogue because the author doesn't always identify the language and the speaker. There are also too many insignificant characters that just randomly pop out of nowhere and ma...more
I think the book has potential of being a great(er) book, but it's just missing 'something'. Sometimes I get confused by the dialogue because the author doesn't always identify the language and the speaker. There are also too many insignificant characters that just randomly pop out of nowhere and ma...more
I devoured this book in about two hours. It's been a long time since I read a book that fast. I appreciated it's brevity. I still got a lot out of it. Though I think in some ways they cut out too much. Like previous reviews I sometimes found the dialogue hard to follow and making the switch between chinese and english wasn't always clear.
But I adored the book. I sucked into the setting. It's not every day I get to travel to Hong Kong in a book. The story did a nice job of traveling through Hong...more
But I adored the book. I sucked into the setting. It's not every day I get to travel to Hong Kong in a book. The story did a nice job of traveling through Hong...more
2.5 Stars
Every time Simon sees a certain young and beautiful girl in the subway, he has daydreams about a chance encounter. Simon is not an outspoken guy, but when he finds out that he will probably fail out of school - no thanks to his English course - he figures he has nothing to loose and summons up the courage to speak to her. Things don't exactly go according to Simon's plan. Amy, 'Subway Girl', doesn't speak Chinese. Simon fumbles his way through the conversation and vows to give this whol...more
Every time Simon sees a certain young and beautiful girl in the subway, he has daydreams about a chance encounter. Simon is not an outspoken guy, but when he finds out that he will probably fail out of school - no thanks to his English course - he figures he has nothing to loose and summons up the courage to speak to her. Things don't exactly go according to Simon's plan. Amy, 'Subway Girl', doesn't speak Chinese. Simon fumbles his way through the conversation and vows to give this whol...more
Likeable and lifelike, Subway Girl is a light, but yet powerful story over coming different languages and it’s barriers. There are many teen issues that occur in this novel, making it a pleasing learning experience; no matter the culture, society, or background.
With alternative perspectives in the chapters, both Amy and Simon were well established by the end. Amy, who does not know how to speak Chinese, grew up in America and has the American beliefs and background. Simon, who barely speaks Engl...more
With alternative perspectives in the chapters, both Amy and Simon were well established by the end. Amy, who does not know how to speak Chinese, grew up in America and has the American beliefs and background. Simon, who barely speaks Engl...more
2.5 Stars
While I found Subway Girl to be an interesting, sweet book, it was nothing special. To me it was the kind of book that you don't mind reading, but wouldn't have any problem setting it down and never picking back up. This book had potential, I admit, but in the end fell short for several reasons.
When you begin, it's very slow going. The beginning seemed scattered and was quite dull -- luckily, it doesn't remain that way for TOO long or o wouldn't have continued. There are a ton of side...more
While I found Subway Girl to be an interesting, sweet book, it was nothing special. To me it was the kind of book that you don't mind reading, but wouldn't have any problem setting it down and never picking back up. This book had potential, I admit, but in the end fell short for several reasons.
When you begin, it's very slow going. The beginning seemed scattered and was quite dull -- luckily, it doesn't remain that way for TOO long or o wouldn't have continued. There are a ton of side...more
Simon Chan has always been fascinated by “Subway Girl”—a cool, beautiful girl he sees on his subway rides to school in Hong Kong. Those glimpses of her are a bright spot in his life that’s heading downhill. He should be studying for his final exams so he can get promoted to Form 6 (like our 12th grade) but he already knows he’s failing English and will not graduate with his class. Simon’s parents work long, hard hours at their convenience store in Hong Kong. They see no value in speaking English...more
I loved it!!! I’m not even a young adult but this book is so magical to get into my memory. I just couldn’t stop reading until finishing. PJ Converse captures exactly what teenager issue is and solves their problem in a brilliant way so gently and emotionally. It gives you hope to discover this world in your own way which why I love about this book most.
I don’t know what the other few people’s problem giving two stars on this book. I’m so relate to Amy’s world as a teenager being different than...more
I don’t know what the other few people’s problem giving two stars on this book. I’m so relate to Amy’s world as a teenager being different than...more
Subway Girl by: P.J. Converse is about Amy Lee a girl from San francisco and moved to hong kong. Her family moved to Hong kong because of her parent’s divorced. Later,Amy meets Simon on the subway. Simon's parents run a small odds-and-ends shop and have high hopes for him to be the first high school graduate in the family, but he struggles with learning English, and is in danger of failing out of school. Despite that Simon is in love with Amy which his friend refer to as Subway Girl, when in des...more
My Review:
SUBWAY GIRL is one of the most unique books that I have read this year, and it is coming in at the very end. I like the concept of Simon and Amy, and how their relationship evolves from a shaky first meeting, to a tentative friendship, then to something much more intimate, that approaches love.
Though they are both Asian, Simon is a native of Hong Kong, while Amy moved there from America with her family. He speaks almost no English, while she speaks very little Chinese. However, mostly...more
SUBWAY GIRL is one of the most unique books that I have read this year, and it is coming in at the very end. I like the concept of Simon and Amy, and how their relationship evolves from a shaky first meeting, to a tentative friendship, then to something much more intimate, that approaches love.
Though they are both Asian, Simon is a native of Hong Kong, while Amy moved there from America with her family. He speaks almost no English, while she speaks very little Chinese. However, mostly...more
I took a chance on reading this. I wasn't sure how I would take to it and when I received it and started I was shocked to say the least. It's an easy book to get into. I was taken by not only Simon and Amy but Katie as well.
I think there are a lot of young adults who will be able to relate to all of the younger characters in the book and that's a great thing in this case. Even with the problems the good comes shining through.
I don't know much about foreign languages but it seemed like somethin...more
I think there are a lot of young adults who will be able to relate to all of the younger characters in the book and that's a great thing in this case. Even with the problems the good comes shining through.
I don't know much about foreign languages but it seemed like somethin...more
Peter Converse's first novel SUBWAY GIRL is a touching story which accurately describes the struggle of teenagers during that particularly difficult time called adolescence. Nevertheless, throughout the novel, the reader understands that even the worst events can be overcome thanks to true love.
Because I'm a mature woman and over sensitive, I was easily in Subway Girl's shoes and shared with her this difficult time in her life ;I wish I was able to comfort her, help her and be by her side.
Not o...more
Because I'm a mature woman and over sensitive, I was easily in Subway Girl's shoes and shared with her this difficult time in her life ;I wish I was able to comfort her, help her and be by her side.
Not o...more
I was hoping for more from this one, but it didn't quite deliver. It's a novel about meeting someone who changes your whole perspective on life. But in the end, I felt like there was no resolution on how the main characters' relationship really changed either of them. I wasn't left with a strong sense of where either of these characters were going.
Despite its weaknesses, I found this book to be a quick and engaging read. I liked the Hong Kong setting, and I liked Simon's character. I would reco...more
Despite its weaknesses, I found this book to be a quick and engaging read. I liked the Hong Kong setting, and I liked Simon's character. I would reco...more
A very beautiful story about the fears, the bravado, the strength of youth, and the complexity of love.
2.5*
As with Epic Fail I want to add the caveat here that I'm not the intended audience for this book, so my rating reflects that fact. I did enjoy the book and on some levels I thought it was well done. I had problems with some of the dialogue. It wasn't the language barrier, but the odd choice of words at times even between speakers who spoke the same language. (Hard to explain unless you've read the book.) I also feel like too many story details are alluded to but not actually developed. Due t...more
As with Epic Fail I want to add the caveat here that I'm not the intended audience for this book, so my rating reflects that fact. I did enjoy the book and on some levels I thought it was well done. I had problems with some of the dialogue. It wasn't the language barrier, but the odd choice of words at times even between speakers who spoke the same language. (Hard to explain unless you've read the book.) I also feel like too many story details are alluded to but not actually developed. Due t...more
A story of two teenager life, who's life is complicated in individual situations. The story take place in China, mostly in Hong Kong. The main character, Simon has a extreme crush on the 'Subway girl' who rides the same train everyday after school. When he finally gets the courage to meet her he finds out they can't, because the subway girl, Amy can't speak Chinese, and Simon is failing English.
In someway they connect and managed to understand each other. While the story continued they go throu...more
In someway they connect and managed to understand each other. While the story continued they go throu...more
I was excited to read a book set in Hong Kong because that is a place I have always wanted to visit. I did very much enjoy that part of the story. When there were descriptions of places, especially by the water, I found myself being able to visualize it pretty well. That was the stongest point of the book for me.
Simon and Amy were interesting but I did not find myself being very invested in either of them. I felt like I should have had deep feelings for the situation that Amy was in but I didn’t...more
Simon and Amy were interesting but I did not find myself being very invested in either of them. I felt like I should have had deep feelings for the situation that Amy was in but I didn’t...more
3.5 stars!
Simon Chan is failing school. His parents expected so little of him. "Life begins when school finishes!" his father would yell. They just want him to finish school and help out in their tiny store.
Amy Lee is a Chinese/American who just moved to Hong Kong from San Francisco. She is the subway girl. Unattainable, pretty and who speaks little to no Chinese.
Let me just say that I was kind of surprised where this story went. The cover seemed so innocent and unassuming but then when I star...more
Simon Chan is failing school. His parents expected so little of him. "Life begins when school finishes!" his father would yell. They just want him to finish school and help out in their tiny store.
Amy Lee is a Chinese/American who just moved to Hong Kong from San Francisco. She is the subway girl. Unattainable, pretty and who speaks little to no Chinese.
Let me just say that I was kind of surprised where this story went. The cover seemed so innocent and unassuming but then when I star...more
When I first discovered this book, I wanted to read it because it takes place in Hong Kong and the language barrier between Simon and Amy.
What stroked me about the setting of Subway Girl in Hong Kong was that it brings back some vacation memories. However, when I read Subway Girl, most of the places that was mentioned within the book, I’ve never heard of before. I feel more of a tourist reading this book, but it makes me want to be able to go back to Hong Kong and visit some of the mentioned pla...more
What stroked me about the setting of Subway Girl in Hong Kong was that it brings back some vacation memories. However, when I read Subway Girl, most of the places that was mentioned within the book, I’ve never heard of before. I feel more of a tourist reading this book, but it makes me want to be able to go back to Hong Kong and visit some of the mentioned pla...more
Jan 20, 2011
Amanda
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Amanda by:
Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours
Shelves:
ya-fiction,
arc
When Simon sees Amy on a Hong Kong subway, he wants to talk to her. But when he finally works up the courage, he finds out he can't. Because Amy doesn't speak Chinese, and Simon is failing English.
Somehow, Amy and Simon connect, and they discover that they understand each other. Enough for Simon to admit he is dropping out of school. Enough for Amy to confess that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's baby. Lost in a world so much bigger than they are, Amy and Simon realize they can rescue eac...more
Somehow, Amy and Simon connect, and they discover that they understand each other. Enough for Simon to admit he is dropping out of school. Enough for Amy to confess that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's baby. Lost in a world so much bigger than they are, Amy and Simon realize they can rescue eac...more
Oh where to start on how sad I was to dislike this book. First the setting of Hong Kong felt extremely vague. I sort-of have an image of how the Hong Kong subway system works and an elementary grasp of the schooling system but that's it. If a book is set entirely in Hong Kong and the summary makes it sound like Hong Kong will play a major role in the story, it should deliver. Another thing I really disliked was the disjointed dual narration of Amy and Simon. It seemed as if the author wrote thei...more
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
School is frustrating for Simon. If all he had to do was learn math and science, it might be passable, but in order to graduate, Chinese-speaking Simon must pass the English exam. So far, his practice scores have been miserable, causing him to slip farther and farther behind. Despite encouragement from his longtime friend, Katie, Simon decides he has suffered enough and ditches school to take a job working in a restaurant.
Riding the...more
School is frustrating for Simon. If all he had to do was learn math and science, it might be passable, but in order to graduate, Chinese-speaking Simon must pass the English exam. So far, his practice scores have been miserable, causing him to slip farther and farther behind. Despite encouragement from his longtime friend, Katie, Simon decides he has suffered enough and ditches school to take a job working in a restaurant.
Riding the...more
Bitter sweet story of first love. Simon is a nerdy drifter at his Hong Kong school. Amy is the mysterious Subway Girl, aloof and beautiful, who Simon and all his friends dream about. When Simon finally stumbles into a conversation with her, he discovers that's she's Chinese American - and the only language she speaks is the one he's flunking - English! But when her life takes a tailspin, he becomes a rock she can rely on, and they discover an unexpected friendship that changes them both.
Finished reading P.J. Converse’s young adult novel, Subway Girl earlier this week. I thought I enjoyed it, but having waited a few days to review it, I realize my enthusiasm may have passed. Subway Girl is set in Hong Kong, where Simon is a high school student hopelessly infatuated with the mysterious beauty he sees every day on the subway, cleverly called Subway Girl. When he finally gets the nerve to approach her, he realizes his greatest fear, that she only speaks English and he can barely co...more
This is a quick, easy to read relationship story of an Asian girl who grew up in America and speaks no Chinese, and a native Hong Kong boy who struggles to speak English. It is a story of their growing connection and understanding with each other despite their differences, and overcoming the barriers that drive them to grow up in a hurry. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to those who like to see life through another culture's perspective.
A magnificent work that captures the lives of teenagers amid the bustle of Honk Kong. The author skilfully navigates the cross-currents of language, culture and reality in their words, without even a hint of either censorship or condescention.
It was an okay book. I flew through it pretty easy, but it didn't make much of an impact. It left the future unknown but I couldn't make myself care to know more.
till trying to write a novel in a month so not much time to write a review. I want my daughters to find male friends like Simon, and to never have to deal with boyfriends like Jordon.
Interesting concept, but the overall story seemed a little bit incomplete to me and I was left feeling as though perhaps I just didn't really "get it."
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