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Eighteen Roses
Lucia Cruz may be turning eighteen this year, but she is not the debutante type. Everything about a traditional Filipino debut feels all wrong for her. Besides, custom dictates that eighteen friends attend her for a special ceremony on her birthday, and Lucia only has one friend– Esmé Mares. They've stuck to each other's side all throughout high school, content to be friends with only each other. At least, Lucia thought they were content.
As it turns out, Esmé wants something different out of her senior year. And, on top of that, Lucia's mom has planned a debutante ball for her birthday behind her back. She'll be forced to cobble together a court of eighteen “friends” before her beloved lola arrives from the Philippines for this blessed occasion.
How far will Lucia stray from her comfort zone in order to play the role of dutiful daughter and granddaughter? Will she do the unthinkable– participating in a school sponsored activity? Will she discover that her sense of humor can be a way to connect with people, not just push them away?
As it turns out, Esmé wants something different out of her senior year. And, on top of that, Lucia's mom has planned a debutante ball for her birthday behind her back. She'll be forced to cobble together a court of eighteen “friends” before her beloved lola arrives from the Philippines for this blessed occasion.
How far will Lucia stray from her comfort zone in order to play the role of dutiful daughter and granddaughter? Will she do the unthinkable– participating in a school sponsored activity? Will she discover that her sense of humor can be a way to connect with people, not just push them away?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
12 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Shannon C.F. Rogers
2 books62 followersShannon C.F. Rogers is a multiracial American writer of Filipinx and European descent. Her debut novel, I'D RATHER BURN THAN BLOOM, received the 2024 APALA Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature.
A former editor on Lunch Ticket, her work has appeared in Bodega Magazine and Newfound Journal as well as on stage with Tricklock Company, Lady Luck Productions, and the UNM Words Afire Festival of New Plays.
Shannon earned her B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of New Mexico and her MFA in Writing For Young People at Antioch University Los Angeles. She has served as an educator, after-school program director, and lost mitten finder at schools in Albuquerque, Chicago, and New York City. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
A former editor on Lunch Ticket, her work has appeared in Bodega Magazine and Newfound Journal as well as on stage with Tricklock Company, Lady Luck Productions, and the UNM Words Afire Festival of New Plays.
Shannon earned her B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of New Mexico and her MFA in Writing For Young People at Antioch University Los Angeles. She has served as an educator, after-school program director, and lost mitten finder at schools in Albuquerque, Chicago, and New York City. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 14, 2024
A beautiful coming-of-age story set around the Filipino tradition of hosting a debut party to signify one’s coming of age.
It’s her party and she’ll cry if she wants to. After knowing her debut is being planned behind her back, having a falling out with her only friend, Esme, and learning that her favorite theatre is closing down, Lucia feels like her life is falling apart. To add more pressure, Lucia’s lola from the Philippines is arriving just to join the debut.
Lucia was not a likeable character at the beginning. She was not like the other girls or everyone else. She’s so closed in on herself that she ends up self-sabotaging and being toxic with her friendship with Esme. But I couldn’t exactly hate her because I understood her teenage angst and the misplaced anger. However, her character development was worth it: she kept her humor and found a healthier way to express it, and although she did struggle at first, it was a realistic way to find herself and slowly open up to new things and new people.
I want to say this is for the girls who cry on their birthdays, but it’s so much more than that. This explores the Filipino culture of debuts and doesn’t shy away from how messy it is. Debuts are a grand celebration of life and adulthood; families go all out for it. But in this case, Eighteen Roses explores debuts through a different lens—one filled with familial and societal pressure, and with this comes a list of important conversations and themes. One of which are the complicated family dynamics: Lucia’s struggles with meeting familial expectations, the difficult mother-daughter relationships (and the realization that your mother is also just a girl struggling and figuring things out), Lucia and Ali’s sisterly love (and occasional spats), eldest sister things, and the complexity of being divorced but still holding onto the Filipino values of family.
I did wish to see a bit more of what happens next after the debut, like more of Lucia’s lola and a more concrete resolution of cutting off their dad.
Anyway, on a personal note, I was not expecting to feel so seen this way but here we are 😩 I highly related to Lucia because I, too, had my parents plan an 18th birthday party behind my back even though I also told them I didn’t want an entire thing out of it 😂 plus Lucia and I share a Scorpio mercury lmao I just know her water sign placements are stressful 😭
Thank you so much to Shannon CF Rogers for the early copy! :>
It’s her party and she’ll cry if she wants to. After knowing her debut is being planned behind her back, having a falling out with her only friend, Esme, and learning that her favorite theatre is closing down, Lucia feels like her life is falling apart. To add more pressure, Lucia’s lola from the Philippines is arriving just to join the debut.
Lucia was not a likeable character at the beginning. She was not like the other girls or everyone else. She’s so closed in on herself that she ends up self-sabotaging and being toxic with her friendship with Esme. But I couldn’t exactly hate her because I understood her teenage angst and the misplaced anger. However, her character development was worth it: she kept her humor and found a healthier way to express it, and although she did struggle at first, it was a realistic way to find herself and slowly open up to new things and new people.
I want to say this is for the girls who cry on their birthdays, but it’s so much more than that. This explores the Filipino culture of debuts and doesn’t shy away from how messy it is. Debuts are a grand celebration of life and adulthood; families go all out for it. But in this case, Eighteen Roses explores debuts through a different lens—one filled with familial and societal pressure, and with this comes a list of important conversations and themes. One of which are the complicated family dynamics: Lucia’s struggles with meeting familial expectations, the difficult mother-daughter relationships (and the realization that your mother is also just a girl struggling and figuring things out), Lucia and Ali’s sisterly love (and occasional spats), eldest sister things, and the complexity of being divorced but still holding onto the Filipino values of family.
I did wish to see a bit more of what happens next after the debut, like more of Lucia’s lola and a more concrete resolution of cutting off their dad.
Anyway, on a personal note, I was not expecting to feel so seen this way but here we are 😩 I highly related to Lucia because I, too, had my parents plan an 18th birthday party behind my back even though I also told them I didn’t want an entire thing out of it 😂 plus Lucia and I share a Scorpio mercury lmao I just know her water sign placements are stressful 😭
Thank you so much to Shannon CF Rogers for the early copy! :>
October 23, 2024
The story lives up to the gorgeous cover art!
July 22, 2024
While I did enjoy this at first, by the end I'm a little disappointed. This is a well written read, and there's a lot to love about it. There's heart and humour, and Lucia's struggles are understandable. I just didn't feel like the book fully lived up to its potential. Lucia acts pretty mean at times towards other people. I understand that she's hurting, but she sometimes hurts the people who don't deserve it, instead of the ones who've caused her pain. I would have loved to see a little more accountability and self awareness, and by the end I didn't feel like I'd seen quite enough growth.
June 10, 2024
I've never heard of a Debut party in Filipino culture before and while this book is a lot about coming of age and all the terrible things that that includes, it also has a lot of information about the culture itself. I was eating this book up so hard that I stayed up way longer than I should have just to finish it. Truly an excellent coming of age book.
Want to read
November 24, 2023What a treat to come onto Goodreads and see this stunning cover! I loved Roger's debut, I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom and I'm so excited to read Eighteen Roses. Angsty girl leads? Yes please!!!
August 11, 2024
the parental relationships made me wanna jump off the roof into solid concrete
July 31, 2024
Big thanks to Shannon C.F. Rogers and Feiwel & Friends for sending me a review copy through NetGalley! This doesn’t affect my review in any way.
Happy book birthday to Eighteen Roses! This heartwarming, coming-of-age young adult novel features family, the growing pains of friendship, and Filipino-American diaspora.
I loved this book simply because it was genuine in its representation of Filipino family dynamics. Luz is very relatable and frankly, it surprised me how much of myself I saw in her anger and envy of the world. I liked how the author was able to write about a characters’ detachment from their culture and identity. I also adamantly refused to not have a debutante ball and I understood Luz’s resentment throughout this book. Moreso, the difficult relationship she has with her mother is so REAL that at times I wanted to tear up. Growing up with festered bitterness or simply sadness for either one of your parents is something you will eventually come to terms with because they will remain unchanged, and this book perfectly captures that. I also loved how this navigates friendships and self-discovery. Her chemistry with Esme was so nostalgic because I have it with my best friend as well. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book that centers on personal growth.
Happy book birthday to Eighteen Roses! This heartwarming, coming-of-age young adult novel features family, the growing pains of friendship, and Filipino-American diaspora.
I loved this book simply because it was genuine in its representation of Filipino family dynamics. Luz is very relatable and frankly, it surprised me how much of myself I saw in her anger and envy of the world. I liked how the author was able to write about a characters’ detachment from their culture and identity. I also adamantly refused to not have a debutante ball and I understood Luz’s resentment throughout this book. Moreso, the difficult relationship she has with her mother is so REAL that at times I wanted to tear up. Growing up with festered bitterness or simply sadness for either one of your parents is something you will eventually come to terms with because they will remain unchanged, and this book perfectly captures that. I also loved how this navigates friendships and self-discovery. Her chemistry with Esme was so nostalgic because I have it with my best friend as well. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book that centers on personal growth.
June 4, 2025
When I first saw this book on the shelf, I knew exactly what it was about. Luz is a half Filipina girl who doesn't have a lot of friends, which felt just a little bit too close to home for me not to read this book. The biggest difference between us is that I dreamed about having a debut when I was younger while Luz wished she could do anything else.
Despite the sharp contrast between myself and the main character, as I continued to read I found myself comparing the two of us and our situations. Even now as I sit and reflect over what I've read I find myself thinking of how her life will change as she continues to grow versus how I will continue to shape my own future.
It's a pretty quick read but truly worth every single letter. The story is very character driven and it truly is lovely seeing how Luz interactions with others around her changes as she begins to realize what she finds important. The ending in particular compelled me to go find my own mom just to tell her how much I love her.
Despite the sharp contrast between myself and the main character, as I continued to read I found myself comparing the two of us and our situations. Even now as I sit and reflect over what I've read I find myself thinking of how her life will change as she continues to grow versus how I will continue to shape my own future.
It's a pretty quick read but truly worth every single letter. The story is very character driven and it truly is lovely seeing how Luz interactions with others around her changes as she begins to realize what she finds important. The ending in particular compelled me to go find my own mom just to tell her how much I love her.
May 17, 2024
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book. I think the voice is unique and engaging, and it feels very natural--very relatable--to follow Luz's struggle to find her place. I know she's not going to be a narrator for everyone, because she's judgy. She's mean. She's sarcastic, biting, and rather mean-spirited. And people just really don't like it when girls are presented that way. But it didn't put me off. In fact, it was nice to have this POV explored. Luz isn't a nice girl, and she doesn't need to be. Except if, you know, she wants to have friends.
Anyway, I think there's a lot more to explore here, and my full review will dive into the pros and cons when it goes live on July 12, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you can!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
I enjoyed this book. I think the voice is unique and engaging, and it feels very natural--very relatable--to follow Luz's struggle to find her place. I know she's not going to be a narrator for everyone, because she's judgy. She's mean. She's sarcastic, biting, and rather mean-spirited. And people just really don't like it when girls are presented that way. But it didn't put me off. In fact, it was nice to have this POV explored. Luz isn't a nice girl, and she doesn't need to be. Except if, you know, she wants to have friends.
Anyway, I think there's a lot more to explore here, and my full review will dive into the pros and cons when it goes live on July 12, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you can!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
July 22, 2025
How was Luz literally me back in high school?
June 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Luz turns eighteen soon which means it is time for the traditional Filipino debut — except that’s not her thing at all. For one, she already ruined her cousin‘s debut when she was little, why would she need a repeat of that? And then also she would need a court of eighteen friends for the ceremony, which she doesn’t have.
This was such a fun and sweet read! I absolutely loved it once I warmed up to the characters. Luz is an amazing main character and I loved the humour of the book as well as the fact that there‘s no romance side plot for the main character! This is for everyone who‘s always felt like they live life in their comfort zone and far away from things like school clubs and societies. Oh, also for the vintage movie theatre lovers of course.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun and sweet read! I absolutely loved it once I warmed up to the characters. Luz is an amazing main character and I loved the humour of the book as well as the fact that there‘s no romance side plot for the main character! This is for everyone who‘s always felt like they live life in their comfort zone and far away from things like school clubs and societies. Oh, also for the vintage movie theatre lovers of course.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 16, 2024
Laughed myself silly the whole first half of the book and seriously COULDN NOT stop crying with every turn of the page in the second half. Like legitimately weeping at every scene for WHAT. God my heart.
Zero stars for making me feel such a wide spectrum of emotions that I got whiplash.
Three thousand stars for SCFR writing yet another absolute masterpiece.
I do have some minor critiques about the Filipino dialogue (I hope this got fixed in the final publication cause I read an ARC) but honestly 95% of readers probably wouldn’t even notice.
Loved this. Highly recommend.
Zero stars for making me feel such a wide spectrum of emotions that I got whiplash.
Three thousand stars for SCFR writing yet another absolute masterpiece.
I do have some minor critiques about the Filipino dialogue (I hope this got fixed in the final publication cause I read an ARC) but honestly 95% of readers probably wouldn’t even notice.
Loved this. Highly recommend.
October 22, 2024
This was so good! A coming-of-age story that focuses on the Filipino tradition of having a debut when you turn 18. I really enjoyed learning about this tradition since I didn’t have a debut. Although, I feel like I would be in Lucia’s shoes since she reminded me a lot of how I was when I was younger. Lucia doesn’t start out as a very likable character; she’s snarky and makes jokes out of everything. I loved seeing her grow and get out of her comfort zone as the book progressed.
April 21, 2025
Thank you, Macmillan Children's Publishing, for the gifted arc.
4.5🌟 At first, I wasn't how I was going to feel about this story. Lucia's personality came off a but strong and not the most likable, but the more I read, the more I understood and felt for her. She was stuck in that awkward face where she was officially become an adult but still being treated like a child, a position she had already been forced into by both of her parents for years. This novel highlights how older siblings are often parentified at a young age, forced to pick up the mantle when parents repeatedly fall short, but are simultaneously expected to operate with childlike innocence and communicate with the adoration & respect befitting a child. Lucia's mother turned her into the other parent in their relationship, while her father expected her to solve her own problems and take care of herself.
While all of this is happening, she has to find friends to attend her debut. The only problem is that she's a bit awkward and doesn't know how to make friends. I really enjoyed this book and wished I had read it earlier. The protagonist gave voice to so many emotions and issues that teenagers face.
4.5🌟 At first, I wasn't how I was going to feel about this story. Lucia's personality came off a but strong and not the most likable, but the more I read, the more I understood and felt for her. She was stuck in that awkward face where she was officially become an adult but still being treated like a child, a position she had already been forced into by both of her parents for years. This novel highlights how older siblings are often parentified at a young age, forced to pick up the mantle when parents repeatedly fall short, but are simultaneously expected to operate with childlike innocence and communicate with the adoration & respect befitting a child. Lucia's mother turned her into the other parent in their relationship, while her father expected her to solve her own problems and take care of herself.
While all of this is happening, she has to find friends to attend her debut. The only problem is that she's a bit awkward and doesn't know how to make friends. I really enjoyed this book and wished I had read it earlier. The protagonist gave voice to so many emotions and issues that teenagers face.
November 14, 2024
This was a pretty emotional read for me. I didn’t have a debut, and now that I have a daughter I’ve said that she would have one because I missed out on it. But I have some of the same feelings about them as Luz did at the beginning of this book.
This book is so about so much more than a debut. This coming of age story shows the complexities of relationships with family, friends, and your community. It speaks on finding your people and putting yourself out there for others. It also shows that even when you feel alone, there are people that care about you.
I also love the commentary on the Fil-Am community. It doesn’t matter how active you are in it, what percentage of Filipino you are, we come together to support each other.
Thank you, Shannon, for this story of self love, familial love, platonic love, and community love.
This book is so about so much more than a debut. This coming of age story shows the complexities of relationships with family, friends, and your community. It speaks on finding your people and putting yourself out there for others. It also shows that even when you feel alone, there are people that care about you.
I also love the commentary on the Fil-Am community. It doesn’t matter how active you are in it, what percentage of Filipino you are, we come together to support each other.
Thank you, Shannon, for this story of self love, familial love, platonic love, and community love.
Want to read
February 21, 2024yesss i got the arc!! i cant wait to start this one, i love the title and it sounds so good!
February 10, 2025
I want a reboot of The Debut movie and I need it to be this story!
September 18, 2024
Funny and heartwarming
June 13, 2024
Lucia is turning eighteen this year, but having a debut isn’t her style. Especially not a Filipina debut, where you have to have eighteen friends come. She only has one friend. When her mom decides to plan a debut behind her back, things start going downhill. There’s no stopping the party, so she’s stuck planning it however she can.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. I mean, it was so full of culture, wit and wisdom, as well. It was so well written, describing Luz’s struggles with crazy accuracy. You really felt like you were in her shoes. It was just so, so good. I can tell that so many people are going to see themselves in this book and I cannot wait for that to happen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for an eARC of this book.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. I mean, it was so full of culture, wit and wisdom, as well. It was so well written, describing Luz’s struggles with crazy accuracy. You really felt like you were in her shoes. It was just so, so good. I can tell that so many people are going to see themselves in this book and I cannot wait for that to happen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for an eARC of this book.
December 10, 2024
Rating 3.5/5
As a Filipina, I'm always on the look out for reads that has Filipino representation, so I was excited to read this.
Lucia is turning eighteen, and per Filipino tradition should have a debut to celebrate her coming-of-age. Unfortunately, everything about the tradition feels wrong to her, so she isn't too excited when her mom plans one behind her back. Custom dictates that she invites eighteen of her closest friends to participate in the special ceremonies. However, she only has one friend, Esme, who she has a falling out with.
To be honest, Lucia was hard for me to like because of her attitude towards her family and the tradition. However, I enjoyed the Filipino culture representation in the story. The family/relative dynamics was relatable and on point (relatives trying to up each other, comparisons, etc). I also appreciated that the author included some Tagalog in her dialogue.
As a Filipina, I'm always on the look out for reads that has Filipino representation, so I was excited to read this.
Lucia is turning eighteen, and per Filipino tradition should have a debut to celebrate her coming-of-age. Unfortunately, everything about the tradition feels wrong to her, so she isn't too excited when her mom plans one behind her back. Custom dictates that she invites eighteen of her closest friends to participate in the special ceremonies. However, she only has one friend, Esme, who she has a falling out with.
To be honest, Lucia was hard for me to like because of her attitude towards her family and the tradition. However, I enjoyed the Filipino culture representation in the story. The family/relative dynamics was relatable and on point (relatives trying to up each other, comparisons, etc). I also appreciated that the author included some Tagalog in her dialogue.
February 19, 2024
i loved this story. being in our main character luz's head was a delight - witty, fast-paced and so judgey. i know that girl.
the ending was pitch-perfect, honest and true to the characters. the world-building was so well done (how dare luz make me romanticize strip malls!??!)
highly recommend to eldest daughters everywhere, those still finding their voice, and anyone who has to participate in a coming of age ceremony. and pretty much everyone else too.
the ending was pitch-perfect, honest and true to the characters. the world-building was so well done (how dare luz make me romanticize strip malls!??!)
highly recommend to eldest daughters everywhere, those still finding their voice, and anyone who has to participate in a coming of age ceremony. and pretty much everyone else too.
Read
January 5, 2025disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
I loved this contemporary young coming-of-age story about Filipina-American teenager Lucia in Albuquerque, NM, who is anti-pretty much everything. She read to me as the ultimate "we are way too cool for that" or "that is so corny / unimpressive, why would I ever care about that?" which rings true to what I saw during adolescence lol. So, as insufferable as it feels to read about it sometimes, I get it and I've been there.
Luz sips on hater-ade every single day, hates most things, and acts as if she "above" them just for the sake of it. (However, I suspect most readers will make an informed guess that something else is the root of this, like the fear of rejection and/or feeling like she will never belong, cough cough). This has worked out fine for her for the most part, since she has her best friend Esme, and that's the only community she *thinks* she needs. However, Esme names her feelings of wanting to try new things and to not be judged, criticized, or looked down on for them, and this rocks Luz's world. A huge friendship fight causes a break between them, and Luz is left on her own to navigate senior year.
This is understandably devastating to Luz, as she describes Esme as "my only friend. Nobody else likes me at school, probably because I barely say anything at all and then when I finally do, it's weird or mean or both, and it's probably about a movie that nobody else has seen, but Esme likes me, because she laughs at those things." (2%) I got the feeling that everyone didn't actually hate Luz, but maybe that she decided they did and then never gave anyone a chance to know her as intimately as Esme did, which did her and everyone else a disservice initially. It also makes a bigger impact when you only have one person, and then you get into a disagreement or fight with said person. One person cannot be your everything. When you pigeonhole yourself into the one version of yourself that you think it true, or you tell yourself the same story, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I think that's a crucial sentiment to ruminate on, especially if we are interested in building community and letting go of our egos.
On top of all of this, her mom plans a debutante ball for her 18th birthday, something Luz has expressly been against forever. So now Luz has to find 18 people to dance in her debutante ball after losing the only friend she had. Luz surprisingly joins the school's comedy club, makes new friends, and begins to chip away at the hard exterior that prevented her from trying new things and/or enjoying them without abandon.
Though I became a bit exasperated with Luz, I sympathized with her perspective and her feelings. She's an 18-year-old kid who doesn't see eye-to-eye with her Filipino mom (never heard of this dynamic ever! /sarcasm and sadness), shares a bedroom with her younger sister Ali (in their mom's apartment, which is an adjustment after leaving their childhood home), and isn't speaking to her best friend. That's a lot to carry, and when one feels isolated and left behind, the nastier parts of them may come out to play. I love messy protagonists because they're real. Luz felt real to me, and so did her confusion, her anger, her shame, and her pain.
I loved the ways her dynamic with her mom and with Ali were also highlighted and explored, as this wasn't just a book about found family and friendship. It was also about interrogating the current dynamics between family members, and being brave enough to be honest so you could all move forward with more intention. Again, we return to the story Luz told herself about how she fit into her family, and we get to see her take steps to shatter that image, and to change the narrative.
The Sunshine is "a tiny theater that shows old movies for two-dollar tickets (2%)," and it's Luz's favorite place. I thought it was so lovely to see how this tied into Luz's journey. I appreciate the illustration of third spaces and how important they are for building and sustaining community, something Luz desperately needed to find her way to.
I really enjoyed this book, and Shannon CF Rogers continues to shine in sharing tender, layered stories about growth. I will absolutely continue to seek out her work & I highly recommend this!
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Sexism, Abandonment, and Classism
I loved this contemporary young coming-of-age story about Filipina-American teenager Lucia in Albuquerque, NM, who is anti-pretty much everything. She read to me as the ultimate "we are way too cool for that" or "that is so corny / unimpressive, why would I ever care about that?" which rings true to what I saw during adolescence lol. So, as insufferable as it feels to read about it sometimes, I get it and I've been there.
Luz sips on hater-ade every single day, hates most things, and acts as if she "above" them just for the sake of it. (However, I suspect most readers will make an informed guess that something else is the root of this, like the fear of rejection and/or feeling like she will never belong, cough cough). This has worked out fine for her for the most part, since she has her best friend Esme, and that's the only community she *thinks* she needs. However, Esme names her feelings of wanting to try new things and to not be judged, criticized, or looked down on for them, and this rocks Luz's world. A huge friendship fight causes a break between them, and Luz is left on her own to navigate senior year.
This is understandably devastating to Luz, as she describes Esme as "my only friend. Nobody else likes me at school, probably because I barely say anything at all and then when I finally do, it's weird or mean or both, and it's probably about a movie that nobody else has seen, but Esme likes me, because she laughs at those things." (2%) I got the feeling that everyone didn't actually hate Luz, but maybe that she decided they did and then never gave anyone a chance to know her as intimately as Esme did, which did her and everyone else a disservice initially. It also makes a bigger impact when you only have one person, and then you get into a disagreement or fight with said person. One person cannot be your everything. When you pigeonhole yourself into the one version of yourself that you think it true, or you tell yourself the same story, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I think that's a crucial sentiment to ruminate on, especially if we are interested in building community and letting go of our egos.
On top of all of this, her mom plans a debutante ball for her 18th birthday, something Luz has expressly been against forever. So now Luz has to find 18 people to dance in her debutante ball after losing the only friend she had. Luz surprisingly joins the school's comedy club, makes new friends, and begins to chip away at the hard exterior that prevented her from trying new things and/or enjoying them without abandon.
Though I became a bit exasperated with Luz, I sympathized with her perspective and her feelings. She's an 18-year-old kid who doesn't see eye-to-eye with her Filipino mom (never heard of this dynamic ever! /sarcasm and sadness), shares a bedroom with her younger sister Ali (in their mom's apartment, which is an adjustment after leaving their childhood home), and isn't speaking to her best friend. That's a lot to carry, and when one feels isolated and left behind, the nastier parts of them may come out to play. I love messy protagonists because they're real. Luz felt real to me, and so did her confusion, her anger, her shame, and her pain.
I loved the ways her dynamic with her mom and with Ali were also highlighted and explored, as this wasn't just a book about found family and friendship. It was also about interrogating the current dynamics between family members, and being brave enough to be honest so you could all move forward with more intention. Again, we return to the story Luz told herself about how she fit into her family, and we get to see her take steps to shatter that image, and to change the narrative.
The Sunshine is "a tiny theater that shows old movies for two-dollar tickets (2%)," and it's Luz's favorite place. I thought it was so lovely to see how this tied into Luz's journey. I appreciate the illustration of third spaces and how important they are for building and sustaining community, something Luz desperately needed to find her way to.
I really enjoyed this book, and Shannon CF Rogers continues to shine in sharing tender, layered stories about growth. I will absolutely continue to seek out her work & I highly recommend this!
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Sexism, Abandonment, and Classism
July 10, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I have to be honest, I didn't think I would like this story at first. I think that might be because I saw too much of myself in Lucia Cruz. As a fellow Filipino-American I related to Lucia "Luz" on a lot of her thoughts about her culture and her overall personality felt very close to home too. I would also consider myself a "hating-ass bitch" at times with a resting "rat face" lol. Luz's negativity about everything and her constant fights with her best friend Esmé and her mom/her sister made me start to hate her as I read the story in the beginning. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't see things from her their point of view and then I remembered... She is a teenager and this is exactly how I used to act too at her age.
Growing up is hard and feeling like you don't fit in somewhere or only fit in certain aspects of people's lives is even harder. I think this story really captures how hard it is to be a child of divorce and how hard it is to live up to your families expectations of you. Luz was really passionate about the things she cared about and was trying really hard to act like nothing phased her. She wanted people to like her. She wanted to make people proud. She was simply scared of being rejected or replaced by people she cared about and wasn't open to trying to get to know other people.
I was very surprised when she joined the Comedy Club at her school and even more surprised when all the guys (the ones who stayed) seemed genuinely nice and genuinely tried to show her that they cared about her and wanted to hang out with her. I had a hard time making friends (like Luz) when I went off to college (Luz didn't go to college she and Esmé had a bit of a falling out) so I completely understood how lost and alone she felt drifting around school. I was really glad to see that in the end Lucia had the debut she wanted and not the one her mom/her other family members wanted for her.
There was a lot of growth in this book for Luz and although the ending felt a bit rushed (I think the final product is about 100 pages longer than this ARC I read) I felt completely satisfied by the direction of Luz's life and her group of friends. This was an incredibly heart warmign book that made me tear up a few times and I'm definitely going to buy a copy of it when it comes out.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I have to be honest, I didn't think I would like this story at first. I think that might be because I saw too much of myself in Lucia Cruz. As a fellow Filipino-American I related to Lucia "Luz" on a lot of her thoughts about her culture and her overall personality felt very close to home too. I would also consider myself a "hating-ass bitch" at times with a resting "rat face" lol. Luz's negativity about everything and her constant fights with her best friend Esmé and her mom/her sister made me start to hate her as I read the story in the beginning. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't see things from her their point of view and then I remembered... She is a teenager and this is exactly how I used to act too at her age.
Growing up is hard and feeling like you don't fit in somewhere or only fit in certain aspects of people's lives is even harder. I think this story really captures how hard it is to be a child of divorce and how hard it is to live up to your families expectations of you. Luz was really passionate about the things she cared about and was trying really hard to act like nothing phased her. She wanted people to like her. She wanted to make people proud. She was simply scared of being rejected or replaced by people she cared about and wasn't open to trying to get to know other people.
I was very surprised when she joined the Comedy Club at her school and even more surprised when all the guys (the ones who stayed) seemed genuinely nice and genuinely tried to show her that they cared about her and wanted to hang out with her. I had a hard time making friends (like Luz) when I went off to college (Luz didn't go to college she and Esmé had a bit of a falling out) so I completely understood how lost and alone she felt drifting around school. I was really glad to see that in the end Lucia had the debut she wanted and not the one her mom/her other family members wanted for her.
There was a lot of growth in this book for Luz and although the ending felt a bit rushed (I think the final product is about 100 pages longer than this ARC I read) I felt completely satisfied by the direction of Luz's life and her group of friends. This was an incredibly heart warmign book that made me tear up a few times and I'm definitely going to buy a copy of it when it comes out.
June 5, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Eighteen Roses" by Shannon C.F. Rogers is a fun YA coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of family, tradition, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the Filipino debut tradition.
At the heart of the story is Lucia Cruz, a senior in high school grappling with a myriad of challenges, from the unexpected planning of her debut behind her back to the impending closure of her beloved local theater. I had never heard of the Filipino debut tradition before, and I absolutely loved learning more about it from this book. I also really liked how Rogers expertly captures Lucia's internal struggles and growth throughout the story especially with her eventual transformation and self-discovery.
As the story unfolds, Lucia's character development shines through, revealing layers of complexity and relatability that make her journey all the more compelling. There is quite a bit of sarcasm and sharp wit from Lucia (mainly at the beginning), which I struggled with at first as I found that I couldn’t connect with Lucia and I almost disliked her at times. However, she really grew as a person, and I loved how she discovered herself and what is important to her, even if it means deviating from tradition. She felt like such an authentic teenager, and I think younger YA readers would really connect with her and enjoy her voice.
One of the book's strengths (besides the character writing) lies in its exploration of Filipino culture and traditions, particularly through the lens of the debut celebration. Rogers navigates the intricacies of familial expectations and societal pressures in a way that I found to be refreshing and engaging. We really got to see the portrayal of the tensions between tradition and individuality. There were a couple storylines that I wish got more development, especially Lucia’s strained relationship with her mother. This plot point just seemed a bit unresolved; the dynamics of sisterly love and friendship, however, were wonderfully developed throughout the book.
Overall, "Eighteen Roses" is a compelling and insightful read with its authentic voice and heartfelt storytelling. Shannon C.F. Rogers delivers a memorable coming-of-age tale that leaves a lasting impression.
"Eighteen Roses" by Shannon C.F. Rogers is a fun YA coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of family, tradition, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the Filipino debut tradition.
At the heart of the story is Lucia Cruz, a senior in high school grappling with a myriad of challenges, from the unexpected planning of her debut behind her back to the impending closure of her beloved local theater. I had never heard of the Filipino debut tradition before, and I absolutely loved learning more about it from this book. I also really liked how Rogers expertly captures Lucia's internal struggles and growth throughout the story especially with her eventual transformation and self-discovery.
As the story unfolds, Lucia's character development shines through, revealing layers of complexity and relatability that make her journey all the more compelling. There is quite a bit of sarcasm and sharp wit from Lucia (mainly at the beginning), which I struggled with at first as I found that I couldn’t connect with Lucia and I almost disliked her at times. However, she really grew as a person, and I loved how she discovered herself and what is important to her, even if it means deviating from tradition. She felt like such an authentic teenager, and I think younger YA readers would really connect with her and enjoy her voice.
One of the book's strengths (besides the character writing) lies in its exploration of Filipino culture and traditions, particularly through the lens of the debut celebration. Rogers navigates the intricacies of familial expectations and societal pressures in a way that I found to be refreshing and engaging. We really got to see the portrayal of the tensions between tradition and individuality. There were a couple storylines that I wish got more development, especially Lucia’s strained relationship with her mother. This plot point just seemed a bit unresolved; the dynamics of sisterly love and friendship, however, were wonderfully developed throughout the book.
Overall, "Eighteen Roses" is a compelling and insightful read with its authentic voice and heartfelt storytelling. Shannon C.F. Rogers delivers a memorable coming-of-age tale that leaves a lasting impression.
May 18, 2024
It is a devotion of tradition that young Filipino ladies reach 18 (debut) age; they are carried out on this momentous occasion. Therefore, the May Pole is a momentous occasion which not only reveals her evolution from the status of a child to a woman but also marks her passage from the youthful life to adulthood. Here’s a breakdown of what the Eighteen Roses ceremony typically involves:Here’s a breakdown of what the Eighteen Roses ceremony typically involves:
Selection of Participants: The future debutante selects 18 guys, these individuals are usually friends, family members, or ones close to her by heart. Individuals picked a boyfriend from the group of different social milieus according to their greater or lesser importance in a debutante's life.
Dance: While the event, most of these gentlemen get a chance to dance with the debutante in turn. The balls take on the form of balls where there occurs slow dancing mostly waltzes; and at the end each man usually gives a rose to the debutante as a symbol of his hope for her.
Speeches and Wishes: As well as the dance, every concerned individual (we can say "speech" may be given by each individual taking part) can express their wish and send blessings to herself. Through this, the event gains that personification that touches the centers of emotions.
Order of Presentation: Old norms require the first dance always to be with the debutante’s father or with someone close to her, as a reminder of his role and hopes for her tomorrow. The grand finale holds the most of the significance too as it is often reserved for a significant other or for one of the most special persons in the world.
The elaborate dances and the romantic, eighteenth- century vintage- car theme of the Eighteen Roses ceremony symbolizes the indispensable love, family, community, and confidence support the entrant as she rises to her adulthood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 19, 2024R. emotional journey.
The benefits:
REFERENCES R. John excels at creating multidimensional characters. Each character is carefully introduced, allowing readers to hear their own joys and struggles.
Narrative: The prose is lyrical yet accessible, balancing what makes the book literary with emotional experience.
Themes: The novel explores universal themes of love, grief and redemption. These topics are treated with emotion and depth, affecting readers long after the last page.
Setting: Clear descriptions of settings add a beautiful and immersive quality to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Emotional Impact: "Seventeen Roses" tugs at the heartstrings well, offering moments of deep sadness and uplifting hope.
The downside:
Continuity: Sometimes the flow of a novel can be uneven. Some sections drag a bit, and can lose reader engagement.
Prediction: Some twists can be predicted, reducing the impact of major revelations on some readers.
Supporting Characters: While the main characters are well developed, some of the supporting characters feel underutilized, leaving them unable to explore their potential more fully
Complexity: Overlapping information creates complexity and sometimes confusion, requiring care to preserve the different elements of the story
In summary, "Eighteen Roses" is a beautifully written novel that offers a wonderful blend of heartwarming emotion and literary beauty. If Mr
The benefits:
REFERENCES R. John excels at creating multidimensional characters. Each character is carefully introduced, allowing readers to hear their own joys and struggles.
Narrative: The prose is lyrical yet accessible, balancing what makes the book literary with emotional experience.
Themes: The novel explores universal themes of love, grief and redemption. These topics are treated with emotion and depth, affecting readers long after the last page.
Setting: Clear descriptions of settings add a beautiful and immersive quality to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Emotional Impact: "Seventeen Roses" tugs at the heartstrings well, offering moments of deep sadness and uplifting hope.
The downside:
Continuity: Sometimes the flow of a novel can be uneven. Some sections drag a bit, and can lose reader engagement.
Prediction: Some twists can be predicted, reducing the impact of major revelations on some readers.
Supporting Characters: While the main characters are well developed, some of the supporting characters feel underutilized, leaving them unable to explore their potential more fully
Complexity: Overlapping information creates complexity and sometimes confusion, requiring care to preserve the different elements of the story
In summary, "Eighteen Roses" is a beautifully written novel that offers a wonderful blend of heartwarming emotion and literary beauty. If Mr
December 31, 2024
Have a debut "was something for rich people," Luz's lola tells her when she asks if lola ever had a debut. Growing up, I didn't have a debut and if I think hard about it, that was probably a big part of it. My parents weren't very traditional Filipinos and I didn't have a lot of those experiences growing up, which sometimes makes reading FilAm books hard.
But even though I didn't have a debut and I didn't have the same experiences as Luz, there was something so painfully relatable about what she was going through. She has certain defense mechanisms to prevent herself from getting hurt (and for good reason), but those same things that are meant to protect her are also harming her when it comes to her friendships--or friendship, singular, I guess. And of course, compounding the problem is the fact that she's a teenager having to navigate high school and family expectations and figuring out who the heck she is. There were so many points in the book where I had a gut reaction to what Rogers wrote--not necessarily because I understood the experience 100%, but because I knew that feeling that Luz was experiencing. I knew that confusion, that conflict, that pain.
This doesn't quite have the same emotional punch as Rogers's debut novel, but it definitely has a happier and more hopeful ending.
But even though I didn't have a debut and I didn't have the same experiences as Luz, there was something so painfully relatable about what she was going through. She has certain defense mechanisms to prevent herself from getting hurt (and for good reason), but those same things that are meant to protect her are also harming her when it comes to her friendships--or friendship, singular, I guess. And of course, compounding the problem is the fact that she's a teenager having to navigate high school and family expectations and figuring out who the heck she is. There were so many points in the book where I had a gut reaction to what Rogers wrote--not necessarily because I understood the experience 100%, but because I knew that feeling that Luz was experiencing. I knew that confusion, that conflict, that pain.
This doesn't quite have the same emotional punch as Rogers's debut novel, but it definitely has a happier and more hopeful ending.
March 22, 2025
This book really hit close to home. What I enjoyed the most was seeing some Filipino representation in a YA book which I feel isn't something that comes by often.
At times I felt a disconnect with Luz because damn was her attitude rotten and what made it harder was that she was aware that she was hurting the people she loves. But then I kind of had to take that step back like she's young, there's so much going on in her life and so much within her family dynamic she's yet to figure out. I would have liked to have seen her take more accountability for some of the things she's done. I understand she's hurting but that doesn't make it okay for her to hurt others.
I could very much relate to Luz not wanting to have the whole 18th birthday debut. That wasn't something I wanted when I became 18. Luckily there wasn't that much pressure on me to have one, but it wasn't really something that I was set on doing.
Reading this book also made me realise how much I miss my lola. Luz having those moments where she had spoken to her lola over video call reminded me of those moments where my siblings and I would speak to our lola.
Overall I feel like it was an easy read. It's definitely worth the read for all my other Filipino girlies out there 💖
At times I felt a disconnect with Luz because damn was her attitude rotten and what made it harder was that she was aware that she was hurting the people she loves. But then I kind of had to take that step back like she's young, there's so much going on in her life and so much within her family dynamic she's yet to figure out. I would have liked to have seen her take more accountability for some of the things she's done. I understand she's hurting but that doesn't make it okay for her to hurt others.
I could very much relate to Luz not wanting to have the whole 18th birthday debut. That wasn't something I wanted when I became 18. Luckily there wasn't that much pressure on me to have one, but it wasn't really something that I was set on doing.
Reading this book also made me realise how much I miss my lola. Luz having those moments where she had spoken to her lola over video call reminded me of those moments where my siblings and I would speak to our lola.
Overall I feel like it was an easy read. It's definitely worth the read for all my other Filipino girlies out there 💖
January 1, 2024
I received an arc from NetGalley in return for my honest review, so here it is!
Lucia Cruz is a senior in high school and kind of a loner, except for her friend Esme and her sister Ali. Her family is...complicated, and she struggles with their expectations for her versus her own ambitions and values. She shows honesty and bravery in facing these conflicts as she navigates the cotillion that means so much to her family.
This is a super quick read - 1 day for me. The best part of this novel for me was the character development. In the beginning, I couldn't stand Luz. But the more I got to see of the girl behind the attitude, the more she grew, and in the end, she felt real and relatable. Her struggles were really interesting insight on the family and traditions of being a Filipina American, so I felt like I learned something there. Shoutout to Luz for finding her niche and not expecting it to fit perfectly right away.
There was one conflict/story line in particular that I wish had been more developed, but overall this felt like an accurate and empathetic view of a cast of enjoyable characters.
Lucia Cruz is a senior in high school and kind of a loner, except for her friend Esme and her sister Ali. Her family is...complicated, and she struggles with their expectations for her versus her own ambitions and values. She shows honesty and bravery in facing these conflicts as she navigates the cotillion that means so much to her family.
This is a super quick read - 1 day for me. The best part of this novel for me was the character development. In the beginning, I couldn't stand Luz. But the more I got to see of the girl behind the attitude, the more she grew, and in the end, she felt real and relatable. Her struggles were really interesting insight on the family and traditions of being a Filipina American, so I felt like I learned something there. Shoutout to Luz for finding her niche and not expecting it to fit perfectly right away.
There was one conflict/story line in particular that I wish had been more developed, but overall this felt like an accurate and empathetic view of a cast of enjoyable characters.
July 19, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Lucia felt a bit too close to home. If you've ever had a phase of hating things to hate them. Of feeling a bit 'above' those who get invested, of wearing our Outside badge proudly, you have to read Eighteen Roses. It's about Lucia who is firmly invested in the 'don't ever change' and 'why would we' who experiences a situation with her best friend who wants to change. Who wants to try becoming involved in theater, in leaving the orbit of just the two of them on the fringes, and expanding her world. And of course that scares Lucia shitless.
So part of Eighteen Roses is about Lucia not only finding out how it is without her best friend by her side, but also her own journey getting involved in things. Expanding her social circle to find things she cares about. And quickly you realize that she hasn't cared because she hates things, but because she's afraid of getting hurt. Big ow! Because how relatable is the feeling of pretending we don't want to, that we're above it, that we're fine all because we're scare of being hurt. Of being left, of being let down.
Lucia felt a bit too close to home. If you've ever had a phase of hating things to hate them. Of feeling a bit 'above' those who get invested, of wearing our Outside badge proudly, you have to read Eighteen Roses. It's about Lucia who is firmly invested in the 'don't ever change' and 'why would we' who experiences a situation with her best friend who wants to change. Who wants to try becoming involved in theater, in leaving the orbit of just the two of them on the fringes, and expanding her world. And of course that scares Lucia shitless.
So part of Eighteen Roses is about Lucia not only finding out how it is without her best friend by her side, but also her own journey getting involved in things. Expanding her social circle to find things she cares about. And quickly you realize that she hasn't cared because she hates things, but because she's afraid of getting hurt. Big ow! Because how relatable is the feeling of pretending we don't want to, that we're above it, that we're fine all because we're scare of being hurt. Of being left, of being let down.
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