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Sushi #2
Only Uni
Senior biologist Trish Sakai is ready for a change from her wild, flirtatious behavior. So Trish creates three simple rules from First and Second Corinthians and plans to follow them to the letter. No more looking at men as possible dates, especially non-Christians. Second, tell others about Christ. And third, she will persevere in hardship by relying on God. And just to make sure she behaves, she enlists the help of her three cousins—Lex, Venus and Jennifer—the only Christians in their large extended family.
But Trish’s dangerously tempting ex-boyfriend, Kazuo the artist, keeps popping up at all the wrong moments, and her grandmother, who has her eye on his family money, keeps trying to push the two of them back together again. Then there’s Spencer, the hunky colleague at work who keeps turning Trish’s thoughts in the wrong direction.
It just isn’t fair! She’s trying so hard, but instead of being God’s virtuous woman, she’s going nuts trying to stand firm against two hunky guys. Trish thought following her three rules would be a cinch, but suddenly those simple rules don’t seem so simple after all.
But Trish’s dangerously tempting ex-boyfriend, Kazuo the artist, keeps popping up at all the wrong moments, and her grandmother, who has her eye on his family money, keeps trying to push the two of them back together again. Then there’s Spencer, the hunky colleague at work who keeps turning Trish’s thoughts in the wrong direction.
It just isn’t fair! She’s trying so hard, but instead of being God’s virtuous woman, she’s going nuts trying to stand firm against two hunky guys. Trish thought following her three rules would be a cinch, but suddenly those simple rules don’t seem so simple after all.
367 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
About the author
Camy Tang
54 books495 followersCamy writes Christian romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and cozy mystery as Camy Tang and Regency romance under her pen name, Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog. She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, but for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher. Then God guided her path in a completely different direction and now she’s writing full time, using her original psychology degree as she creates the characters in her novels. In her free time, she’s a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of her church’s Sunday worship teams. She also loves to knit, spin wool into yarn, and is training to (very slowly) run a marathon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 16, 2021
To be honest, I struggled a bit to connect with Trish. Her rules sounded a bit far fetched, her personality to me came across as a bit cold and the situations she found herself in, though humorous, a bit unrealistic. But I am glad I stuck through to the end. The surprising twist close to the end brought emotion to Trish’s story and the lessons she learned about God, though true, is something a lot of us struggles with ourselves.
"You don't have to be perfect to serve God."
The grandmother of hers is quite something else and I found myself thinking a few times - “is she serious” while laughing as well.
I loved the most important lesson Trish learned - it is not about pleasing people and having people like you, but ultimately about what pleases God. Also, even if you change and repent, you still have to deal with the consequences of your actions.
"Let me say this again: He's God. He has His reasons. Who are we to question them?"
The peak of the first chapter of book 3 made me happy that I already have it.
Recommended to people who is looking for a lighter read but still has a deeper truth to discover.
"You don't have to be perfect to serve God."
The grandmother of hers is quite something else and I found myself thinking a few times - “is she serious” while laughing as well.
I loved the most important lesson Trish learned - it is not about pleasing people and having people like you, but ultimately about what pleases God. Also, even if you change and repent, you still have to deal with the consequences of your actions.
"Let me say this again: He's God. He has His reasons. Who are we to question them?"
The peak of the first chapter of book 3 made me happy that I already have it.
Recommended to people who is looking for a lighter read but still has a deeper truth to discover.
October 18, 2013
Only Uni, the sequel to Sushi for One, is as zany and hilarious as Camy Tang's first novel of the Sushi Series. Continuing the saga of the Sakai cousins, this novel focuses on bad girl Trish who has decided to turn her life around and place her focus where it should be - on God. But in Job-like style, everything around Trish goes wrong and she begins to doubt whether she is "good enough" for God. It is only when she finally understands that she is truly forgiven for her past that Trish begins to see how God has used things in her life to make her a better, stronger person.
This series is so much fun to read and I look forward to reading the next book: Single Sashimi . Thanks Camy for your great writing.
This series is so much fun to read and I look forward to reading the next book: Single Sashimi . Thanks Camy for your great writing.
August 14, 2016
When I began reading this series I thought it was an accident or just by chance. I never thought that I would feel God speaking to me through this book but by the time I finished this book I was in tears from how God moved through Camy in this book. This book touched me on many levels and I never wanted this story to be over but because it is a story it is over and that gives me a chance to change my life and to thank Camy for allowing God to use her and to write so many great books! If you are looking for a Christian novel that doesn't smack you in the face with bible verses then this is a great read. It has the perfect balance to make it a great Christian book!
September 19, 2013
Has does a girl who has made poor choices, like Trish Sakai, get her life back on track with God? That is what is explored in this Only Uni, the 2nd in the Sushi series. There is an easiness in the way the story is told even when dealing with awkward or difficult situations. This book ranges from laugh-out-oud funny to gutwrenching. I preferred Only Uni to the 1st, Sushi for One, even though the first was funnier. The decisions Trish makes as she dedicates to living with our Lord is worthwhile and wonderful to read about. Trish was a refreshing charcter and I cannot wait to see what happens to her other cousins!
April 29, 2021
Although it took me a while to get into this book, I did end up enjoying it due to the humour in it.
The second Sushi book focuses on Trish, one of four cousins featured in these books. Even though Lex is still single, their grandmother is pushing Trish to get back to her controlling, narcissitic ex boyfriend, Kazuo. It's challenging, because he is very attractive and it's hard for her to control her impulses when he is too close. So she makes herself three rules to get closer to God and to avoid the temptation of men who are no good for her.
But now there is the very handsome Spencer at work, but she is sure he's just a flirt and not good for her, either.
Tang spend some years working as a biologist before pursuing writing, so does a good job of showing Trish's work as a senior biologist, so that was a plus.
The second Sushi book focuses on Trish, one of four cousins featured in these books. Even though Lex is still single, their grandmother is pushing Trish to get back to her controlling, narcissitic ex boyfriend, Kazuo. It's challenging, because he is very attractive and it's hard for her to control her impulses when he is too close. So she makes herself three rules to get closer to God and to avoid the temptation of men who are no good for her.
But now there is the very handsome Spencer at work, but she is sure he's just a flirt and not good for her, either.
Tang spend some years working as a biologist before pursuing writing, so does a good job of showing Trish's work as a senior biologist, so that was a plus.
January 13, 2009
=(
Very sad that the second book in the Sushi series does not hold up as well as the first. The ridiculous My-Grandmother-Is-Evil-And-Demands-I-Marry conceit continues in full force, and in my opinion, the men who are trotted out to capture Trish's eye are little more than G-Rated carictatures. Granted, the "bad" one was supposed to be unappealing, but unfortunately, the "good" choice felt lackluster to me.
Of course, it probably is because Spenser isn't my type at all; neither of the choices were my type, and it didn't help that the author seemed to rely on the "oh, he's gorgeous" route straight from the start, rather than show us varied aspects to endear us to the character. Or maybe the author did, and I passed it by because I'm prejudiced against male love interests who are too self-aware that they are good looking. =/
So overall, not bad, but nothing special either.
Very sad that the second book in the Sushi series does not hold up as well as the first. The ridiculous My-Grandmother-Is-Evil-And-Demands-I-Marry conceit continues in full force, and in my opinion, the men who are trotted out to capture Trish's eye are little more than G-Rated carictatures. Granted, the "bad" one was supposed to be unappealing, but unfortunately, the "good" choice felt lackluster to me.
Of course, it probably is because Spenser isn't my type at all; neither of the choices were my type, and it didn't help that the author seemed to rely on the "oh, he's gorgeous" route straight from the start, rather than show us varied aspects to endear us to the character. Or maybe the author did, and I passed it by because I'm prejudiced against male love interests who are too self-aware that they are good looking. =/
So overall, not bad, but nothing special either.
May 3, 2016
This is a perfect addition to Camy Tang's Sushi series. Not only do we get to visit our favorite volleyball player, Lex, and her fun, witty cousins, but we get to delve more into the life of Trish. The story flows and weaves around you as you're reading it. I really enjoyed following her on her journey of discovery of self and pursuit of God. She is sassy, smart, a little whiny, and a lot unsure of herself. The message of the story resonated deep with me. I loved the Camy Tang took something that everyone will struggle with at some point in time, and made it so real. Overall, this was a fantastic book. Full of fun characters, witty dialogue, and a deep message, readers will devour this book from beginning to end. Read my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
January 14, 2015
This is the second novel about the Sakai cousins, about the 2nd cousin, Trish. She is one of four Asian American Christians in a family of Buddhists. They are about faith and persistence despite various difficulties in their lives and the interference of an overwhelming grandma determined to see them married. The book is well written and entertaining, and the characters are well developed.
March 4, 2008
2nd in the series. Some whining and wishy-washy-ness of the main characters, but overall a good message about surrendering to God.
October 9, 2017
First a quick note at the top. This is a LOOOOOOONG review because I go into detail about some plot points and I discuss a lot of my own faith in here. This review is coming from a specific, Evangalical Christian perspective and I use language from that perspective. You're welcome to ask questions and to disagree with what I've written here, but I'm very unlikely to walk back what I'm saying about sin in this review.
THIS BOOK.
It is not the most nuanced, best written story I've ever read, but Trish has some of the most realistic struggles of any Christian romance heroine I've read.
Trish is a Christian and has been for 10 years, but she's also had her fair share of backsliding into sin. Usually helped along by her latest crappy boyfriend. Most recently she's broken it off with an artist ex-boyfriend who turned possessive, controlling, and verbally abusive at the end of their relationship. He's convinced she's his muse though and has enlisted her Grandmother (who already doesn't understand her Christian faith) to help him win her back. Trish, who struggles with her physical attraction to the ex every time he's in her close proximity, decides to rededicate herself to Christ and recenter her life around God instead of looking at every man she meets as her potential new boyfriend.
To do this she comes up with three rules:
1) No looking at men as potential boyfriends.
2) Share Christ with people more
3) Persevere and rely on God.
Of course, making up rules for how to draw closer to God doesn't really work, but it does cause Trish to focus more on her actions, how they're affecting others, and on listening to God.
I don't usually summarize books in my reviews but I thought it was important to have some context for this book before I talk about what I love about it which is that Trish is the Christian romance heroine I have never seen before that I didn't know how much I needed.
Yes, I've read heroines with sin-filled pasts before, even the sins that we as humans who can't stop ourselves from ranking sin frown upon as "extra bad", but I think those heroines largely had sin in their pre-Christian past. As soon as they found that personal relationship with Christ their sins became the "kinder", more socially acceptable Christian sins of little white lies and not trusting God.
Trish isn't like that, she's more real. The temptations she faced before becoming a Christian didn't magically disappear when she was saved. She's had a string of crappy, non-believing boyfriends and she's slept with more than one of them. She's put her boyfriends above her church attendance and even her close friends. She hasn't relied on God in a big way and she wants to change that because she wants God to transform her, to make her a new and better person in Him.
There's a great moment in the book where Trish asks two of her newer friends when God makes you a new person. One answers "in Heaven" and the other "as soon as you're saved" and they're both right. This book in a way is about that. It's about how God sees Christ in you as soon as you're saved, but that the long slow process of Sanctification will not be finished here on Earth and I appreciated that so much.
I should probably actually talk about the romance, right? The book description kind of sets up a love triangle, but we do get a hint of Spencer's POV which should tip off any regular romance reader that this isn't a love triangle at all. It's made clear that Trish's ex boyfriend, Kazuo, wants her back only for selfish reasons and was emotionally abusive at the very least in their relationship, but he's also a much easier choice. Tang makes it clear that he's the wrong choice while also making it clear why he's the easier choice. He says all the right things and acts devoted to Trish. He is persistent and enlists her grandmother's help in wooing her back. Culturally and financially he's her grandmother's choice for her and standing up to her grandmother is very difficult for Trish.
Plus there's the weird sexual politics of the situation which is... o.k. this might just be me, I'm speaking for myself here but I also have always assumed I'm not the only one. I fall into this trap sometimes where my brain thinks you can mitigate something like extramarital sex by marrying that person. You make up for a sin by "repairing" it. This is not a real thing. This is not how sin actually works. I can apologize and be forgiven for a sin against a friend but that doesn't actually erase it. Only Christ's blood can erase it, you know? Tang does not let me rest in my crappy theology, because a) Kazuo wasn't Trish's first (that alone, a Christian heroine who has had sex with multiple ex-boyfriends even after being saved and is repenting of that is SO RARE) b) Kazuo is non-Christian and c) Kazuo is so clearly not a man to be yoked to. Emotionally abusive, manipulative, privileged, just generally terrible.
Furthermore, and this is a HUGE spoiler, so I'm going to hide it but I also feel like I HAVE to discuss it because it is so mind blowingly unique in the Christian Romance I've read. Tang confronts my crappy instinctual theology even further by revealing about 3/4 of the way through the book that
Anyway, the last thing I will say is that Tang makes Trish a researcher and I kind of loved that. The way her work was sprinkled into the narrative and her burgeoning relationship with her co-worker, Spencer was great. (This isn't a workplace romance per se though. They connect at least as much outside of work as at work.) I loved that she has a nerdy job but isn't a nerd.
Basically this whole review could be summarized as A+ characterization, unusual plot points, realistic faith and struggles. Would recommend to other Christian romance readers.
THIS BOOK.
It is not the most nuanced, best written story I've ever read, but Trish has some of the most realistic struggles of any Christian romance heroine I've read.
Trish is a Christian and has been for 10 years, but she's also had her fair share of backsliding into sin. Usually helped along by her latest crappy boyfriend. Most recently she's broken it off with an artist ex-boyfriend who turned possessive, controlling, and verbally abusive at the end of their relationship. He's convinced she's his muse though and has enlisted her Grandmother (who already doesn't understand her Christian faith) to help him win her back. Trish, who struggles with her physical attraction to the ex every time he's in her close proximity, decides to rededicate herself to Christ and recenter her life around God instead of looking at every man she meets as her potential new boyfriend.
To do this she comes up with three rules:
1) No looking at men as potential boyfriends.
2) Share Christ with people more
3) Persevere and rely on God.
Of course, making up rules for how to draw closer to God doesn't really work, but it does cause Trish to focus more on her actions, how they're affecting others, and on listening to God.
I don't usually summarize books in my reviews but I thought it was important to have some context for this book before I talk about what I love about it which is that Trish is the Christian romance heroine I have never seen before that I didn't know how much I needed.
Yes, I've read heroines with sin-filled pasts before, even the sins that we as humans who can't stop ourselves from ranking sin frown upon as "extra bad", but I think those heroines largely had sin in their pre-Christian past. As soon as they found that personal relationship with Christ their sins became the "kinder", more socially acceptable Christian sins of little white lies and not trusting God.
Trish isn't like that, she's more real. The temptations she faced before becoming a Christian didn't magically disappear when she was saved. She's had a string of crappy, non-believing boyfriends and she's slept with more than one of them. She's put her boyfriends above her church attendance and even her close friends. She hasn't relied on God in a big way and she wants to change that because she wants God to transform her, to make her a new and better person in Him.
There's a great moment in the book where Trish asks two of her newer friends when God makes you a new person. One answers "in Heaven" and the other "as soon as you're saved" and they're both right. This book in a way is about that. It's about how God sees Christ in you as soon as you're saved, but that the long slow process of Sanctification will not be finished here on Earth and I appreciated that so much.
I should probably actually talk about the romance, right? The book description kind of sets up a love triangle, but we do get a hint of Spencer's POV which should tip off any regular romance reader that this isn't a love triangle at all. It's made clear that Trish's ex boyfriend, Kazuo, wants her back only for selfish reasons and was emotionally abusive at the very least in their relationship, but he's also a much easier choice. Tang makes it clear that he's the wrong choice while also making it clear why he's the easier choice. He says all the right things and acts devoted to Trish. He is persistent and enlists her grandmother's help in wooing her back. Culturally and financially he's her grandmother's choice for her and standing up to her grandmother is very difficult for Trish.
Plus there's the weird sexual politics of the situation which is... o.k. this might just be me, I'm speaking for myself here but I also have always assumed I'm not the only one. I fall into this trap sometimes where my brain thinks you can mitigate something like extramarital sex by marrying that person. You make up for a sin by "repairing" it. This is not a real thing. This is not how sin actually works. I can apologize and be forgiven for a sin against a friend but that doesn't actually erase it. Only Christ's blood can erase it, you know? Tang does not let me rest in my crappy theology, because a) Kazuo wasn't Trish's first (that alone, a Christian heroine who has had sex with multiple ex-boyfriends even after being saved and is repenting of that is SO RARE) b) Kazuo is non-Christian and c) Kazuo is so clearly not a man to be yoked to. Emotionally abusive, manipulative, privileged, just generally terrible.
Furthermore, and this is a HUGE spoiler, so I'm going to hide it but I also feel like I HAVE to discuss it because it is so mind blowingly unique in the Christian Romance I've read. Tang confronts my crappy instinctual theology even further by revealing about 3/4 of the way through the book that
Anyway, the last thing I will say is that Tang makes Trish a researcher and I kind of loved that. The way her work was sprinkled into the narrative and her burgeoning relationship with her co-worker, Spencer was great. (This isn't a workplace romance per se though. They connect at least as much outside of work as at work.) I loved that she has a nerdy job but isn't a nerd.
Basically this whole review could be summarized as A+ characterization, unusual plot points, realistic faith and struggles. Would recommend to other Christian romance readers.
March 1, 2009
Only Uni is book two in a three book series. The first was Sushi for One, which I reviewed last year. The books are about four Asian Christian cousins who live in California. They are the only Christians in their extended family and good friends too. Their grandmother wants them all married with children and applies not-so-subtle pressure to make that happen.
Trish is the main character of this book. She is a biologist (Camy's previous career)and has just broken up with a man her grandmother hoped she'd marry. He wasn't Christian and was moody and possessive (sounds like a poster child for an abusive husband, who just hasn't hit yet). After "sleeping" with him after breaking up with him, she decides its time to get serious about her faith. She reads Corinthians and makes up three rules for herself. She is going to only date Christians and quit looking for a man, tell others about Christ and will persevere in hardship by relying on God (who she figures then will bless her with a good man). Unfortunately, her ex doesn't go away and, with Grandma's help, comes close to stalking her. Also, she has a hunky co-worker who shows interest in her.
This book is very much Christian. It is by reading the Bible that Trish comes up with these rules. She gets very involved at church. Her friends are there and she gets involved in many ministries. She is basically trying to earn her way back into God's grace; she feels like a fallen woman. There are a couple of somewhat surprising twists but the book has a pretty happy ending.
Something I found interesting is how Trish's fornication is dealt with. Despite what I've found to be a common Evangelical belief that one sin is no worse than the other, Trish realizes that fornication is NOT the same as telling a while lie or thinking impure thoughts about her boyfriend. Even before the consequences of her fornication are clear, she realizes the wall it placed between her and God. Catholics call that mortal sin and require that it be confessed, in private, to a priest--yes God can forgive without confession if there is a reason, but the normal way to deal with mortal sin--sin that is serious, that we know is serious when we commit it and which we freely choose to do anyway--is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation a/k/a confession. That is for our sake, not His. We know we are forgiven, we hear the words "I absolve you...", and we are given a penance to do AFTER we are forgiven, again for our sake, not His.
Is this a book you would enjoy? Maybe. I liked Trish and the hunky guy with whom she worked. I didn't like her ex (and I'm pretty sure that's what Tang intended). I liked the story of the two guys in her life--one she knew was bad for her but to whom she remained attracted and one she didn't want to let in because she wasn't looking for a relationship (but still wanted one). However one of the main threads in the story is how her sin effects her spiritual life and so the spiritual aspects of the book are front and center. If that bothers you; this isn't your book. If that is a plus, I think you'll think this one is a winner.
Trish is the main character of this book. She is a biologist (Camy's previous career)and has just broken up with a man her grandmother hoped she'd marry. He wasn't Christian and was moody and possessive (sounds like a poster child for an abusive husband, who just hasn't hit yet). After "sleeping" with him after breaking up with him, she decides its time to get serious about her faith. She reads Corinthians and makes up three rules for herself. She is going to only date Christians and quit looking for a man, tell others about Christ and will persevere in hardship by relying on God (who she figures then will bless her with a good man). Unfortunately, her ex doesn't go away and, with Grandma's help, comes close to stalking her. Also, she has a hunky co-worker who shows interest in her.
This book is very much Christian. It is by reading the Bible that Trish comes up with these rules. She gets very involved at church. Her friends are there and she gets involved in many ministries. She is basically trying to earn her way back into God's grace; she feels like a fallen woman. There are a couple of somewhat surprising twists but the book has a pretty happy ending.
Something I found interesting is how Trish's fornication is dealt with. Despite what I've found to be a common Evangelical belief that one sin is no worse than the other, Trish realizes that fornication is NOT the same as telling a while lie or thinking impure thoughts about her boyfriend. Even before the consequences of her fornication are clear, she realizes the wall it placed between her and God. Catholics call that mortal sin and require that it be confessed, in private, to a priest--yes God can forgive without confession if there is a reason, but the normal way to deal with mortal sin--sin that is serious, that we know is serious when we commit it and which we freely choose to do anyway--is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation a/k/a confession. That is for our sake, not His. We know we are forgiven, we hear the words "I absolve you...", and we are given a penance to do AFTER we are forgiven, again for our sake, not His.
Is this a book you would enjoy? Maybe. I liked Trish and the hunky guy with whom she worked. I didn't like her ex (and I'm pretty sure that's what Tang intended). I liked the story of the two guys in her life--one she knew was bad for her but to whom she remained attracted and one she didn't want to let in because she wasn't looking for a relationship (but still wanted one). However one of the main threads in the story is how her sin effects her spiritual life and so the spiritual aspects of the book are front and center. If that bothers you; this isn't your book. If that is a plus, I think you'll think this one is a winner.
February 2, 2009
Trish, next in line to inherit her family's title of "oldest single female cousin" now that Lex (from Sushi for One?) has a boyfriend, wants to take control of her life. Her wild, flirtatious behavior has left her unfulfilled and alienated her cousins and best friends, but most devasting of all has created a chasm between her and the Lord. Her desire for a turning point hits an all-time high when she discovers that her father's having an affair, her mother has a heart attack, and her control-freak Grandma keeps throwing Kazuo, her too-tempting (not to mention non-Christian) ex-boyfriend in her path. More than anything, Trish wants to feel pure before God again, but she doesn't know how He and her long-suffering cousins can possibly accept that her desire for change is real and genuine after witnessing so many failures. To prove her resolve, she creates three rules to follow from First and Second Corinthians - 1) no more looking at guys as potential date material, especially non-Christians, 2) witness to others about Christ, and 3) persevere and rely on God. However, her three simple rules turn out to be not so simple after all when Kazuo, bolstered by her grandmother's support, becomes temptingly considerate and attentive and handsome work colleague Spenser proves to be an irritatingly attractive distraction. With two temptingly handsome guys with vastly different motives pursuing her, can Trish ever hope to stick to her rules and transform her life?
I absolutely loved Lex's story in Sushi for One?, and couldn't imagine how Camy could possibly top that novel with a sequel - especially one that focused on cousin Trish, who I found to be rather self-centered and unlikable. However, Tang reveals that underneath Trish's bravado and occasionally flaky exterior is a heart full of hurt and confusion - having gone so far and given away so many pieces of herself, Trish doubts if she can ever be redeemed. Only Uni takes the strengths of its predecessor - the family dymanic, the snappy dialogue, the yummy food *wink*, and a sensitively handled spiritual thread - and deftly tackles the issue of a "backsliding" believer's journey into grace. Trish's desperate search for redemption and change, while liberally peppered with humorous episodes, is one of the most moving portrayals of God's grace that I've ever read. Tang's characters are so real they practically leap living and breathing from the page. Their emotions are so real you'll want to cry with them when they hurt, laugh out loud at their nutty escapades, and rejoice with their successes. Camy is one of the funniest authors I've ever read, but she balances humor like few can with healthy doses of real issues and emotional depth. I can't wait to read the prickly Venus's story in Single Sashimi, releasing in September. Bravo to Camy for delivering another winner!
I absolutely loved Lex's story in Sushi for One?, and couldn't imagine how Camy could possibly top that novel with a sequel - especially one that focused on cousin Trish, who I found to be rather self-centered and unlikable. However, Tang reveals that underneath Trish's bravado and occasionally flaky exterior is a heart full of hurt and confusion - having gone so far and given away so many pieces of herself, Trish doubts if she can ever be redeemed. Only Uni takes the strengths of its predecessor - the family dymanic, the snappy dialogue, the yummy food *wink*, and a sensitively handled spiritual thread - and deftly tackles the issue of a "backsliding" believer's journey into grace. Trish's desperate search for redemption and change, while liberally peppered with humorous episodes, is one of the most moving portrayals of God's grace that I've ever read. Tang's characters are so real they practically leap living and breathing from the page. Their emotions are so real you'll want to cry with them when they hurt, laugh out loud at their nutty escapades, and rejoice with their successes. Camy is one of the funniest authors I've ever read, but she balances humor like few can with healthy doses of real issues and emotional depth. I can't wait to read the prickly Venus's story in Single Sashimi, releasing in September. Bravo to Camy for delivering another winner!
October 24, 2014
I can really relate to Trish, the girl who loves yummy guys. She was very likeable, although flawed.
Trish is trying to be a "better Christian," so she swears off guys, flirting, and sexy clothing. She makes rules for herself and sets out to follow them. The rules aren't all that bad, i.e. tell others about Christ, serve at the church, and oh, yes, no guys, especially bad boys who aren't Christian and are so hot.
Unfortunately for her, she has major foot-in-mouth disease. For one, she insults hot coworker Spenser and calls him a flirt, a player, and not a Christian. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, the moody, broody artist type keeps cornering her and begging her to go back to him.
Anyway, poor Trish realizes she has to rely on God's grace rather than following rules to barter with God.
I liked the interplay and flirtation between Trish and Spenser. I liked all of Trish's adventures in church service and how everything kept backfiring on her. But I didn't really like the interference of the cousins and the way they sneered at Trish's ex-boyfriend like he was a leper. They didn't even try to reach him for Christ, even when he showed up at church. I'm not saying to let him back in her bed, but they all treated him like he was the devil when all he did was make romantic gestures of sending her flowers and inviting her to lunch.
I also expected them to try harder with Grandma, especially since the author hinted that Grandma was "affected" by the words of a Christian friend. I guess what bothers me is that they were more concerned about excluding people who were non Christian and painting them as the enemy than reaching them with love and understanding for where they are. Because believe me, God has to dig deep into the pits to save people. They're not all pretty and sweet before they come to Christ.
Also the ending was TOO quick and cliched. the ex turned into a horrible jerk and this kind of let Trish off the hook rather than struggle with her feelings for him [which she had and try to get him to come to Christ] and Spenser rode to the rescue without, in my opinion, enough depth of emotion between them. Yes, he's a great guy and all, but everything was packaged at the end and papered over with a giant bow and to me, the case wasn't made for him to have such a life changing turnaround.
Again, as I said, the people who were non Christian, including Spenser's ex were painted with a broad brush as being totally and completely evil with everything thrown in to slam them as nonredeemable. But this is common in Christian fiction.
All in all, I did enjoy the story and it made for an interesting plane ride. And I definitely liked Trish a heck of a lot better than snooty Alexis her rail thin cousin with the superior attitude. I do want to read the rest of the series though, because it is rare to find entertaining Asian American fiction.
Trish is trying to be a "better Christian," so she swears off guys, flirting, and sexy clothing. She makes rules for herself and sets out to follow them. The rules aren't all that bad, i.e. tell others about Christ, serve at the church, and oh, yes, no guys, especially bad boys who aren't Christian and are so hot.
Unfortunately for her, she has major foot-in-mouth disease. For one, she insults hot coworker Spenser and calls him a flirt, a player, and not a Christian. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, the moody, broody artist type keeps cornering her and begging her to go back to him.
Anyway, poor Trish realizes she has to rely on God's grace rather than following rules to barter with God.
I liked the interplay and flirtation between Trish and Spenser. I liked all of Trish's adventures in church service and how everything kept backfiring on her. But I didn't really like the interference of the cousins and the way they sneered at Trish's ex-boyfriend like he was a leper. They didn't even try to reach him for Christ, even when he showed up at church. I'm not saying to let him back in her bed, but they all treated him like he was the devil when all he did was make romantic gestures of sending her flowers and inviting her to lunch.
I also expected them to try harder with Grandma, especially since the author hinted that Grandma was "affected" by the words of a Christian friend. I guess what bothers me is that they were more concerned about excluding people who were non Christian and painting them as the enemy than reaching them with love and understanding for where they are. Because believe me, God has to dig deep into the pits to save people. They're not all pretty and sweet before they come to Christ.
Also the ending was TOO quick and cliched. the ex turned into a horrible jerk and this kind of let Trish off the hook rather than struggle with her feelings for him [which she had and try to get him to come to Christ] and Spenser rode to the rescue without, in my opinion, enough depth of emotion between them. Yes, he's a great guy and all, but everything was packaged at the end and papered over with a giant bow and to me, the case wasn't made for him to have such a life changing turnaround.
Again, as I said, the people who were non Christian, including Spenser's ex were painted with a broad brush as being totally and completely evil with everything thrown in to slam them as nonredeemable. But this is common in Christian fiction.
All in all, I did enjoy the story and it made for an interesting plane ride. And I definitely liked Trish a heck of a lot better than snooty Alexis her rail thin cousin with the superior attitude. I do want to read the rest of the series though, because it is rare to find entertaining Asian American fiction.
March 2, 2009
Trish Sakai is a character who leapt off the page and straight into my heart. There were so many ways I could identify with her. First, how her life seemed to keep throwing these horrible twists at her, yet she had support from her cousins and God. In spite of her apartment situation, her new resolution to only date Christian men, her roommate’s carelessness causes her to be evicted and Trish reluctantly puts this new worry directly into God’s hands. The answer that comes also brings along new challenges, but I loved how she was able to put her faith out there, put her trust out there, and really, truly believe.
The most fun thing I loved about Only Uni was the cousins. Together, Trish included, there are four of them. They couldn’t be more different, more unique, but they bring the term sisterhood to new levels. There is definitely a great portrayal of girlpower fueled by God. I loved the open honesty of her cousins and how they kept Trish on track and accountable in her new lifestyle changes. The different personalities add so much flavor that made this book play out like a movie inside my head. Definitely at the top of my recommended reads!
Best of all, was the end! I won’t spoil it for anyone, but I will say this. Trish is a character that only grows closer to the reader with every page. Her life becomes real, the situation of her heart and her personal relationship with God grow more intense as the story progresses. She inspired me to do some deeper thinking on my side as well and I found I had questions like her, but now I know there are answers. When a book can do this, it’s more than worth the reading. I’m bugging the rest of my girlfriends to read it now, because Trish becomes real in the hardships, pain and struggles where God slowly draws her out, on top. This is an amazing and truly powerful read and now I cannot wait to read the next book!
The most fun thing I loved about Only Uni was the cousins. Together, Trish included, there are four of them. They couldn’t be more different, more unique, but they bring the term sisterhood to new levels. There is definitely a great portrayal of girlpower fueled by God. I loved the open honesty of her cousins and how they kept Trish on track and accountable in her new lifestyle changes. The different personalities add so much flavor that made this book play out like a movie inside my head. Definitely at the top of my recommended reads!
Best of all, was the end! I won’t spoil it for anyone, but I will say this. Trish is a character that only grows closer to the reader with every page. Her life becomes real, the situation of her heart and her personal relationship with God grow more intense as the story progresses. She inspired me to do some deeper thinking on my side as well and I found I had questions like her, but now I know there are answers. When a book can do this, it’s more than worth the reading. I’m bugging the rest of my girlfriends to read it now, because Trish becomes real in the hardships, pain and struggles where God slowly draws her out, on top. This is an amazing and truly powerful read and now I cannot wait to read the next book!
June 21, 2022
I'm really liking this Sushi Series; it's like a more realistic (and Asian!) version of Christy Miller-- or, as the author herself phrases it, "romance with a kick of wasabi". And yet, it's not the romance that resonates with me; rather, it's the integrity of the story to the reality of human existence. There are no loopholes, pithy Jesus-bombs, or tidy resolutions. There is only the truth of daily living.
Trish embodies the default human nature: making mistakes, stuffing them into an ever-deepening well of shame and guilt, and masking all her doubts and regrets under a veneer of good works, intense effort, and church involvement. Moreso than in Sushi for One? , this book illustrates beautifully the simple, complex truth of the concept of grace.
Simple, in that God gives grace, never guilt-- and that grace is given freely. Complex, because we refuse to accept that as truth, on the grounds that it sounds too good to be true. So we make it inifinitely harder on ourselves by trying to work our way out of the debt of past choices, scourged by our own guilt.
And then, weeks or years along the way, we come to our senses and realize that the only "work" required to erase that burden of debt and guilt is to accept grace.
The ultimate story of hope and redemption, right there-- and so viscerally and realistically portrayed in Trish's story. (And that scene where Grandmother gets her comeuppance? Priceless.)
Trish embodies the default human nature: making mistakes, stuffing them into an ever-deepening well of shame and guilt, and masking all her doubts and regrets under a veneer of good works, intense effort, and church involvement. Moreso than in Sushi for One? , this book illustrates beautifully the simple, complex truth of the concept of grace.
Simple, in that God gives grace, never guilt-- and that grace is given freely. Complex, because we refuse to accept that as truth, on the grounds that it sounds too good to be true. So we make it inifinitely harder on ourselves by trying to work our way out of the debt of past choices, scourged by our own guilt.
And then, weeks or years along the way, we come to our senses and realize that the only "work" required to erase that burden of debt and guilt is to accept grace.
The ultimate story of hope and redemption, right there-- and so viscerally and realistically portrayed in Trish's story. (And that scene where Grandmother gets her comeuppance? Priceless.)
March 24, 2008
About the book:
Trish Sakai is a girl with attitude---but she wants it to be directed more toward God and less toward cute guys. Not easy when her artist ex-boyfriend claims she's his muse and he can't paint without her; or when her new co-worker definitely seems interested. Can she keep her impressive resolution?
My review:
(This is a very fun read!)
Tang once again delivers an incredibly busy novel. Not a dull moment in this book, I promise. Trish is a lovable character that I empathized with, even though she often put her foot in her mouth. I truly felt for her situation and I loved her sincerity, misguided though she was at times. I also related to the way she felt pulled in by her ex-boyfriend. Some women are just not strong that way, and Trish was a very believable character in that regard.
Tang really comes up with some interesting ways to describe things and on occasion the metaphors and similes seemed a bit over the top, but that didn't take away from the story much. Only Uni is hard to put down because it's so interesting, and at times very insightful and touching, while at other times quite amusing. I enjoyed Only Uni even more than Sushi for One? Tang has a unique writing style that is engaging and fresh, even if a bit overly done at times. I am REALLY looking forward to reading Single Sashimi.
Hey, the fact that I finished this book says a lot. So many never make it that far. So check it out!
Only Uni was published by Zondervan and released in March 2008.
Trish Sakai is a girl with attitude---but she wants it to be directed more toward God and less toward cute guys. Not easy when her artist ex-boyfriend claims she's his muse and he can't paint without her; or when her new co-worker definitely seems interested. Can she keep her impressive resolution?
My review:
(This is a very fun read!)
Tang once again delivers an incredibly busy novel. Not a dull moment in this book, I promise. Trish is a lovable character that I empathized with, even though she often put her foot in her mouth. I truly felt for her situation and I loved her sincerity, misguided though she was at times. I also related to the way she felt pulled in by her ex-boyfriend. Some women are just not strong that way, and Trish was a very believable character in that regard.
Tang really comes up with some interesting ways to describe things and on occasion the metaphors and similes seemed a bit over the top, but that didn't take away from the story much. Only Uni is hard to put down because it's so interesting, and at times very insightful and touching, while at other times quite amusing. I enjoyed Only Uni even more than Sushi for One? Tang has a unique writing style that is engaging and fresh, even if a bit overly done at times. I am REALLY looking forward to reading Single Sashimi.
Hey, the fact that I finished this book says a lot. So many never make it that far. So check it out!
Only Uni was published by Zondervan and released in March 2008.
June 7, 2013
After taking a detour after reading InSight and re-reading Sushi for One?, I picked this book up today to read. It helped that my son kept flitting between the computer and the television today so that I couldn't do anything on the computer or work on the afghan I am making, so I was able to devote quite a bit of time to this book. That block of time enabled me to read this book in a day! I laughed out loud quite a bit at the book, but it also had a lot of sobering moments in it as well. It definitely surpassed the first book in terms of how well I liked it, but neither of them were 5-star books. It dealt with a subject I was not used to seeing in a Christian fiction setting, and no, I won't spoil it for you, but the reactions described in the book surprised me quite a bit. It definitely made me stop and think about the subject, especially under the lenses of my differing Faith paths. This book really spoke to me, to the point where I am still mulling things over about what was discussed in it, a mark of a good book in my eyes. I hope the series continues to improve over its predecessors like this book has done. It is well worth picking up to read!
October 28, 2013
Only Uni by Camy Tang, follows Sushi for One? which was about Lex Sakai one of four cousins harassed to get married by their elderly but strong grandmother, and determined to follow the path Christ has set out for them. Trish, the protaganist, has some problems. First, she cannot stop checking out the guys that cross her path. Second, she keeps hooking up with her abusive ex, and cannot seem to get away from it. Like Lex, she creates a list that is supposedly going to help her get through life until Christ brings a good Christian boy into her life. When life changing problems occur at work including an unplanned pregnancy, Trish's true side begins to appear and she lets go of the reins.
Camy Tang, definitely spiced it up as she wrote her new novel. She took the normal boring Christian drama girl, and turned her into a relatable character in the walk with Christ. She created a story line easy to follow with lots of humor, love, and laughter. She has indeed perfected the transition from good and Christian into Christian and good.
This book has a few matters that definitely is for mature readers just because of the underlying meaning and perhaps the context used as well as the real world transition to be taken in this novel. People over the age of 16 or the exact age of 16 would be better suited to reading this novel.
Camy Tang, definitely spiced it up as she wrote her new novel. She took the normal boring Christian drama girl, and turned her into a relatable character in the walk with Christ. She created a story line easy to follow with lots of humor, love, and laughter. She has indeed perfected the transition from good and Christian into Christian and good.
This book has a few matters that definitely is for mature readers just because of the underlying meaning and perhaps the context used as well as the real world transition to be taken in this novel. People over the age of 16 or the exact age of 16 would be better suited to reading this novel.
January 16, 2016
Only Uni By Camy Tang
Sushi Series Book 2
Trish Sakai wants to show the cousins, who are also her best friends, she let down that she's serious about being a better Christian. She'll get her Divinity degree and volunteer at church more, that should do it. When things are going wrong lately she's sure it's punishment from God for her sins the past year. Changing isn't so easy though when her grandma keeps trying to get her back together with her irresistible non-Christian ex-boyfriend.
This book has some real life situations that are pretty intense and yet mixed with humor. It shows the struggle to understand forgiveness and that you can't earn it from God. And that sometimes even when we change there're consequences to our past that follow us but we must move forward, excepting God's grace.
This series starts with Sushi for One? and then book 1.1, The Sushi Toss, which is a short, free read on Camy Tang's blog. Book three is Venus's tale in Single Sashimi and finishes with Jennifer in Weddings and Wasabi. A unique series worth reading.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Sushi Series Book 2
Trish Sakai wants to show the cousins, who are also her best friends, she let down that she's serious about being a better Christian. She'll get her Divinity degree and volunteer at church more, that should do it. When things are going wrong lately she's sure it's punishment from God for her sins the past year. Changing isn't so easy though when her grandma keeps trying to get her back together with her irresistible non-Christian ex-boyfriend.
This book has some real life situations that are pretty intense and yet mixed with humor. It shows the struggle to understand forgiveness and that you can't earn it from God. And that sometimes even when we change there're consequences to our past that follow us but we must move forward, excepting God's grace.
This series starts with Sushi for One? and then book 1.1, The Sushi Toss, which is a short, free read on Camy Tang's blog. Book three is Venus's tale in Single Sashimi and finishes with Jennifer in Weddings and Wasabi. A unique series worth reading.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Read
April 25, 2011The movie The Four Seasons had people reconnecting with their friends. Camy Tang's Sushi Series has me wanting to reconnect with my cousins.
Trish Sakai's life is determined to turn her life around and to devote herself to God. Unfortunately, her grandmother, a woman more frightening than a Stephen King villain, is helping her ex-boyfriend stalk her. Her roommate takes up smoking and sets the apartment on fire, and the only available housing is filled with mold. Hunky coworker Spencer is moved into her lab to help with her research project. Every job she volunteers for in church - teaching Sunday School with the 4s & 5s, helping in the church kitchen, and singing on the worship team - ends in disaster. Recommended for anyone who thinks her life is a mess and wants a fun read with spiritual depth.
Trish Sakai's life is determined to turn her life around and to devote herself to God. Unfortunately, her grandmother, a woman more frightening than a Stephen King villain, is helping her ex-boyfriend stalk her. Her roommate takes up smoking and sets the apartment on fire, and the only available housing is filled with mold. Hunky coworker Spencer is moved into her lab to help with her research project. Every job she volunteers for in church - teaching Sunday School with the 4s & 5s, helping in the church kitchen, and singing on the worship team - ends in disaster. Recommended for anyone who thinks her life is a mess and wants a fun read with spiritual depth.
November 3, 2009
Oh yes! Zondervan is publishing an Asian American Christian romance fiction series! Its terrible terrible writing. And yes, I've actually read really amazing Christian romance fiction. This isn't it.
From a cultural critique, it doesn't offend and it doesn't exactly edify either. Eh. Maybe I'm being too hard on it!
Perhaps I cringed through the book because in Asian culture, public expressions of emotion are not accepted as mature actions and this book is full of single AA and fairly immature romance angst!
From a cultural critique, it doesn't offend and it doesn't exactly edify either. Eh. Maybe I'm being too hard on it!
Perhaps I cringed through the book because in Asian culture, public expressions of emotion are not accepted as mature actions and this book is full of single AA and fairly immature romance angst!
February 4, 2013
This book was great. Tang comes at the difficulties of life with humor. If her heroines didn't know how to laugh at themselves, I sure they would go crazy with what they go through. In this book, Trish learns that what matters in life is what God thinks of her and not what everyone else does. It's a lesson that I sometimes have to remind myself of.
The one thing that keeps this from being five stars it that some of the plot elements are the same as in Sushi for One? If it were not for that, I would definitely have rated it higher.
The one thing that keeps this from being five stars it that some of the plot elements are the same as in Sushi for One? If it were not for that, I would definitely have rated it higher.
April 23, 2013
The author's sense of humor is what makes this book, and the series, interesting. I enjoyed the Asian-American cultural insights, and even though the story did not strike me as realistic at all, it was still fun to read. The characters are not perfect Christians, and it is refreshing to see that they seek forgiveness and try to change for the better. It is an easy, Chic-lit type book, and that is not really my choice most of the time. However,I did like it well enough that I want to read the final books in the series.
July 18, 2013
I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommended to everyone. The story is very smartly written and the characters are well developed. The characters are so down to earth and we can definitely relate to many of their struggles. I am not a fan of love stories with an undertone of humor but Camy was able to pull it off and she had me laughing throughout the book. All in all, a great book that will keep you laughing but at the end will make you think a lot about God's love and His Grace. Thanks Camy for another great book.
April 19, 2014
This is the second book in the Sushi series. I just love this series. This story is about Trish and she has had it with loser boyfriends. So she reads the bible and comes up with 3 rules to use for when she meets guys. Her old boyfriend Kazuo keeps showing up with the help of her grandma who is trying to get them back together. Than Trish has to work with Spencer and he ends up being nothing like she originally thought. So the adventure begins. It is an amazing story and I love the ending. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 25, 2015
A refreshingly real book about the struggle some Christian girls have. Trish really wants to be a better Christian but still gets lured into sleeping with her controlling and manipulative ex-boyfriend. An excellent story depicting Trish’s struggle with sex, as well as coming to the realization she doesn't have to earn her salvation. Loved the quirky family relatives and Spenser, the new love interest/co-worker. Camy Tang writes great comedy without it being exhausting.
March 4, 2008
I got it at cbd.com and it arrived this weekend (Feb 16 2008)
I started reading some of it but I'm going to wait and read it to my mom I think....or breeze through it and then re-read it to my mom.
*edit* finished reading it to my mom today.(3/3/08) we both laughed SO HARD on the preview chap of book3. especially when Jenn told Venus to 'suck it up'....*giggles*
I started reading some of it but I'm going to wait and read it to my mom I think....or breeze through it and then re-read it to my mom.
*edit* finished reading it to my mom today.(3/3/08) we both laughed SO HARD on the preview chap of book3. especially when Jenn told Venus to 'suck it up'....*giggles*
May 5, 2013
This is probably my favorite novel written by Camy Tang. It's about a fun Asian girl who works in the biochemical field and always has boy-drama. With the help of her older Christian cousins and the local community church children's ministry, she comes to see that her crazy exes don't matter, and thy Jesus loved her, even though she's made mistakes.
July 12, 2012
Just reread this book...I'm rereading the first three in the series before I read the fourth one, which was one of my first purchases for my Nook. I love this series! There aren't enough contemporary Christian fiction books that aren't Amish or murder mysteries. Sometimes I just want to read something happy and uplifting that could be happening to an average person like me. :)
October 26, 2011
This had some of the most realistic characters I’ve run into in Christian fiction. I especially liked how Tang detailed all of the heroine’s family dynamics, good and bad. Often romances seem to have no one in them but the hero and the heroine, but these two main characters – like most of us in the real life – inhabited a world of all sorts of good, bad and weird people. I liked this one!
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