The Other Side of the Mirror: Vol. 2

by Jo Chen

Synopsis
After escaping the confines of New York City, Lou and Sunny start a new life in a small town. But just as things are looking up, the trauma of their pasts wiped clean, fate strikes again... and Lou may lose more than he thought possible.

From celebrated illustrator Jo Chen comes the conclusion to this poignant tale about two lost souls finding themselves -- and each other.

Review
The story only takes up about half of the book, so there's not much to write about, especially without spoiling it. But trouble follows the couple even in a small town, as the convenience store that Sunny works at is robbed. What follows is tragedy, finding out what you really live for, and what is the meaning of life. The ending made me think of Romeo and Juliet, in the way that it turns out, except it's not as tragic. This series is definitely worth reading, and the only problem I have is that I wish it was longer, and developed the characters' relationship more.

Final thought: I'm glad I read this. I wish there was more like it.

The Other Side of the Mirror: Vol. 1

by Jo Chen

Synopsis(from the back of the book)
In the dismal backdrop of New York City, Southern-belle-turned-prostitute Sunny meets the college-educated Lou, who makes a living by out-drinking people at bars. What first starts as a night of drunken passion quickly spirals into unexpected love, as together they begin to search for meaning in a world that has all but deserted them....

From celebrated illustrator Jo Chen comes an emotional and moving story about seeking redemption and finding everlasting love.

Review
Now this is slice-of life-done well. The author is very good at developing her characters right away, so we care about them. Then we follow their ups and downs, trying to survive in a cold, harsh world. These characters didn't choose their pathetic lives, they were forced into them by circumstances around them.

I really like the characters, and I can't help but root for them as they try to do the best with what they're given. Sunny is the naive optimist, in complete contrast to the pessimistic Lou. But they fit together really well, as she shows him that life is still worth living.

The most enjoyable part of this book is how the characters grow together, and decide that they don't want to live such miserable lives anymore, so they make their own destiny together. There's something refreshing and hopeful about watching people's lives slowly begin to improve, and as the reader, it actually made me feel happier. The book ends on a bittersweet note, and I can't wait to read the rest.

Final thought: I have to get the next book!