Permanent Record

Pablo Rind works night shifts at a Brooklyn deli while struggling with debt and the aftermath of dropping out of NYU. His life changes when he meets Leanna Smart, a famous pop star who wanders into his store one night, leading to an unexpected connection between them. The story follows Pablo and Leanna's relationship as they navigate their vastly different worlds - his grounded in the realities of financial struggle and family expectations, hers defined by fame, wealth, and constant public scrutiny. Their connection forces both characters to confront their own identities and life choices. In this contemporary young adult novel, Choi examines themes of identity, social media, fame, and authenticity in modern relationships. The narrative explores how young adults reconcile their dreams with reality while dealing with cultural expectations, family obligations, and personal growth.

Readers consistently note the authentic portrayal of modern teenage relationships and digital communication. The text conversations feel natural rather than forced, and the social media elements integrate smoothly into the story. Likes: - Natural dialogue and texting that mirrors real teen communication - Complex family dynamics, especially immigrant parent relationships - Depiction of anxiety and mental health challenges - Character growth throughout the story - Cultural representation without making it the main focus Dislikes: - Slow pacing in the middle section - Some found Pablo's character initially unlikeable - Several readers mentioned difficulty connecting with Penny's choices - Romance develops too quickly for some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (230+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (90+ ratings) "The digital elements feel real without trying too hard," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Multiple Amazon reviews praise the authentic portrayal of Korean-American family dynamics.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi A romance unfolds through text messages between two introverted college students who form a connection after a chance encounter.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord The children of competing restaurant owners engage in a Twitter war while developing an anonymous relationship through private messages.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon Two academic rivals spend their last day of high school participating in a senior class game that leads to unexpected revelations.

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao A grieving teenager discovers she can call her deceased boyfriend's phone number and speak to him.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo A high-achieving Korean-American student applies K-drama romance rules to her real life in pursuit of her first relationship.

🌟 The author, Mary H.K. Choi, began her career as a fashion journalist and has written for prestigious publications like GQ, New York Times, and The Atlantic. 📱 The book's focus on digital identity was influenced by Choi's experience as a former editor-in-chief of Missbehave magazine and MTV Style. 🗽 Much of the New York City setting is based on Choi's personal experiences living in Brooklyn and working late-night shifts in her early career. 🎯 This was Choi's second young adult novel, following her successful debut "Emergency Contact," which also explored themes of digital communication and relationships. 🎭 The character of Leanna Smart was partially inspired by Choi's interactions with celebrities during her time as an entertainment journalist, though not based on any single person.