In Full Bloom
by Caroline Hwang

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Book Reviews of In Full Bloom

Book Review: A Delightful First Novel for Caroline Hwang
Summary: 5 Stars

As if Ginger doesn't have enough issues just trying to pay her bills --- with her mother's help --- and figuring out how to get promoted from her position as a fashion assistant in the midst of guerilla warfare in the office, she now has to cope with motherly interference and concern from a little woman with big hair, big shoulder pads, a proclivity for Chanel and an iron will, whom Ginger likens to a "Korean Nancy Reagan."

At the moment, Ginger's biggest interest is her career, or lack thereof. Her mother's main concern is Ginger's love life, or lack thereof. Never fear, Ginger --- Mommy's here and she's going to "find you a good Korean husband" no matter what it takes!

Now Ginger is watching the caller ID at work in order to avoid her mother's calls, hiding her smoking and drinking since it isn't "ladylike," and trying to determine how to get out of any number of awkward blind dates her mother has set up with the still-single sons of Korean friends and acquaintances.

While it is nice having her mother's cooking and company and a clean apartment for a change, it's not so nice receiving unsolicited advice on her wardrobe, such as "that's just ugly," criticism on her apartment --- "what a dump" --- and being told that she needs to marry because her "bloom is fading." It's also not nice being used as a secret weapon to break up the engagement between the son of old family friends and his Caucasian fiancée.

As if dealing with her mother on the homefront isn't enough, work presents another challenge as secret alliances are formed and loyalties and boundaries are tested. Take, for instance, Ginger's boss Sam, who happens to be an old college friend with less education than Ginger but more of an ability to get ahead through whatever methods are necessary. She'd like to think that she could trust Sam to look out for her best interests, but as is always the case in the business world, it's each woman for herself.

Amidst high intrigue both in the office and at home, Ginger and her mother make some startling discoveries about each other and themselves, their relationship as mother and daughter, and life in general. This is a heartwarming story that mothers and daughters everywhere, nationality notwithstanding, will relate to.

IN FULL BLOOM is a delightful first novel for Caroline Hwang. The pages are filled with a colorful and memorable cast of characters whom you'll feel like you know intimately by the time you are done. It's also a page-turner that will keep your interest as you read page after page to find out what each new adventure of Ginger's brings.

--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor

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