Review: Permanent Record

Pablo Neruda Rind is a twenty-year-old college dropout who spends his nights working in a New York bodega, trying to pay off the debt from his credit card and student loans. Nineteen-year-old Leanna Smart, meanwhile, is a high-flying musician and movie star who owns a multi-million dollar cosmetics company. When Leanna wanders into Pablo’s workplace at five o’clock in the morning, the sparks begin to fly – but of course, dating an A-list celebrity comes with its own set of problems.

Within this novel, Choi explores with unabashed honesty the harsh realities of issues faced by young adults, such as racism, mental health issues and climate change, framed through the perspective of a cynical New York native. The discussion of these topics is contextualised within examination of celebrity culture and social media, reflecting upon recent events such as the #MeToo movement.

Permanent Record demonstrates Choi’s skilful writing through its blend of traditional elements of Young Adult romance with a more modern approach, making for an inspired and unique text. Choi’s writing provocatively captures the fast-paced nature of life in New York as the narration speedily moves through snapshots of setting and dialogue. Choi balances a compelling plot and witty narration with just the right amount of social commentary to create a novel that is not only apt in its reflection of contemporary society, but also a heart-warming and powerful read.

You can buy a copy of Permanent Record here:

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Thank you to Children’s Books Ireland for providing me with an advance review copy of this book.

This review was originally published on www.childrensbooksireland.ie