Flipping: An Uplifting Novel of Love by Eichin Chang-Lim is a novel that walks the reader through different kinds of love. There is love between two people, but there is also love for one’s self. Divided into three parts, the novel covers two stories about two generations who fall in love, face the hardships of love and discover the true meaning of love. The story begins with JonSun and SuAnn, who might be different from each other, but their love for one another is no different. When the world is coming at them from all sides, the lovers get married in secret and make their love immortal, but sometimes love is not enough.

Years go by and now their son, Wynson, meets a charismatic girl named Christa. This beautiful gymnast is deaf and can only hear with her cochlear implant, but that does not stop her from pursuing her dream. Her thirst for achieving her dream makes her even more attractive to Wynson and soon the two of them fall in love. But nothing is easy for them. Christa receives devastating news that almost crushes her soul and Wynson has his troubles that might take Christa away from him forever. Can these two overcome their troubles? Can love help them find the way?

To say that this novel is just a romance would not be enough because it delves far too deep to take it lightly. From themes such as finding the energy to love oneself first before loving someone else, fighting for your dreams, achieving your dreams, and fighting for what you believe is right are just some of the themes that I encountered while reading this novel. The pace of the novel was fast without rushing anything, the characters were given space and time to grow, develop ideas and become real people that cannot be ignored. Every character brought something new to the story, taking the plot forward and ensuring that the reader remains interested in the story. I found layers upon layers of great reading material that made me read on and wish for more material. This is a truly exceptional novel!

Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a book about two separate families with singular issues that run parallel, converging in an allegory of their respective obstacles. In part one we meet JonSun and SuAnn at the National Taiwan University, which both attend. Despite familial opposition, they elope and eventually end up in California, where their son Wynson is born. In part two we are introduced to Elliana and Mitch, who give birth to a daughter named Christa. Christa is a promising gymnast who is also nearly deaf, championed by her parents and adopted sister JadeLynn. Once in high school, the two family stories intersect when Christa and JadeLynn become friends with Wynson.

Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a sweet story that focuses on the power of love and finding success in life even when all the odds are stacked against you. The title plays out in distinct ways with both families, as JonSun and SuAnn find success flipping houses, and Christa immerses herself in gymnastics. The narrative is modest and uncomplicated, and may be a bit too spartan for some at first, but as the story progresses it does yield to an overall tone. Flipping shines in its depiction of the gentle balancing act between expectation and gratification, whether they come in the nuanced form of promise or outright demands. I loved the irony in how JonSun and SuAnn project many of the same problems they shunned onto Wynson. This is a really nice and quick read for those looking for an inspired escape and who also enjoy tales of perseverance and love (in all of its forms).

Discover the joy of love through sacrifice as two couples risk all for happiness in the stunning novel Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim. JonSun and SuAnn met in college and fell in love at first sight. Drawn together by their love for old American films, the two must face adversity and make the ultimate choice for love. Abandoning all, the young couple moves to the United States to start a new life. In their first years as Americans, JonSun and SuAnn triumphantly welcome a baby boy into their family and find success flipping houses. Brilliantly happy, only one thing mars the couple's joy; JonSun's desperate need to prove his worth. Born deaf, Christa McMeri has struggled to fit in her whole life. Only her adopted sister, Jadelynn, and childhood best friend, Wynson, seem to penetrate her lonely world until she is introduced to gymnastics at a young age. Discovering her passion as a gymnast, Christa quickly determines to become an Olympic medalist. In her senior year in high school, Christa is thrown when her life takes a dark turn. Faced with a life-changing event, Christa is left feeling unworthy of love. Can she accept love with her disabilities? Will she be able to conquer her fears and learn to live?

Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a beautifully tender novel of two couples struggling to navigate life's uncharted seas. Beginning with the parents' stories, the reader is drawn into the lives of Taiwanese immigrants and Americans, interweaving the two families together in a touching account of love, life, and conquering fear. I laughed, I cried; I laughed some more, then cried some more. The characters are so excellently portrayed; I easily empathized with each of them. Every character was a shining star. Rarely have I found a book so powerfully written, and a story so poignantly told. As a mother of a special needs child, I understood Christa's mother's battles, her tears, and fears. I appreciated how the author wove so much valuable information into the story. This book is a perfect read for families or friends of the hearing impaired. The way in which the author wrote both parts of the story was heartwarming and empowering. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy romantic stories with substance.

Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is set against the backdrop of Taiwan. When JonSun first sets his eyes on SuAnn at the library, he knows she is the perfect girl for him. Their love for each other is strong enough to overcome their vastly different backgrounds, but not to convince SuAnn’s wealthy parents that this peasant boy is good enough to marry. They finally elope together, and when JonSun’s sister moves to the US, the newly married couple soon follows them. They have a son, Wynson, and begin the business of flipping houses, which brings them a great deal of success. Meanwhile, Mitch and Elliana give birth to Christa, and make the shocking discovery that she is profoundly deaf. Her parents fight for her right to live a normal life. Christa undergoes a cochlear implant and discovers she has a natural talent for gymnastics. Soon her sights are set on the Olympic trials before tragedy hits again. Throughout her ordeal, her friend Wynson is by her side. Follow the fortunes and sadness of these two families as their lives intertwine with each other. Discover the meaning of true love and everlasting friendship, and that sometimes family units are made from love and not blood.

Flipping by Eichin Chang-Lim is a beautifully crafted story with many life messages woven into the plot. The characters are truly three dimensional, especially Christa; her bravery and strength are admirable. The dialogue is unique to each character. I especially liked the humour from Christa’s sister, Jade. The story line was engaging and the conflict, especially regarding Christa, kept the plot constantly moving forward. This is a story of how love can conquer everything if you have belief in yourself and you have the bravery to live your life authentically. The ending was quite sad. However, the author then finished with an uplifting conclusion, which shows that life goes on. I loved the ending. This is more than a romance novel; it is a story of love between families.