By Maureen Tai, 16 January 2024

Can you lose your way in an unknown place and end up finding yourself? This is what happens in Lost in Taiwan (ages 12+), an exquisite ode to the island, in graphic novel form. Paul, an angst-ridden, screen-addicted American high-schooler finds himself lost in the town of Changbei, Taiwan, without his phone and without any Mandarin language skills. Luckily, he is saved by an unexpected new friend. Bubbly, scooter-riding Peijing takes Paul under her wing, showing him – and readers – a side of Taiwan that is rarely seen, and challenging Paul’s Western ethnocentricity when he refers to her culture as “exotic.” The stunning and masterfully rendered illustrations are thoughtful and detailed, bringing Paul and Peijing’s blossoming friendship (and romance) to life. This gentle, coming-of-age graphic novel shows how enriching and rewarding travelling outside one’s comfort zone can be, and will appeal in particular to those keen to catch an authentic glimpse of how the Taiwanese live, love, and pray.

Ages 12 and up.

NOTE: Thank you for reading my reviews! I’ll never take this website down, but in the interests of streamlining, from 1 January 2025, I’ll be posting new reviews on my writer website, www.maureentai.com, where I post lots of other bookish extras. See you there!