The Jasmine Project - by Meredith Ireland (Paperback)

About the Book

When Korean American Jasmine Yap's long-time boyfriend, Paul, is caught cheating on her, her giant, overprotective family secretly arranges to use her graduation party to introduce her to Orlando's most eligible men.

Book Synopsis

Jenny Han meets The Bachelorette in this "sparkling, witty, warm-hearted gem" (Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying) of a romantic comedy about a teen Korean American adoptee who unwittingly finds herself at the center of a competition for her heart, as orchestrated by her overbearing, loving family.

Jasmine Yap's life is great. Well, it's okay. She's about to move in with her long-time boyfriend, Paul, before starting a nursing program at community college--all of which she mostly wants. But her stable world is turned upside down when she catches Paul cheating. To her giant, overprotective family, Paul's loss is their golden ticket to showing Jasmine that she deserves much more. The only problem is, Jasmine refuses to meet anyone new.

But...what if the family set up a situation where she wouldn't have to know? A secret Jasmine Project.

The plan is simple: use Jasmine's graduation party as an opportunity for her to meet the most eligible teen bachelors in Orlando. There's no pressure for Jasmine to choose anyone, of course, but the family hopes their meticulously curated choices will show Jasmine how she should be treated. And maybe one will win her heart.

But with the family fighting for their favorites, bachelors going rogue, and Paul wanting her back, the Jasmine Project may not end in love but total, heartbreaking disaster.

Review Quotes

Ireland, Meredith. The Jasmine Project. 400p. S. & S. Sept. 2021. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781534477025. POP

Gr 7 Up-Jasmine has lived her life in the shadows. She feels inadequate compared to her sister, inhibited by her large Filipino-Italian-Korean-Dominican family, and insufficient for her boyfriend. So, when said boyfriend dumps her, after not-so-subtle cheating, she's crushed. In an effort to bring back her confidence, the entirety of her family brainstorms and creates a bachelorette-style competition. Behind her back. Within days, three boys begin competing for her affection. But will they be enough to restore years of damage to Jasmine's self-esteem? Or worse, will the scheme be revealed, and the secret blown? Swoon-worthy heroes set off a hesitant-yet-idealistic heroine in this tale of family, friendship, and of course, romance. Jasmine's emotions are authentic and real and relatable. Between the inevitable-yet-earth-shattering climax, the masterful character development, and Ireland's uncanny knack for hitting close to home, this story will keep readers turning the pages. VERDICT Add this to all collections serving teens.-Moksha Davaloor, Carroll H.S. Lib., Southlake, TX--School Library Journal "September 2021"

"A sparkling, witty, warm-hearted gem of a debut. You'll love Jasmine even more than her family does." --Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of ONE OF US LYING

"A sweet story of discovering your own worth and finding someone worthy of you."--KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Ireland's debut is like receiving a perfectly composed text message from your crush--it's wickedly charming, warm, self-assured, and incredibly swoony! I loved it!"--justin a. reynolds bestselling author of OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS

"Such an uplifting read! Jasmine's the perfect person to root for and I absolutely adored her family. This is the type of book you want to hug!"--Loan Le, author of A PHO LOVE STORY

Ireland pens a refreshing YA contemporary about a young girl finding herself and taking a stance to finally live on her own terms. Jasmine has been in a relationship with her high-school boyfriend for four years, and she is content in their relationship. After graduation, they have plans to move in together and begin their happily ever after. Unknown to Jas--but well known to her extended family--Jasmine's boyfriend has been cheating on her and wants to take a summer break to reassess their relationship. Enter Jasmine's meddling family as they introduce three boys to Jasmine à la The Bachelorette to prove to Jasmine that she is deserving of love. This light and spirit-lifting tale weaves family, love, and uncertainty into a classic coming-of-age story. Jasmine and her blended family are the centerpieces as Ireland depicts a family that seemingly has nothing in common but are connected through their love and devotion to one another. To better shape her world and make her characters multidimensional, Ireland makes great use of podcast transcripts and family group chats, which add a pop of color to Jasmine's perspective. This charming read is sure to lure readers in with its promise of romance, but it will truly capture hearts with its affectionate exploration of family.--Booklist STARRED Review "September 15, 2021"

About the Author

Meredith Ireland was born in Korea and adopted by a New York librarian. Her love of books started early and although she pursued both pre-med at Rollins College and law at the University of Miami, stories were her fate. She currently resides with her two children, and Bob, a carnival goldfish, who's likely a person. She writes young adult books, some of which you may like. She is the author of The Jasmine Project and Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller.