What do readers think of Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto? Write your own review.

Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto is, at its heart, a tender love story framed as a grandmother sharing her past with her sixteen-year-old granddaughter. Magnolia, now seventy-three, recounts her own teenage years and the ways love, identity, and culture shaped her. The structure is ambitious and creative, and I found myself pulled in by the intimacy of her voice.

That said, a few elements felt jarring. Magnolia is sixteen in 1998, yet in the "present day" chapters she is seventy-three, which places the book's present in 2055. Oddly, there is nothing futuristic in those sections to reflect that jump forward in time, which was disorienting. The amount of texting in the late 1990s also didn't ring true to my own memories of the era's clunky, number-pad phones. And on a tonal level, some of Magnolia's very frank descriptions of her sexual encounters—shared directly with Izzy—felt off. I couldn't help thinking: what granddaughter wants to hear about her grandmother's wedding night?

If you can set aside those issues, though, the novel shines as an LGBTQ coming-of-age story. Magnolia's Chinese-Indonesian heritage is woven throughout in ways that felt fresh and engaging, offering a perspective I don't often encounter in fiction. Her journey of self-discovery, her experiences with love, and her struggles with family expectations gave the book real emotional weight.

For me, the novel works best when read as a story about memory and identity rather than as a strictly realistic account of time or family conversations. Sutanto has written an affecting exploration of queerness, love, and cultural identity across generations.

This was a very quick, engaging book. It could have been a sappy romance but it was so much more. LGBT issues, misogyny, generational trauma, domestic violence and grief were all issues that were dealt with compassionately. The author developed her main characters well but her female characters fleshed out better than the males. They were all pretty two dimensional.

The writing provided humor, intrigue and the opportunity for a more than a few tears.

"Next Time Will Be Our Turn" is an emotionally resonant tale that will have you both laughing and crying. If you've grown up in a religious environment and faced the pressures of compulsory heterosexuality, you'll see yourself in this story. Even if you haven't, it conveys the struggle many people endure. The themes of love lost, love claimed, and the bonds of love are beautifully explored at multiple levels. Also, I wish I had a nainai like Izzy's!

I was unsure what to expect with this book, but I enjoyed the story quite well. It starts with a shocking moment while the entire family is gathered for Chinese New Year & the matriarch, Nainai ( Magnolia) shocks her entire family with a guest. Her granddaughter Izzy is going through teen life questioning moments & after this surprising event with the family, Izzy, 16, reaches out to her grandmother with questions. This takes us on a history back when Magnolia was 16 & sent to the US for an education & to live with her 2 year older sister, Iris. The main reason for young Indo-Chinese females to achieve higher education in America for honor & prestige to the family back home & ultimately to meet & marry a successful man. Listening to Magnolia share her story with Izzy was moving at times, satisfying at other times & sad in some too.

This edgy novel begins when teenage Izzy and her family are shocked by the family matriarch showing up to dinner with a woman on her arm. The conservative values of their family and culture don't allow for same sex relationships, and everyone is scandalized.

When Izzy's grandmother tells her story, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery and cultural navigation that is simultaneously inspiring and heartbreaking.

Lovable characters and a compelling narrative make this one a must-read. Just keep your box of tissues close.

I so enjoy Jesse Q. Sutanto's writing! She takes on real issues with grace and humor. This time we hear Magnolia's story as she shares it with grandaughter Izzy. This book addresses our patriarchal society, especially focusing on Indo-Chinese culture. Each chapter gives us more insight into what made Magnolia who she has become. Gaining an understanding of cultural norms from other countries is what we really need in these times of division. Jessie makes us laugh and cry through the adventures of a young girl finding her way in the world.

Izzy Chen's grandmother is a bad ass. Nai Nai has just walked into their annual, Indo, large family gathering and shocked everyone without saying a word. Izzy wants to be so bold. Turns out her grandmother wants Izzy to grab life and "…shake it until it gives you what you want..." too.

Thus begins Nai Nai's narrative of her life as a young girl navigating the patriarchal world of Indonesian wealth and status. From being told your future is dictated by gender to becoming aware that you are capable of so much more, Nai Nai's journey is fraught with obstacles, choices and things that can't be controlled but can be managed.
Suntanto's book is fast paced, easily read although slightly predictable. Recommended for those who want a story about strong women and the ways in which they survive and thrive.

Lizzy thinks she's the black sheep of her family. Her Chinese-Indonesian family is loud, flashy outgoing. Lizzy is quiet and reserved; she also holds a very big secret. One New Years celebration her grandmother, Nainai walks in with another woman on her arm and gives her a passionate kiss. Lizzy, like the rest of her family, is shocked and outraged but she is also very confused. Her Nainai, recognizes this and proceeds to tell her about her life and the love of her life, a woman named Ellery. It's a heart wrenching story of love and betrayal and life changing decisions. My heart broke over and over for Magnolia, Nainai to Izzy, and the struggles of women trying to live a life of their choosing while oppressed by a patriarchal society. In the telling of her story, she allows Izzy to accept who she is and who she can love. I loved the book except for two things; I didn't understand the need for the big age difference between Magnolia and Ellery. It didn't seem that likely to me. Also, I would have liked to hear more of Izzy's story. Otherwise it's a wonderful story of love and love lost