Press
Selected reviews and interviews
The Girl Most Likely To
“Tieu, known for her ability to weave cultural authenticity into her narratives, delivers a story that resonates with anyone who has grappled with the pressure of expectations and the longing for what might have been. [She] offers a light-hearted, relatable read for those who appreciate second-chance romances and the nuances of family dynamics.”
Fancy Meeting You Here
"Tieu’s (Circling Back to You) rom-com captures the most wistful and beautiful parts of weddings amid the chaos of planning and prep as it celebrates lifelong friendships and flourishing love."
"Tieu (The Donut Trap) shines in this angsty tale of love that endures....Tieu’s tumultuous but believable plot combines heat and heart, bolstered by a diverse cast readers will want to spend more time with. "
"...One of the best 'this formal event has taken a turn' disasters of all time. A delight!"
"Tieu's third rom-com centers young professional Asian Americans in California and includes a callback to her 2021 hit, The Donut Trap. An easy read-alike for fans of Uzma Jalaluddin or Rachel Lynn Solomon."
Julie Tieu: On the Intersection of Love and Chaos
I’ve always been a big fan of rom-coms, and as I read this book, it felt like I was watching a movie on the big screen."
Circling Back To You
"Opposites attract when two coworkers fake a relationship in this endearing, unabashedly tropey rom-com from Tieu ...Cadence and Matt’s very different, but equally loving, family backgrounds only enhance their romance. This breezy outing is sure to please."
"A workplace romance whose likable, well-developed Asian American protagonists have layered, realistic backstories. The dialogue is witty and insightful, with plenty of entertaining banter. Topics of grief, family relationships, and workplace harassment bring depth to the fast-paced, well-written storyline."
"It doesn’t feel like summer without a fun romance, and Tieu delivers with Circling Back To You..."
Julie Tieu's workplace romance "Circling Back to You" is a friends-to-lovers delight that will make you want to clock out ASAP.
2022 Golden Poppy Award Finalist, Romance
The Donut Trap
Top 10 Romance Debuts: 2022
"Where Tieu's writing really shines is in her explorations of complicated family dynamics--particularly for the American-born children of Chinese refugee parents--and overwhelming post-college ennui. The dialogue between Jasmine and her parents is often funny and sharp, and Tieu tackles their fraught relationships with understanding and warmth. Though Jasmine is desperate to leave Sunshine Donuts, readers will no doubt feel the opposite."
"While Jasmine and Alex's swift romance is adorable, Jasmine's post-college struggles and feelings of uncertainty carry Tieu's thoughtful debut. The Donut Trap isn't just a tale where a boy meets a girl, and they fall in love. It's a family story in which Tieu perfectly builds tension between Jasmine and her parents as she tries to find her own path."
"While the sweet romance between Jasmine and Alex is at the core of The Donut Trap, Jas's very real family issues give it heart. Jas's failure to meet her parents' expectations, her struggles to communicate with them, and the way it impacts not just their relationship but every aspect of her life: these are all major plot points, not just details thrown in for authenticity's sake. The Donut Trap explores these issues from a place of empathy, and it comes together to create a quick rom-com read with satisfying depth."
“Jas is lost and working in her family's donut shop. When she accidentally follows her crush on Instagram, things start to change. An all-around good book that touches on family dynamics, friendships, and issues faced by recent college grads. For fans of Get a Life, Chloe Brown and The Friend Zone.”
"Talk about a sweet romance: In Tieu’s debut novel, a young woman returns home to work at her immigrant parents’ doughnut shop. As she struggles with post-college malaise — and the weight of her family’s expectations — an old crush reappears."
"Tieu takes this romcom to another level as she explores Jas’ complicated relationship with her Chinese Cambodian immigrant parents. Their interactions are emotionally charged and even painful to read at times as Jas searches for the words to make them understand the life they imagined for her isn’t the one she wants. Jas’ happiness isn’t about finding the right job or the right boyfriend — it’s about discovering her voice and, in the process, herself."
The Donut Trap Virtual Launch
Books and Boba
Asian American Writer's Workshop