An Na has earned critical raves for her young adult fiction. She has won the Michael L. Printz Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. In The Fold, she examines the complications surrounding teenage plastic surgery. Joyce is thrilled when her aunt becomes suddenly wealthy. But when her aunt decides Joyce needs a makeover, Joyce must decide if she is ready to go under the knife to become the popular swan she's always wanted to be. "A lighthearted and thought-provoking look at a serious teen issue."-Kirkus Reviews
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"Vignettes describe the life of a growing Korean girl's life in immigrant L.A. Touching and heart wrenching. Evokes curiosity and a lot of different emotions.Currently rereading it! "
— Nuree (4 out of 5 stars)
" This one felt superficial. I really couldn't relate. "
— Banana, 2/19/2014" This was a teen book that I checked out from the school library. Good cover to draw me in. It had an interesting story with a good main character. "
— Julie, 2/9/2014" A decent entry into the Asian-American chick lit. An Na does a good job of talking about the pressures on teen girls to look a certain way, and the immigrant's obsession with fitting in, all through the focus on the surgery to get an eye fold crease. Now that's talent. "
— Marya, 1/28/2014" An Na is a Vermont author, although the world she is writing about--a community of Korean immigrants--feels more California. Still, she taps into some feelings and experiences that will be familiar to many teen girls. "
— Christine, 1/11/2014" A sixteen year old Korean American is pressured by her aunt to go through eyelid surgery which she hopes will help her land the cute guy while her older, beautiful sister is having her own troubles, the family restaurant is understaffed, etc. Great insights into Korean life and teenage worries. "
— B, 1/8/2014" Good Asian-American coming of age story. "
— Beth, 1/1/2014" I found the info about the Korean community fascinating, but am unsure how many students will also find it fascinating. "
— Mrs., 12/27/2013" Fun Chick-Lit with a message. "
— April, 12/11/2013" Joyce a Korean American teenager wants eye surgery to make herself look more attractive. Will it really be a life-changing surgery? Will it help her self-image? "
— Laurie, 12/3/2013" Until reading this book, I thought "the Fold" was just the title. AFter reading this book, I now know what the Fold is. Very good book about a girl coming of age & dealing with what she & society views as beautiful. "
— Angie, 7/17/2013" Na hits you over the head with her message in this book. It was so overt it felt condescending to me. The premise was unique, though, so I give her kudos for that. "
— Marilyn, 3/5/2013" Very good! A must read in my book...Wait...No pun intended <,> "
— Kristen, 1/10/2013" It was a good book, just not one of my favorites! "
— Rachel, 6/25/2012" This book was pretty good. It had a great foundation, but I thought it had a little too much back and forth with the dialogue. "
— Michele, 6/18/2012" The controversial to allow children to undergo plastic surgery is at the heart of this story. Joyce feels that if she had her eyes altered she would gain the confidence she needs to get the attention of boys, be popular, etc. Her decision process provides a good model for readers. "
— Cheryl, 3/28/2012" It was very tiring to hear a girl talk aboy her folds and her fat knees but I give the book a 2.5 "
— Zombie123, 12/22/2011" Covers a number of important issues related to self-acceptance. (And I'm partial to this delightful author, who just visited our school.) "
— Heather, 12/11/2011" This book was very predictable. I'm not saying it was bad just fast and predictable. The protagonist's vain, oblivious, and selfish state of mind got pretty annoying but, predictably, she overcame it. "
— Jenna, 7/22/2011" This book was amazing! It is so relatable! The short segments were very deep and captivating. I've read this book so many times because it's just overall an amazing book! "
— Tracy, 6/5/2011" I loved the way of telling this sad story through poetic vignettes. Kind of cried in a coffee shop while reading this. X_X "
— Claire, 6/2/2011" Heart breaking story about a Korean immigrant family. Great book for high schoolers. Lots of tough but important issues. "
— Nicole, 4/26/2011" A girl, her brother and her mother cope with their Korean father's emotional abuse when they migrate to the United States. This slim novel is quite depressing, actually, even though it's told in the sweet voice of a young girl. "
— mstan, 2/19/2011" Heartbreaking, but a compelling story that was beautifully told. "
— Samantha, 1/27/2011An Na was born in Korea and grew up in San Diego, California. A former middle school English and history teacher, she lives in Vermont.
Ali Ahn is a film, television, and voice actor. Her acting credits include appearances on Law & Order, Ugly Betty, White Collar, and Zero Hour. She has also narrated numerous audio books, such as Honolulu by Alan Brennert, This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen, Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas, and Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart.