Tọlá Belva

I started my week with a fresh book in hand—Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho—and let me just say, what a refreshing start it has been! But before I dive into the brilliance of the story itself, let’s talk about the real reason I picked it up in the first place: the cover.

Yes, I admit it. I judge books by their covers. Boldly. Unapologetically. Repeatedly. If a book has a stunning cover, there’s a 99% chance I’ll give it a second glance and an 85% chance I’ll buy it without even reading the synopsis. (The remaining 15% is just me pretending to have self-control—which, let’s be honest, rarely happens in a bookstore).

The Art That Caught My Eye

The cover of Last Tang Standing is gorgeous. A bold red backdrop, tropical green leaves, and an ultra-chic illustrated woman in sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and a sleek bun. It exudes effortless style, modern rom-com vibes, and just the right amount of sass. The moment I saw it, I thought, Now, this is my kind of book.

I’ve always been drawn to pretty book covers—the colors, the illustrations, the sheer beauty of an artist’s work. I choose books the way some people choose wine: if it looks good, I’m taking it home. It’s a system, okay?

A Story as Fun as Its Cover

Now, onto the actual story—because yes, I did read it after being drawn in by the aesthetics. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

If you love books like Crazy Rich Asians or Bridget Jones’s Diary, you’re in for a treat. Last Tang Standing follows Andrea Tang, a successful, single, thirty-something lawyer in Singapore who is feeling the heat from her traditional family to settle down. Cue parental pressure, career chaos, love life mess, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud moments.

Andrea is the kind of protagonist you root for, even when she’s making highly questionable life choices (which, honestly, just makes her more relatable). She’s sharp, sarcastic, and refreshingly imperfect—struggling to balance societal expectations with personal ambitions. Throw in a workplace rival (who may or may not be romantic material), nosy relatives, and a friend group that keeps it real, and you’ve got the perfect mix of humor, warmth, and self-discovery.

What I Learned Along the Way

Beyond the humor and hijinks, Last Tang Standing is a story about family, identity, and the pressure to meet expectations that aren’t always your own. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out by a certain age—no matter what society, social media, or your well-meaning but very persistent relatives might think.

Starting my week with this book was like sipping on a perfectly blended mango smoothie—refreshing, sweet, and exactly what I needed. It made me laugh, it made me think, and it reaffirmed my love for books that balance humor with heart.

And most importantly? It proved my point: judging a book by its cover isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, the prettiest covers really do hold the best stories.