I AM NOT JESSICA CHEN BY ANN LIANG- HONEST BOOK REVIEW (NO SPOILERS)

                         

                                                                                                     MBAH MICHELLE

      I recently read the fifth book under Ann Liang’s name and it was amazing! I normally hesitate, reading books from Asian authors because I either get so bored I DNF the books (I can already guess the plot twist one third way into the book) , or I simply get too lost to continue.

     For this particular book , I saw a video about it on Tiktok and whoever created that content is an expert storyteller plus the book vibes fit my values as a person . It made me not only add the books to my TBR but I immediately got started on reading it and I was hooked.

    The book follows two high schoolers who are cousins and want the exact same thing-To go to Harvard. They come from different parts of the world.

 Jessica Chen has everything she wants ; the looks, the money, fame, extracurriculars and most importantly, a Harvard Admission letter and it seems as though she doesn’t break a sweat when getting these things . 

Jenna Chen on the other hand, has fought tooth and nail for everything she has, it still isn't enough. Mediocrity is a language she doesn’t understand. Being called the Dollar-store version of your cousin is not something any girl would want to hear or the comparisons she puts up with.

    The night Jenna's lifelong dreams were crushed with an email was the turning point of her life. With a single wish, one wish that could give her everything she’d ever wanted ; her dream university, the awards she missed by a single point, her parents validation, fame and the love of her life. Jenna wished to be Jessica Chen , getting everything she’d ever desired.

    I won’t spoil the book for you, I want you to read the book and experience the magic I felt in diving into this world. In several ways, I can relate to Jenna ; the harshness of our inner critic, comparisons, the desire to be the best and never average, Harvard. Unlike Jenna , I’ve made the necessary realizations and that has brought me peace. 

    I leave you today with my favorite quotes from this book “It is so easy to be generous when you lack nothing. To be nice when you’re not in pain” And,

“Success is only meant to be rented out, borrowed in small doses at a time, never to be owned completely, no matter what price you're willing to pay for it”

    What book did you read that hit you so hard , you stared into space or like me had to write or even talk about it?