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A review by miyaosamu
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“To live well, you must learn to see yourself first.”
alicehenry my best people, i adore them with my entire heart. just truly the delight i had reading this in one sitting, a charming young adult debut that had so many aspects and few flaws that can be overlooked with how enjoyable it was. i loved how this novel encompassed so much, which did make the pacing a bit chaotic but nevertheless from the elite boarding school setting, a magical realism/supernatural element amidst alice's invisibility and a bit of thrill to it as she used her power to take on side gigs that monetized scandalous tasks requested by her rich desperate classmates and of course the small side academic rivals romance.
primarily the focus on alice sun, i enjoyed seeing her full character development so well done in my opinion. i empathized with her a lot her internal conflicts, academic validation stemming not being able to literally afford grade drops at the cost of her scholarship, boxing everything in feeling like she can't ask for help on the financial aspect and self conscious of how others perceive her which is very understandable in the elite wealthy environment she's in. especially seeing how much stress and strive for perfection she puts upon herself despite the contrasting values her parents want her to have, particularly in not putting self worth in academics and wealth. one thing was i wish we got to see more of alice and chanel's friendship explored, just some lost potential there. but best for last, henry li truly beloved like what do you mean he created an entire app for alice within three days?? that's when i knew he was down bad for her. his charisma just flew right off the pages, his banter with alice and each other's quick remarks to each other being so entertaining . they were so cute had me giggling at so many moments and gave me great joy seeing their interactions as academic rivals and business partners amid alice slowly realizing she didn't ‘hate’ him as much as she made herself believe. this book is definitely a new comfort read that i can't believe i put off reading for so long and i'm beyond excited for liang's next works!
update, just read the 55 bonus pages of the if you could see the sun - romance version from the preorder incentive and my god alicehenry genuinely cementing a place in my heart even more.
alicehenry my best people, i adore them with my entire heart. just truly the delight i had reading this in one sitting, a charming young adult debut that had so many aspects and few flaws that can be overlooked with how enjoyable it was. i loved how this novel encompassed so much, which did make the pacing a bit chaotic but nevertheless from the elite boarding school setting, a magical realism/supernatural element amidst alice's invisibility and a bit of thrill to it as she used her power to take on side gigs that monetized scandalous tasks requested by her rich desperate classmates and of course the small side academic rivals romance.
primarily the focus on alice sun, i enjoyed seeing her full character development so well done in my opinion. i empathized with her a lot her internal conflicts, academic validation stemming not being able to literally afford grade drops at the cost of her scholarship, boxing everything in feeling like she can't ask for help on the financial aspect and self conscious of how others perceive her which is very understandable in the elite wealthy environment she's in. especially seeing how much stress and strive for perfection she puts upon herself despite the contrasting values her parents want her to have, particularly in not putting self worth in academics and wealth. one thing was i wish we got to see more of alice and chanel's friendship explored, just some lost potential there. but best for last, henry li truly beloved like what do you mean he created an entire app for alice within three days?? that's when i knew he was down bad for her. his charisma just flew right off the pages, his banter with alice and each other's quick remarks to each other being so entertaining . they were so cute had me giggling at so many moments and gave me great joy seeing their interactions as academic rivals and business partners amid alice slowly realizing she didn't ‘hate’ him as much as she made herself believe. this book is definitely a new comfort read that i can't believe i put off reading for so long and i'm beyond excited for liang's next works!
update, just read the 55 bonus pages of the if you could see the sun - romance version from the preorder incentive and my god alicehenry genuinely cementing a place in my heart even more.