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A review by jjenreads
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
5.0
this book! THIS BOOK..... GUYS THIS BOOK IS LIKE LOOKING AT MOST OF MY LIFE TURNED INTO A BOOK!!! I can relate to multiple characters in one aspect or another, IANJC literally had me tearing up in the very first chapter(this book has too much kick to it...) exploration of topics identity, family expectations, self doubt, slef loathing, and the pressures of growing up. Jenna's journey from rejected applicant to inhabiting her cousin's body to finding out that her 'shining like star' is also just someone trying to get through life(if i say more, I'll spoil the book) going through an internal war all of the time.
Jenna represents many of us waiting for the acceptance emails/letters, wanting just a bit more all the time, every time.... Having cousins who are just as spectacular, devoted and good, academically as Jessica, who I'll always be compared to and who'll always be the person who my parents brag about instead of me, I can relate to her on a bigger and deeper level....
The author masterfully delves into the complexities of Asian immigrant parents' expectations and the burdens placed on their children. How does some who's always in the back, feels? How does the person who's always second to someone, feels? How does someone who's always the best, the number 1, the model and the example, feels?Jenna's struggles to navigate her new reality as Jessica are a 100% relatable and authentic.
Through Jenna's experiences, the book raises important questions about self-discovery, individuality, and the true cost of success and glory. The supporting characters add depth and nuance to the story, particularly Jenna's parents, who are skillfully portrayed with both humor and heart.
The writing is engaging, and the pacing is well-balanced, plot twists that will have you wanting for just another chapter before you sleep(I was reading until like 5 am and staring at the wall until 6 am) making this a compulsively readable novel. The themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance will resonate with readers of all ages.
Also, i know i didn't said much about Aaron but to let y'all know my thoughts about him all that i can say without revealing too much is that he's the most vulnerable Ann Liang boy, and I'll keep this trio in my pocket and protect them forever and ever!!!
Overall, this book is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a story that will make them laugh, cry, and reflect on what it means to be true to oneself.
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there's so much that i want to say but before that I'll have to gather my words and stuff because I'm not in my right mind rn, omg..... rtc
Jenna represents many of us waiting for the acceptance emails/letters, wanting just a bit more all the time, every time.... Having cousins who are just as spectacular, devoted and good, academically as Jessica, who I'll always be compared to and who'll always be the person who my parents brag about instead of me, I can relate to her on a bigger and deeper level....
The author masterfully delves into the complexities of Asian immigrant parents' expectations and the burdens placed on their children. How does some who's always in the back, feels? How does the person who's always second to someone, feels? How does someone who's always the best, the number 1, the model and the example, feels?Jenna's struggles to navigate her new reality as Jessica are a 100% relatable and authentic.
Through Jenna's experiences, the book raises important questions about self-discovery, individuality, and the true cost of success and glory. The supporting characters add depth and nuance to the story, particularly Jenna's parents, who are skillfully portrayed with both humor and heart.
The writing is engaging, and the pacing is well-balanced, plot twists that will have you wanting for just another chapter before you sleep(I was reading until like 5 am and staring at the wall until 6 am) making this a compulsively readable novel. The themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance will resonate with readers of all ages.
Also, i know i didn't said much about Aaron but to let y'all know my thoughts about him all that i can say without revealing too much is that he's the most vulnerable Ann Liang boy, and I'll keep this trio in my pocket and protect them forever and ever!!!
Overall, this book is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a story that will make them laugh, cry, and reflect on what it means to be true to oneself.
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there's so much that i want to say but before that I'll have to gather my words and stuff because I'm not in my right mind rn, omg..... rtc