Author: Ann Liang
Number of Pages: 384
Publishing Date: 28 January 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young-Adult, Dark Academia, Coming of age, Magical Realism, Romance, Asian Representation, Second Chance.
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Jenna Chen, rejected by every Ivy League school she applied to and burdened by the weight of her Asian immigrant parents’ expectations, makes a desperate wish: to become her smarter, Harvard-bound cousin, Jessica Chen. To her shock, her wish comes true—literally.
Now living as Jessica, Jenna has access to her cousin’s deepest secrets and journals, only to realize that being the top student at the prestigious Havenwood Private Academy isn’t the dream she imagined. As her parents, friends, and even Jenna herself start to forget who she truly is, she must decide if living out Jessica’s life is worth losing her own identity forever.
Review
I Am Not Jessica Chen is an emotional roller coaster that had me hooked from the very first line. Ann Liang captures the intense pressures and expectations faced by many Asian-American teenagers, making Jenna’s journey both heart-wrenching and deeply relatable. The story resonates on a personal level, exploring themes of identity crisis, family expectations, self-doubt, and the quiet grief that accompanies being “second best.”
Jenna’s transformation from rejected college applicant to embodying her cousin Jessica offers a poignant exploration of what it means to live in someone else’s shadow. Her journey through the cutthroat environment of Havenwood Private Academy is gripping, and as she uncovers the truth behind Jessica’s seemingly perfect life, we’re reminded that even those who appear to have it all are fighting their own battles.
Liang’s writing is both engaging and immersive, drawing readers into a world where the lines between reality and magical realism blur effortlessly. The pacing is masterful, with plot twists that compel you to keep turning pages, even if it means staying up until the early hours of the morning. The themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance are universal, making this novel a must-read for audiences of all ages.
Jenna Chen
Jenna’s struggle to navigate life as Jessica is portrayed with depth and nuance. Her internal conflict raises important questions about self-discovery, individuality, and the true cost of success. As Jenna grapples with the expectations placed upon her, the novel delves into the psychological toll of trying to live up to an idealized version of oneself, adding layers of complexity to her character.
Jessica Chen
At first glance, Jessica seems like the perfect daughter, friend, and student—the epitome of success. But as Jenna delves deeper into her cousin’s life, we see the cracks in Jessica’s seemingly flawless facade. Through Jenna’s eyes, we witness Jessica’s relentless struggle to maintain her “perfect” image, even at the risk of losing everything. This portrayal challenges the notion of perfection, highlighting the immense pressure that comes with being the best.
Aaron Cai
Aaron is perhaps the most vulnerable character in the story, embodying grief, self-doubt, and envy in a way that is both heartbreaking and relatable. Liang skillfully uses Aaron’s character to explore the consequences of loss and the drive to prove oneself in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Parents
From Jenna’s and Jessica’s parents to Aaron’s, Liang presents a diverse array of parental figures, each adding depth to the story. Whether it’s parents who prioritize their child’s happiness above all else, those who view success as the ultimate goal, or those who are consumed by their own grief, the portrayal of these relationships adds yet another rich emotional layer to the novel.
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