Awkward and just weird. A girl wants to try to grow up and no one wants to take care of her or really own her. She is taught to be selfish and value things fully on money. To not love. It was hard to read and follow. Would not recommend.m. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 stars

"White Ivy" gives the reader a lot to unpack. It's very readable and one of the reasons it keeps you glued to the page is that you wonder what the hell Ivy Lin is doing. She is not really likeable, she's all over the place, setting her sights on marrying her middle school crush, even though it is blatantly obvious that there's something really wrong with the relationship. She's a liar and a thief--she gets her thieving skills from her grandmother, who taught her how to shoplift. There is only one person who really knows her, sees her, and that person is another pal from middle school with whom she has a powerful, raw attraction.

Susie Yang's one of those writers who can grab you with the first sentence and keep you hostage to her clear, sharp prose until the last page. But like Ivy, the novel is all over the place. She's so hard to understand, to relate to. But it's like watching a slo-mo train wreck, and hard to look away.

Deep, dark, and haunting book. You honestly feel for the main character in here. You feel sorry for the little girl and want to give the grown up version a hug. Very very good book.

A tour de force of remarkable prose – I think I burned out the battery on my Kindle just from highlighting memorable passages as they poured forth from Ivy’s mind and heart. Not to mention that Ivy’s cranky mother Nan and beloved grandmother Meifang have a meaningful saying of wisdom for any and every situation – and they aren’t shy about telling Ivy what they think. I couldn’t put this one down!

*Before I dive into the review, a big thank you to Susie Yang, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for providing a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.*

A multi-faceted novel, this tale is partly a coming-of-age story, partly the account of an immigrant trying to fit-in in America, partly a new-adult yarn, and a bit of a chilling, gothic romance. Ivy, who moves to the U.S. when she is just five years old is a girl who ultimately is just trying to fit in. As her parents had to start-over when arriving in Boston, Ivy’s family doesn’t have a lot of money, but all Ivy wants is to own all the same things her classmates do, and feel like a “real” American girl. Her crush on Gideon, a boy at school, epitomizes her struggles and longing, as she views him and his family as if they are gilded and golden and everything she wishes her poor immigrant family could be.

Just when Ivy thinks she is “this close” to being “seen” by Gideon, she suffers a humiliation that is excruciating to her teenage mind, and then is also unexpectedly ripped from the rose-colored life in Boston that she loves.

Fast-forward more than a decade, Ivy is reacquainted with Gideon and his brightly-lit world. More determined than ever to keep Gideon and his sparkling upper-class world within her grasp, Ivy faces life-altering choices that she never expected.

Ivy kept me on my toes throughout this tale – never been quite sure what she was going to do next – and figuratively, proverbially biting my nails throughout! This book was a good contender for five stars, as I was enraptured from the beginning, yet there were two issues I just couldn’t get over: 1) There was a side-story two-thirds of the way through that, in my opinion, was left as a loose end; and 2) I just couldn’t reconcile the ending – to put it plainly, I didn’t “get” why Ivy made the choice in the end that she did. I felt, in regard to Ivy, that she could be the actor in that once-famous TV commercial puzzling, “What’s my motivation”.

That said, I will confidently say that this was a very well-written and supremely engaging novel that is well worth reading. An impressive debut by author Susie Yang. I’ll be very much looking forward to what she does next!

#WhiteIvy
#SusieYang
#Simon&Schuster
#NetGalley

Tantalizing. Captivating. Seductive. Delicate yet lurid. Utterly consuming and compellingly honest. White Ivy is a darkly enthralling coming of age story that clutches you in its grasp, like a delicate hand tightly gripping onto a exquisite string of pearls, and doesn’t release its hold on you until you have read each and every word of Ivy’s beguiling tale because she is a thief and a liar and she’s not even sorry about it.

This is the spellbinding story of a Chinese immigrant woman living in America, and you follow Ivy’s story from childhood to adulthood and what a story it is. Ivy is desperately unhappy with her family’s background and upbringing and the narrative they try to push on her, and so she takes to thieving to try and fill the void within herself. We also watch as Ivy tries to immerse herself into the In Crowd during her youthful years at an elite private school, and she finds herself entangled with two boys: one she wants nothing to do with, and another, Gideon, who she longs for and grows a years long obsession with.

Years later, Ivy has grown into a poised yet still restless young woman, still conflicted about her upbringing and everything she wants for herself and ultimately, life. One day, out of nowhere, she bumps into Gideon’s sister, as if by fate, and suddenly she and Gideon are thrust back into each others lives.

Little by little, Ivy sinks her claws into Gideon and his family, and just when it seems she’s about to finally have everything she’s ever wanted, a ghost from her past resurfaces, threatening to upend everything and ruin the perfect life she’s worked so hard to attain and build.

Darkly glittering and dangerously glamorous, filled to the brim with twists and turns and offering sharp insights into both the immigrant experience and the lifestyles of the rich and affluent, White Ivy is a thrilling coming of age story that gives a glimpse into the dark side of a woman who yearns for love and success, no matter the cost.

This story was unlike anything I have ever read, and I mean that in the best way! It was so unique and all of the different elements that were interwoven together made it that much more compelling. It was part thriller part coming of age story part love story with a love triangle of sorts thrown in.

Susie Yang’s writing was so smooth and enthralling, making Ivy’s tale that much more spellbinding. SO GOOD! Seriously one of the best books 0f 2020!

I was totally engaged in Ivy’s life even though she is not likable and is absolutely deceitful. I liked how the author introduced the background of Ivy’s family in China and their roots. It was interesting to see how the family balances their cultural upbringing with the life in their current country and how their family dynamics continue to influence Ivy’s personality.

Ivy starts stealing at a young age with full support of her family and once she is an adult, she becomes more manipulative due to her obsession to be something else. It was interesting to see how she sneakily plants herself in Gideon’s life though she doesn’t really like it. I knew Gideon and his family were hiding something but it turned out to be entirely something else. The way she takes advantage of Roux who is the only one that truly sees her for herself, was absolutely horrible.

Amazing storytelling though I was upset by the ending! Even though the ending was predictable I kept wishing it ended differently!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy!

I don't know if this was so much a "me" problem or the writing, but everything about this fell flat. It was difficult to connect with anyone in the book and Yang teased a number of interesting stories about the secondary characters, only to go nowhere.

White Ivy by Susie Yang was a fantastic coming of age with an unexpected twist.

My heart stung for Ivy Lin growing up in Massachusetts, aching to fit in to her private school peers. Like many teenage girls, she is embarrassed of her family. Ivy struggles with her situation, affording private school tuition only because her father works there, not being able to afford nice things. She yearns to surpass her family standing and has her sights set on the Senator's son Gideon but he is just out of reach. Her only companion is the boy down the street, from a family with it's own problems.

I highly recommend this book, it's the best I've read in a while.

Ivy is a seriously disturbed woman, with a seemingly endless supply of longing. She longs for love, belonging, assimilation, and wealth. With laser-sharp determination she sets her sights on the one man who she believes will give her all of this. What she gets when she succeeds is shocking and revelatory.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was incredible. I was just as obsessed as Ivy. I couldn’t stop once I started, the pages kept turning and boom I was done and had the biggest hangover. Do not sleep on this book!

I chose this book because I’m always fascinated when I get to read other accounts of first generation Asians in the US. I feel that many things were awkward and definitely socially difficult growing up because my mom couldn’t teach me certain things and reading of others makes me feel a little less alone. But I digress, because this ain’t that story.

Ivy started off as this pitifully lonely child that I could totally relate to, but then she basically became a cold and unfeeling thing and never looked back. Reading her story was like watching a car accident. I wanted to look away because it was just terrible, but I couldn’t bring myself to look away because I just had to know… what was going to happen.

I kept thinking that as Ivy grew older and found out who she wanted to be, she would also decide to be a good person. That never happened and honestly, I’m glad it didn’t. This was absolutely fascinating and I can’t imagine it would be quite so entertaining had Ivy not been the ice queen that she is.

I can’t say that this is my favorite book, but it sure was entertaining and hard to put down. The writing was mesmerizing and kept me interested the whole time. This book is still haunting me a week after I finished it. I just keep shaking my head and saying, I did not see that coming. I recommend this book as something interesting that was unexpected.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Susie Yang for an ARC of this book!*

Dark, lyrical, and utterly compelling!

Ivy Ling is a thief: and incredibly proud of it! She learned her craft under the tutelage of her grandmother, who expertly lifts items from garage sales and resells them to make a tidy profit. While Ivy is her own headstrong and intelligent young woman, the danger of her job is alluring in that she is finally able to own the finery that will help her feel acclimated to her wealthy environment. Ivy's ascent into popularity with the wealthy kids at her school comes to an abrupt halt, though, when Ivy's mother learns of her misdeeds and feels that some time in China will help to straighten out her daughter. The narrative then shifts across time, filling in the gaps until she returns to the United States, determined to forge her own path and once again attain the life she has always secretly felt was meant to be hers Wealthy golden boy Gideon once again catches her eye, and Ivy feels all of the same desires rush back to her. The only snag in this plan and disruption to her seamless integration into the posh family is the entrance of another figure from Ivy;s past, the edgy yet fascinating Roux. As Ivy gets swept back under his spell, which destiny is hers for the taking? Can she make a decision before fate makes it for her?

To call this book "just another thriller" in no way would do it justice! I was truly floored to find out that this is Yang's first novel! Her use of language was absolutely beautiful, captivating, and almost hypnotic! White Ivy manages to blend elements of historical fiction, drama, and romance, while still maintaining the quiet underlying tension of a slow-burn thriller from start to finish. Yang's imagery, similes, and metaphors are top-notch. You can absolutely feel her passion for language and dedication to the craft. The novel also definitely has a bildungsroman feel throughout, and watching Ivy develop from a young girl to a woman is a haunting yet beautiful transformation. The ending of the novel is also really open to interpretation and is certainly a shocker in some respects, leaving the reader to decide what sort of destiny is TRULY in store for Ivy and whether or not her choices were wise....or devastating!

Yang has certainly established herself quickly as an author to watch, and White Ivy is destined to be one of November's hottest releases! I wholeheartedly recommend this book and will be anxiously awaiting Yang's next release!

Ivy was raised by immigrant parents and a Chinese grandmother. Her grandmother taught her to steal and deceive because no one would ever suspect the average innocent looking Chinese girl. She used this skill to find her place within the rich, white kids at her private school. Ivy desperately desires to play the part of the wealthy, carefree, ideal token immigrant. Especially to impress Gideon Speyer. Ivy grows up, still completely desires wealth and status and admiration from those around her. She builds a beautiful facade that she's "just like them" She reconnects with Gideon and her life seems to finally be in the place that she wants. Until someone from Ivy's past enters her world and knows the real her. The one that steals and lies and grew up poor and wanting.

This book was much more of a character examination that I expected. There was a slow moving plot but it never really kept my attention as much as seeing what Ivy would do next or how her brain was dealing with the conflicts around her. She is the epitome of an unlikable character in my opinion. Her motivation for relationships was so shallow, never built on more than what she could gain from there whether that be money, status or sex. I kept waiting for her to have a light bulb moment but it never really came. We did see her struggle with the direction of her life towards the end of the novel and she makes a big decision to make sure she keeps the life she wants. Surprisingly though, I didn't dislike the book because of this. Not all books are going to have likable characters but I do realize that can be a deciding factor for some readers.

I don't know if I would necessarily recommend this book to others but I would share my opinion and then let them make of it what they would. It's a tricky book because it is so quiet and understated with such a devisive character.

White Ivy by is a slow burn coming of age tale and if you have the patience for slow burners, then I think you would really enjoy this book. Ivy is a Chinese American and very complicated and disconnected from reality type of wreck who is taught from an early age by Meifei her grandmother on how to steal and deceit to get by in life. This little bit of “wisdom” is the base that Ivy builds her life and dreams on. From the elite school she attends with predominantly white children to the life choices she makes as an adult, Ivy’s obsession goes from innocent to really desperate when a certain person from her past comes back into her life. I had a love and hate relationship with Ivy as I couldn’t decipher if I liked her or pitied her. However, through all the differences I still understood the reasoning behind her ways and it’s a real eye opener as to what POC experience especially immigrant children who have to pretty much live two lives. The cultural but very different life at home, and the culture that they are simultaneously growing up in. In Ivy’s case, when the two mix it becomes a recipe for disaster and some dark times. This honestly is a great book and a great debut, however some parts were definitely a bit too slow for my liking. I’m a manic and a thriller lover who loves fast paced non stop action so that would be my only complaint. There were lots of twists and turns, odd characters, and even a love triangle. There was never a shortage of drama that’s for sure. Regardless, I’m very glad I read this and I look forward to more books by this lovely author :)

🌻 REVIEW 🌻

🗣 AHH-MAZING 🗣

I finished White Ivy last night and 🤩🤩🤩 THIS IS A MUST READ!

This is by far one of the best books I have read all year! The story is spellbinding, complex, and there are so many twists and turns! 👏 This novel is such a breath of fresh air for the thriller genre! Easily could have binged this in one sitting if work, grad school, and life weren’t competing! 🤣

It’s glitzy and glamorous with subtle reminders that not everything is what it seems. Fans of Janelle Brown’s Pretty Things and Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians will devour this book. ✨

The structure of the story, told in parts throughout Ivy Lin’s life is expertly woven, the storyline beautifully crafted in a voice that is purely its own. So many significant themes are peppered throughout - cultural perspectives, heritage, family loyalty, success and money, greed, identity. Exploring the human desire for status and success, or perceived success and the lines someone is willing to cross to achieve that notion of success is expertly done. There’s an interest here for everyone!

This is Susie Yang’s first book and I will be lining up to read her future masterpieces! This beautiful book is gracing shelves ⭐️ November 3, 2020! ⭐️

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5

Thank you @netgalley and @simonandschuster for this ARC!

#WhiteIvy #SusieYang #NovemberRelease #debutauthor #debutnovel #ARC #netgalley #bookreview #bookstagrammer #booklove #thriller #mystery #chineseamerican #boston #newbooks #fallbooks #bestbooksof2020 #adultfiction #familydynamics #fivestars #bestbooks #mustread #bookish #booksbooksbooks #beautifulcover #november3 #favoritereads #kindle #newauthor #bookclubpicks

This is a good story. I’m not exactly sure whether I liked it or not. I was invested in the slow suspense presented. It was interesting but weird at the same time. I am having a hard time with this review, I am not sure if it makes sense but just an interesting and weird story at the same time. Would recommend.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Susie Yang for the ARC of White Ivy in return for my honest review.

The author puts forward a very interesting story of an immigrant family managing their lives while working towards the "American Dream" Overall I enjoyed the style of writing and the storyline but I found it difficult to care or be invested in any of the characters in the book, although this may be intentional on the author's part. I also found the ending a bit unsatisfying with a predictable plot twist.

While this was not a highly rated book for my taste, I did enjoy the author's flow of writing and would be interested in exploring her future efforts.

I'm finding that in my journey to read more OwnVoices books, I am enjoying them more and more as I stumble upon (or actively search for) them. White Ivy is told in the third person from a woman we meet in a precarious "growing" time of her life. We follow her as she remeets a man from her youth, they become engaged, and we get to hear all about this woman and her complete and utter sociopathy. Ivy is cruel, heartless, selfish and unflinchly rigid when it comes to putting herself first and foremost. It's gross, and honestly, I could not have asked for a better book.



I hated Ivy, and yet, I needed to know what BS she was gonna do next. Who she was gonna hurt, and what bomb she was about to drop. Most everyone she comes in contact with hates her too, yet they seemed to be as intrigued with her as I was. It's almost like they kept their enemy close, just so they could see her calamities.



It's all full force amazing. READ. THIS. BOOK.



White Ivy publishes 11.3.2020.



5/5 Stars

Very interesting book about a Chinese immigrant family and how they create a new life in America. Each family member has a different experience and it is interesting to see how each views their new life and what the outcome is. The main character, Ivy, ends up entering into Boston society while still keeping one foot in her old world and her reaction to that kind of life is interesting to watch. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read this ARC. From the beginning, this book drew me in. The characters and the writing were excellent. It was interesting to follow Ivy as she grew up, and see how her past affected her. I liked how her past caught up with her. I was sorry that the way things were 'wrapped up' at the ended up being meh and unsatisfying. Based on what we know about Ivy, it wasn't surprising, but I feel like it al could have been better and less pat.
I did enjoy the writing and would read another book by Susie Yang.