I enjoyed this book. It really did a great job touching on burnout, academic excellence, family expectations, jealousy, and self acceptance. I really enjoy Ann Liang’s writing and how she seems to write from a place of experience. She writes wonderful books with Asian American characters.

Jenna Chen has always felt like she doesn’t fit in, her cousin Jessica is “perfect” the model student the golden child and seems like her whole life is a fairytale. Jenna’s feelings are palpable. She’s easy to relate to and I think mirrors how many students feel. The burnout is real and pushing yourself for perfection and achieving success often leads to failure and never feeling good enough. I think this is a great coming of age story that helps us not feel so alone. Jessica’s life seems perfect but it’s easy to make assumptions and this story really does play into the walk a mile in their shoes to understand what others are dealing with. The romance was a small part of this story but I thought it brought a bit of lightness and childhood friends to lovers for YA just works so well.

Overall this was a really good book. If you’re looking for a book that touches on academic stress, chasing perfection and learning that you are more than enough then I highly recommend this.

Loved this audiobook and this story! Ann Liang writes a captivating story that dives into the intertwined lives of Jenna and Jessica Chen—cousins who couldn't be more different. Jessica, the superstar—beauty, brains, and charm all in one, a magnetic force that everyone admired. Meanwhile, Jenna is just…there, overshadowed, yearning for the glow of Jessica's spotlight. Jenna's intense desire to be seen and loved as Jessica set the stage for a magical twist: her wish comes true, and suddenly, she is Jessica. But as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for. Will Jenna bask in the glory of her new life, or will she discover that the grass isn't always greener on the other side? This story dives into the complexity of identity, self-worth, and the realization that envy can blind us to our own unique shine.

This book beautifully illustrates that the high of being someone else can often come with unexpected lows. A thought-provoking story, Liang's narrative makes us reflect on our own lives and the value of embracing our true selves.

I enjoyed reading this novel. The perspective of Jenna was very realistic when coming of age and dealing with all the pressures of being what everyone wants you to be. Reminded me of parts of my childhood. Overall, good book.

This book left me conflicted. While I inhaled this book in 2 days, it was gripping—I couldn’t stop listening--it also frustrated me in some ways. In terms of the audiobook quality, the narration felt slow (I had to speed it up to 1.25x), though the voice differentiation was excellent and very engaging.

First off—Jenna’s constant complaints grew tiresome, making parts of the plot feel sluggish, though I understand why they were included. While I understand that Jenna was the main character, I really hoped for more from Jessica as her foil. I was disappointed that Jessica’s privilege and wealth were never addressed, nor did we get much insight into her motivations or desires. While the book highlights how she doesn’t have time for self-reflection because she is constantly setting these impossible standards for herself (and everyone around her), I wished there was more exploration of that lack. The book also brought up themes of Jessica blazing ahead while leaving others behind, but this was never fully explored.

I also thought some major plot points were just abandoned, for example the cheating scandal was left unresolved, which felt like a missed opportunity. The book also tries to tie in these bigger themes around immigration, assimilation, and racism, but some of these attempts fell flat for me. In particular, the discussion of racism seemed tacked on at the last minute—are we saying only the wealthy experience it, since we only see examples of it as Jenna?

I also wished Jenna's friends had remembered her more—why was Aaron the only one? Did he love her more, or just understand her best? Either conclusion feels disappointing. Similarly, the role of parents in setting impossible expectations was barely questioned. We can understand their struggles and motivations without absolving them entirely. I would’ve liked to see that examined more than just a tearful reunion that sweeps everything under the rug.

All in all, while the book celebrates Jenna’s character arc, I personally think there was a missed opportunity to also speak to the Jessicas of the world. Not merely as an goddess-like ideal torn down to human-size, but somehow giving space for both girls to forge their own path and identity while navigating similar pressures.

After being rejected by every single Ivy League school she applied to and falling short of her parents’ impossible expectations, Jenna Chen makes a wish: to be Jessica Chen, her perfect, beautiful cousin who just got accepted into her dream school, Harvard. To Jenna, Jessica seems to have it all. But what happens when that wish comes true? Jenna wakes up in Jessica’s body and quickly discovers that Jessica’s life isn’t as flawless as she thought. To make things worse, everyone—including her parents—starts forgetting Jenna Chen ever existed. The only person who still remembers her is Aaron. Can Jenna find her way back to herself? And does she even want to?

Let’s talk about how special Ann Liang’s writing is. This is the third book I’ve read by her, and she’s officially an auto-buy author for me. This book is for the girls who feel like they’re never enough—the ones trying desperately to meet impossible standards, only to feel like they’re always falling short. It’s for the “this is me trying” girls.

Jenna Chen is such a relatable character. She’s flawed, but that’s what makes her real. I felt every ounce of her frustration and longing, but I also understood how easy it is to put others on a pedestal without knowing their struggles. Through Jenna’s eyes, we see how difficult it is to be Jessica Chen, the “perfect” girl. This story reminds us that everyone is fighting their own battles, even if they seem to have everything.

And then there’s Aaron Cai. The man that you are. Even when Jenna wasn’t Jenna, he saw her. He remembered her, he understood her, and he believed in her when she didn’t believe in herself. I love a man who yearns. 🤪 He constantly reminded her how special, talented, and incredible she is. His love made me so emotional—you could feel how deeply he adored her in every moment.

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s got dark academia vibes, raw emotions, yearning, and so much heart. I loved it so, so much, and I know it’s going to stick with me for a long time. I alternated between the audiobook and the book and I had the best time!! Thank you for sending this my way!!

3.5/5 - This book started off really strong! I appreciated the core messages such as comparison being the thief of joy and the pressures of academic success. I think most people can relate to some of Jenna’s experiences and feelings. But eventually, this book started to get too repetitive for my liking. The twists were predictable too. I would have liked for Jessica to have a stronger presence in the story. If you enjoy magical realism and YA, this book may be for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this advanced listener copy!

Is the grass really greener on the other side? I am not Jessica Chen explores the very human experience of wanting things to be different/better than they are. But sometimes we don't really understand how others feel about themselves or about us. This is an engaging book about a girl who wishes to be her cousin. The premise is not one that is unique, but the writing tells a unique story that so many young people (and maybe older people) could relate to.

I would highly recommend this book to high school students. It has a wonderful message about accepting yourself and helps develop empathy towards others. Even those who seem to have everything they could ever want. I listened to the audio, and I can't sing enough praises for the narrator. She was absolutely perfect for the book!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book, Receiving the copy did not impact my review of the book. I really, really, loved the book and highly recommend it.

Jessica Chan has it all—beauty, intelligence, wealth, and now, a coveted spot at Harvard. Her cousin, Jenna, has spent her life feeling like a disappointment, especially when she’s rejected by the same university. Jealous of Jessica’s seemingly perfect life, Jenna wishes to be her—and wakes up to find that wish granted.

Jenna wakes up in Jessica’s body, wrapped in silk sheets in a mansion that isn’t hers. At first, she assumes it’s a dream. But when the illusion refuses to fade, she realizes that Jessica’s life—her privilege, her success, the admiration she commands—is now hers to claim. For the first time, Jenna basks in the attention, the accomplishments, the effortless perfection she’s always longed for.

But beneath the glamour, she discovers the immense pressure Jessica hides. When ominous notes arrive, threatening to expose her, Jenna realizes her cousin was keeping a secret—one that could destroy them both. To make things worse, no one remembers the real Jenna as days go by, not even her own parents. The only person who sees through the illusion is Aaron, the brilliant and impossibly charming boy Jenna has loved for as long as she can remember. Together, they embark on a desperate journey to uncover the truth and restore Jenna to her rightful life.

This novel is a stunning exploration of envy, identity, and the hidden burdens of perfection. It reminds us that the grass is not always greener on the other side and that even those who seem to have it all carry unseen struggles. The author’s prose is beautifully poetic, compelling readers to reflect on their own lives and embrace their worth. Through the lens of two Asian girls raised with relentless expectations of success, the story shines a light on the cost of perfection and the pressure to live up to impossible standards.

I’ve already talked about this book to my high school students and can’t wait to add it to my classroom library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was released on January 28, 2025.

I am unwell. I am so unwell. After reading the bonus content? EVEN MORE UNWELL.

Going to try and put my thoughts into something coherent, because I still feel like I am having severe brain rot from this book (this is a good thing). I will be honest, I was worried I wasn't going to like this one as much as I hope this doesn't find you, but I ended up having a great time.

This story is for anyone who can relate to being constantly compared, being jealous of other's successes, hating yourself and finding yourself not enough, and constantly finding yourself wanting more. Jenna Chen finds herself lacking constantly, and wishes she could be as successful as her cousin Jessica, but what she doesn't know is how suffocating it could feel like to be "the best", the model student, the one that everyone is jealous of.

There were a lot of dark thoughts Jenna had that I couldn't completely relate with alllll of them, but I knew where she was coming from, and just from being raised in an asian-american household myself, it's something many of us could empathize with. The constant pressure of feeling like you have to do something more with your life for all that your parents have sacrificed for, and feeling like you are worth nothing if you aren't successful.

The progression of Jenna's growth wasn't linear, and I actually really loved that with this book. I think if any of us were put into her situation it wouldn't be that simple either, but gosh did I want to shake her at times and tell her to look at what was in front of her, but I think that just made watching her growth all that more enjoyable.

I also want to say, Aaron Cai? WHERE WERE BOYS LIKE THIS WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL?! I am sick, and just ate up any moments with him. I know, I know, this is a romance subplot, not the main plot blah blah, but you don't understand. I LOVE HIM.
Thoughtful? check.
Yearning? check.
Will do anything and everything for her? check.
DOESN'T EVEN JUDGE HER WHEN SHES HAVING HER WORST THOUGHTS? CHECKKKKK!

I really need to calm down, but I just can't. I am absolutely sold on anything Ann Liang writes moving forward, and cant wait to read the rest of her work soon ♥

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the audiobook arc!

I Am Not Jessica Chen is a young adult book about Jenna Chen, who wishes she could be like her perfect cousin, Jessica. After getting rejected by all the Ivy League schools that she has applied to, Jenna's wish comes true, and she becomes Jessica. But living as Jessica isn't as perfect as she thought.

The story is about Jenna learning to accept herself and realizing that everyone has their own problems. The writing is engaging and emotional, making it easy to connect with Jenna's struggles. The magical twist adds a fun element to the story.

Some parts of the book feel rushed, and the side characters aren't well developed. But overall, it's a thought-provoking and heartfelt read about the dangers of comparing yourself to others and the importance of self-acceptance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advanced audio book.

The angst of Jenna Chen, the main character of I AM NOT JESSICA CHEN is palpable in every chapter, in a way that sometimes made me want to put the book down (I was feeling so much with and for Jenna). Liang did an excellent job of making clear the adage that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Jenna is a messy, sometimes frustrating, and sympathetic main character. This is an easy and compulsive read.

I Am Not Jessica Chen is out January 28, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC. I really enjoyed this for the most part- I really liked the premise. But the parts about the pressure of school and the treatment by everyone in school just felt SO toxic. I’m not sure if it was supposed to, but that stuff made me really uncomfortable.

3.75 stars

Many teens and even adults struggle with feeling inadequate, especially when they have an immediate foil who seems to excel in every way. This is exactly the scenario Jenna Chen finds herself in thanks to her extraordinarily high-achieving cousin, the titular Jessica Chen. With a dash of magic, Jenna Freaky Fridays into Jessica's body, and she learns firsthand about the perks and pressures of perfection, all while reflecting on her former life and trying to ascertain how this situation arose in the first place.

Though Jenna is a compelling character, her self-loathing, which is almost palpable, makes her difficult to read at times. It's easy to spiral into a space of simultaneous sympathy/empathy AND frustration with her. This isn't just a result of the genre in which she dwells. Even for a young adult protagonist, there are some particularly immature and less than insightful moments for this character.

Because of the magical realism, readers need to be prepared to suspend disbelief and to come out of this without some of the logistical answers they may desire. That noted, this is still an intriguing idea, an engaging read, and a set of motifs that both the target audience and those who have a few added years under their belts can equally appreciate.

Jenna feels as though she can never live up to the success of her cousin, Jessica, and when she gets her final Ivy League application denied, she struggles with the thoughts that she isn’t good enough, and makes a wish to become her perfect cousin.

This was a very relatable book about what defines success, the pressures (from teens themselves as well as their peers and parents) of performing in a competitive private high school, and loving yourself. I loved the growth of the MC, and it was done in a way that was realistic and genuine. I think this book will especially speak to those who had a similar experience in their teens, struggling with success and loving oneself.

This book starts with a crushing disappointment for Jenna Chen when she gets denied for acceptance to Harvard, her dream school. She wishes to have the life of her cousin, Jessica Chen, who seems to have it all - top of the school and the acceptance letter from Harvard that Jenna was desperate for.

When her wish comes true, she wakes up trapped inside Jessica's body. After the shock wears off, Jessica decides to embrace this new identity as it is all she ever wanted. She works hard to answer questions as Jessica and fit in with the more popular crowd that Jessica belonged to. It's not long before Jenna realizes that the pressure Jessica was under was unbearable, and that the grass is not greener in the other body. Teachers disappointed in her with a 91% instead of a 100%, friends confused by her lack of studying or stress before a big exam. Jenna finds Jessica's journal and reads into her inner most thoughts that change her whole perspective and how exhausted she was in her life. She also finds an entry about something Jessica did that she feels very guilty about.

Jenna starts getting notes that someone knows she she is up to and that she won't get away with things. Aaron is also a main character and lifelong friend of both Jessica and Jenna. He starts noticing something is off with "Jessica" and Jenna decides to confess things to him, even with the risk of sounding crazy. Slowly, Jenna's life starts slipping away - her paintings are fading, teachers stop remembering her, and even her parents are living as if they never had a daughter.

Is the risk and reality worth wishing for her life back? Or is she confident enough in her past life to let to al she has ever wanted with what she has in Jessica's life?

This was a beautifully written young adult story with self-discovery, coming of age, confidence, loving yourself, societal pressure, etc. I enjoyed this story and the side of romance that was there as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 1/28/25.

I picked this one up because it felt way too relatable. Jenna Chen feels like she’s always compared to her perfect cousin Jessica. And in a Wish Upon a Star/Freaky Friday movie moment, Jenna makes a wish to be her cousin Jessica. When Jenna’s wish comes true and she finds herself in Jessica’s body, she gets to experience life on the other side of the fence. But she soon starts to realize that her cousin may not have it as easy as she previously thought. Not to mention everyone else around her seems to be forgetting that Jenna even existed.

This one hit home on a very personal level. Growing up that’s something that was bound to happen when you grew up around extended family. So I could personally relate to the way Jenna felt like she wasn’t ever good enough, no matter how hard she tried. This was a really emotionally charged read for me, but definitely worth it. Jenna’s mind set by the end of it made me very proud of her.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang is an enchanting and heartfelt novel that brilliantly explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Liang's masterful storytelling and richly developed characters make this book an absolute page-turner from start to finish. The vivid imagery and emotional depth of the story are so captivating that it undeniably demands a cinematic adaptation, making it a perfect candidate for a Netflix or Disney film. This remarkable tale has universal appeal which is a testament to Liang's extraordinary talent as a writer.

I Am Not Jessica Chen is a book for those of us chasing academic validation. Jenna is an extremely complex character, who needs to learn and accept that she has value outside of what she accomplishes at school. Following her point of view was extremely relatable as an eldest daughter. She’s an only child, but her reaction to her circumstances is relatable regardless.

You can definitely tell Jenna is an artist, especially living in her head for this book. She’s so descriptive and thorough in her observations of the world around her. She’s sees the world through a very specific lens. Her growth through this book into accepting herself is the best part of this book.

Both Jenna and Jessica are complex characters, and I loved learning about Jessica while following Jenna in her body. I really enjoyed the different perspective we get from that. Their interaction at the end was really sweet, and I love how Ann closed out this book.

Big fan of the romance being a subplot. I’m someone who strongly prefers romance in my books when I read fiction, but I loved how this romantic plot was on the back burner for this book. I still liked that it was there. I just liked that the focus was on Jenna and Jessica as they are the central characters in this book. I had gone into this with the expectation that the romance would be heavier based off some of the marketing I had seen for this book, so I was glad to see how it actually worked out.

Can’t wait to read more from Ann Liang soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

If I could describe this book in a phrase or two it would be the following: "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" and "be careful what you wish for". Those are two takeaways I got from this book. I should also clarify that I am a little older than the target audience for this book at the age of 26, but I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. One reason I liked this book is I really find magical realism books fascinating. Overall, I thought Jessica/Jenna was an interesting protagonist, and I felt for her.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

3.5 rounded up