Wow. For young adult fiction this one’s a home run on so many levels. The narration was superb; Katharine Chin’s voice was like silk with excellent clarity at high speed on audio. This title was my first 5-star for the month and I am quite pleased.

The story is told through the eyes of Jenna Chen, Jessica’s not-so-perfect cousin. Jessica is flawless in beauty and grace. Her near immaculate grades and social status is the envy of students at Havenwood Private Academy. Everyone wants to be Jessica including Jenna herself but is it worth losing one’s own identity and possibly the love of your life?

This was such an inspiring and sensational read as we could all relate to the main character’s obsessions and shortcomings. I was secretly lying in wait for Jessica’s ultimate demise but it occurred to me Jenna had more to lose and her internal conflicts were far more valuable to the morale of the story. To sum it up, it was THE perfect ending to a highly and emotionally charged story within the context of Asian culture - reminding me both of my high school woes and the dangers of perfection.

as a devoted reader of all books by ann liang, i was not disappointed by this one. i have to say that aaron and jenna complete my soul, and that they will always have a special place in my heart. thank you for the arc! i look forward to her upcoming releases.

Jenna Chen has always lived in her cousin Jessica's shadow. Jessica's prettier, richer, smarter, more talented, and now, Jessica has gotten into Harvard while Jenna was rejected. On the night Jenna disappoints her parents with the news, she makes a wish: to be Jessica. When she wakes up as Jessica, at first it does seem like all her problems are gone. But soon she begins to realize that being Jessica Chen isn't all it's cracked up to be.

This story has familiar elements, with the added twist where there wasn't a body swap, and the memory of Jenna begins to disappear. It's easy to see why Jenna would enjoy being Jessica and finally having the life she has always been pressured to have come easily - as herself, she's had to work hard for her grades and to stay in shape. The romance with Aaron was a nice slow burn, and he helps Jenna come to several realizations, although she comes to others all on her own. Despite a somewhat familiar premise, Jenna's journey made this a compelling read.

Jenna Chen is a failure by her family’s standards and is constantly reminded of how she doesn’t measure up to her perfect, rich and brilliant cousin, Jessica. At the lowest moment, Jenna makes a wish to be her cousin, and the next morning she wakes up and is Jessica. But, she starts to realize that maybe Jessica perfect life isn’t so perfect, and bit by bit her family and friends begin to forget Jenna and her true self is being erased. Can she and is she willing to try and recover her true self and bring back the lost Jessica.

This was so good, and is a great story about how nobody had it all.

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Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

Jenna Chen, a high school senior, is grappling with the pressures of college applications and the expectations of her Asian immigrant parents. Despite her hard work and good grades, the Ivy League rejections pile up, leaving her feeling inadequate, especially compared to her seemingly perfect cousin, Jessica, who's headed to Harvard.

In a classic case of “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”, Jenna quickly realizes that life as Jessica isn’t everything she imagined. As she navigates Jessica's world, Jenna discovers hidden pressures and insecurities beneath the surface. The longer Jenna stays in Jessica’s body, the more her true self slips away.

Jenna was extremely relatable – she doesn’t see herself as positively as others see her. She’s also still finding herself and discovering what’s important to her during this instrumental period of life. It was great to see her appreciate her quirks, her relationships, and her perspective/attitude.

This read was quick and engaging and had such a sweet romance in it. I would have LOVED to read this when I was in high school. I can’t wait to get into Ann Liang’s backlog!

Thanks to Harper Collins publishing and the team at The Hive for providing the audiobook for review! All opinions are my own.

Jessica Chen is perfection. Jenna Chen is average. Follow along in this Freak Friday adjacent story that, instead of breaching the generational gap (both girls are the same age), reminds us that, while the grass may be greener on the other side, that doesn't mean it's always delicious.

This was a really good book! The style was fun and to the point, most of the characters were believably 17 without falling into the common trap of being annoyingly 17 (only minor caveat is Aaron, who seemed a little too mature/stoic for his years). All the things Jenna goes through after taking over her cousin's body are believable, and her reactions are understandable given her age. I couldn't really relate to her desire for fame/renown, but it's a fairly common thing for people to want recognition for their effort and the author handled the topic well. I also appreciated that the boy she likes couldn't immediately convince her to change course just because he was so gosh-darn handsome (even though he was right!). I LOVE romance novels, even romance for romances' sake, but I do not enjoy characters that are too easily guided by handsome young men. I also don't enjoy overly sassy characters, which is painfully common in modern novels. Thankfully, Jenna doesn't fall into either of these tropes. She's a fully fleshed out, individual character - with both annoying and endearing traits - and it's great!

The audiobook was also enjoyable. The narrator has a clean, easy to understand voice that wasn't too jarring when she transitioned between character voices (probably a personal problem, but still). All-in-all, I'd definitely recommend this book to any teens/young adults/young at hearts who are looking for a solid story with a solid theme and enjoyable characters.

The audiobook narrator was fantastic. I enjoyed her voice, pace and telling of the story.

The story was very interesting from the beginning. I could feel the stress and unrealistic expectations that parents, school and society are placing on both of the characters in the story. To experience someone else's life and realize that everyone struggles was very cool. I had not had academic pressure placed on me to this extreme, so I appreciated being in the character's shoes. There was a little romance in the story which I enjoyed too!

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.