Since its announcement, this book and its premise caught my eye, but I was even more excited for it when the cover was revealed! I was so excited for it that I picked it up as soon as I got an eARC (8 months from the release date as of writing this review), and I do not regret that decision one bit. In If You Could See the Sun, a girl goes into business with her rival by monetizing her sudden invisibility power so she can afford the tuition to their elite boarding school.
Going along with this, If You Could See the Sun examines class and privilege throughout the book. Alice is the only scholarship student in this elite boarding school, and even then, her scholarship doesn’t cover the entire cost. She’s surrounded by privileged kids who have never had to think about money and sacrifices. Her parents work difficult jobs with long hours to provide for her, and this spurs her into wanting to be able to do something with the education and opportunities that come with it.
I really loved the characters! Alice is very determined to make something of herself so she doesn’t waste everything her parents have sacrificed. She doesn’t even necessarily know what she wants to do other than be successful; however, she’s so driven in everything that she does (see: monetizing a confusing and random power) that she’ll be okay in whatever she does, something other characters have to help her see. Henry is one of these people; Alice perceives him as someone who has everything—essentially the opposite of her. However, as she gets to know him, she realizes how kind and caring he is.
The side characters were also great, such as Chanel, Alice’s roommate. They’ve been a bit aloof with each other, mostly because Alice has striven to be friendly, not to make friends. When she is inadvertently Alice’s first customer, she tells her the truth and Chanel joins Alice and Henry’s business. Even Alice’s teachers were interesting, with one of them being invested in Alice’s dreams even if she doesn’t see them herself at first.
I really liked the writing of this book too! The humor was so funny; I laughed out loud at certain parts, particularly at Henry’s deadpan responses and Alice’s spiraling. I’m really excited to see what Ann Liang writes next because I enjoyed this book so much. The plot itself was also exciting; I truly could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting.
My favorite part, of course, was the rivals-to-lovers romance! It’s a more one-sided rivalry, with Alice hating Henry for years without him really being aware of it. Still, the two of them together just create chaos, or rather, Henry’s presence makes Alice blurt out things she shouldn’t say, which had me laughing so hard. I loved their banter and their scenes together, especially as Alice gradually realizes that Henry isn’t a bad person. I just really, really adore them both!
Both heartfelt and chaotic at the same time, If You Could See the Sun examines privilege, the ability to pursue your dreams, and the desire to be something more. It’s definitely one of my favorite releases of 2022 already (and I wrote this review in February)! I loved the characters and the writing, and I absolutely could not put this book down. I can’t recommend If You Could See the Sun enough, especially if you’re in the market for a book centered on family sacrifice and dreams with a rivals-to-lovers romance!
Going along with this, If You Could See the Sun examines class and privilege throughout the book. Alice is the only scholarship student in this elite boarding school, and even then, her scholarship doesn’t cover the entire cost. She’s surrounded by privileged kids who have never had to think about money and sacrifices. Her parents work difficult jobs with long hours to provide for her, and this spurs her into wanting to be able to do something with the education and opportunities that come with it.
I really loved the characters! Alice is very determined to make something of herself so she doesn’t waste everything her parents have sacrificed. She doesn’t even necessarily know what she wants to do other than be successful; however, she’s so driven in everything that she does (see: monetizing a confusing and random power) that she’ll be okay in whatever she does, something other characters have to help her see. Henry is one of these people; Alice perceives him as someone who has everything—essentially the opposite of her. However, as she gets to know him, she realizes how kind and caring he is.
The side characters were also great, such as Chanel, Alice’s roommate. They’ve been a bit aloof with each other, mostly because Alice has striven to be friendly, not to make friends. When she is inadvertently Alice’s first customer, she tells her the truth and Chanel joins Alice and Henry’s business. Even Alice’s teachers were interesting, with one of them being invested in Alice’s dreams even if she doesn’t see them herself at first.
I really liked the writing of this book too! The humor was so funny; I laughed out loud at certain parts, particularly at Henry’s deadpan responses and Alice’s spiraling. I’m really excited to see what Ann Liang writes next because I enjoyed this book so much. The plot itself was also exciting; I truly could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting.
My favorite part, of course, was the rivals-to-lovers romance! It’s a more one-sided rivalry, with Alice hating Henry for years without him really being aware of it. Still, the two of them together just create chaos, or rather, Henry’s presence makes Alice blurt out things she shouldn’t say, which had me laughing so hard. I loved their banter and their scenes together, especially as Alice gradually realizes that Henry isn’t a bad person. I just really, really adore them both!
Both heartfelt and chaotic at the same time, If You Could See the Sun examines privilege, the ability to pursue your dreams, and the desire to be something more. It’s definitely one of my favorite releases of 2022 already (and I wrote this review in February)! I loved the characters and the writing, and I absolutely could not put this book down. I can’t recommend If You Could See the Sun enough, especially if you’re in the market for a book centered on family sacrifice and dreams with a rivals-to-lovers romance!