If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

 

 DNF @ 28%

The way this jumped my to-read list because of lila's review. (Seriously, if you're torn on whether or not to buy this book still, read hers for comparison; she outlines all the reasons why this book is good.)

I was really excited to read IF YOU COULD SEE THE SUN. I love me some magical realism and it's always awesome to see YA that isn't set in the United States. This book is set in a very exclusive school in Beijing, and Alice, the heroine, isn't going to be able to attend much longer even with her scholarship due to her family's dwindling funds.

There is a lot about this book that is pretty cool. I liked the setting, the morally grey heroine (blackmailing your fellow students for fun and profit?), the academic enemies-to-rivals, the FOOD PORN. But I didn't really like the execution and I felt like the characterization and story-telling felt a little... lackluster. Especially with the romance. I really didn't feel a connection b/w Alice and Henry. Maybe this is a me thing-- it's probably a me thing-- but this book didn't click for me.

I hope it clicks for you!

2 to 2.5 out of 5 stars