A review by amanda_reads13
The Stand-In by Lily Chu

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Gracie is hired to be the stand-in for Fangli, a famous movie star. 

This story is cute and funny, but the author manages to include some heavier topics such as mental health, Azheimer's, sexual harassment, and some politics. I think that the author approached these subjects with care and empathy. 

Gracie has just been fired, but is desperately trying to get her mother moved to a better home. Luckily for her, she looks a lot like world famous movie star Fangli. So when she is offered a job to play the role of Fangli's stand-in, she can't turn it down. Gracie is a people pleaser, but throughout the book she learns to stand up for herself and go after what she wants - to create her own app and to be with Sam. 

Fangli has had a lot of pressure put on her to be "perfect", after all she is a reflection of her family and her country. But she has been suffering from depression in secret. I love that this is not just shoved under the rug, but we are shown the reality of what depression looks like. We find out that there is reason that
the women look so alike. Turns out they are sisters! Their mother left China and Fangli with her father when she found out she was pregnant with her second child. She stayed in Canada and went on to meet and marry Gracie's dad.


Sam and Gracie start off at each other's throats, but the chemistry is completely undeniable and their banter is so good. He is such a compassionate, supportive, and kind man. He does everything he can to protect his best friend while facing his own battles. I hate that it is miscommunication that
tears them apart temporarily. Ugh I hate the miscommunication trope.


Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake "dating"

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