A review by thereadinghammock
The Stand-In by Lily Chu

emotional funny hopeful medium-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

4.5

Picked this audiobook on a whim, because who doesn't love a free audiobook? I loved Phillipa Soo's performance narrating Gracie's over-the-top adventure as A-list Chinese actress Wei Fangli's body double while the actress performs in a Toronto stage play. Suffering from "exhaustion" Fangli feels she needs a break, and who better to make the required appearances in the city than this average Jane who just happens to look almost identical to her? What could go wrong?

Gracie is delightfully relatable. Just trying to get by, not feeling much direction in her life, and struggling to pull her life together, one failed task manager/to do list/organizer app at a time. Her skepticism is very warranted, but her need t prove Sam Yao wrong--that she CAN pull this off, is also something I can relate to as well. I appreciated the caregiver representation of Gracie's role in trying to care for her aging, and declining mother, suffering from dementia. That even during the height of her Fangli performance, she still makes time to go check in on her mother when she's having a bad day. I also thought the representation of mental health struggles, for both Fangli and Gracie was poignant and well handled. Everyone's journey is their own, but someone's bravery in sharing their story or path to progress can help inspire someone else to take the first steps.

I did NOT see the sisters plot twist coming AT ALL!! When I tell you I screeched in the car as Gracie started piecing the puzzle together. If I had been anywhere in public, people would have thought I was having a fit. I was also a little disappointed that the story was a closed door romance, as I am quite accustomed and look forward to the spice in my novels, however, I quite enjoyed the rest of the story, despite the glossing over of the sexy time between Gracie and Sam.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings