"If You Could See the Sun," authored by Ann Liang, is a contemporary young adult novel exploring identity and belonging within a multicultural backdrop. The protagonist, Alice Sun, grapples with the challenges of being a Chinese American teenager at an elite international school in Beijing, where she feels pressured to conform while yearning for self-acceptance.
The narrative unfolds as Alice discovers her unusual ability to turn invisible, a metaphor for her experiences of feeling unseen in a world dominated by privilege and power. As she navigates her complex relationships with friends and family, Alice also faces the realities of her parents' expectations. The plot thickens when she decides to leverage her powers for personal gain, particularly in the competitive world of high school drama and social status, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Key characters include Alice's ambitious best friend, the charming but enigmatic boy she falls for, and her strict parents who represent...