Name: If You Could See the Sun
ISBN: 9781335915849

Ann Liang

In this genre-bending YA debut, a Chinese American girl monetizes her strange new invisibility powers by discovering and selling her wealthy classmates’ most scandalous secrets.
 
Alice Sun has always felt invisible at her elite Beijing international boarding school, where she’s the only scholarship student among China’s most rich and influential teens. But then she starts uncontrollably turning invisible—actually invisible.
 
When her parents drop the news that they can no longer afford her tuition, even with the scholarship, Alice hatches a plan to monetize her strange new power—she’ll discover the scandalous secrets her classmates want to know, for a price.
 
But as the tasks escalate from petty scandals to actual crimes, Alice must decide if it’s worth losing her conscience—or even her life.

If You Could See the Sun

Keira 💫

“You know,” I muse out loud, “if it weren’t for the fact that we hated each other’s guts, we’d probably make an impressive power duo.” I expect Henry to raise his eyebrows at me as usual or make a cutting remark, but his footsteps suddenly slow beside me. 

He says this as if it’s actually news to him.

Disappointed in the dad rn 😖 but excited for the relationship 😏

Baba blinks. “Awards ceremony? What ceremony?” 

My concern temporarily gives way to exasperation. “The awards ceremony for the highest achievers in each year level.” 

He continues to stare at me blankly. “Come on, Ba. I’ve mentioned it at least fifty times this summer.”

I’m only exaggerating a little. Sad as it sounds, those fleeting moments of glory under the bright auditorium spotlight are all I’ve been looking forward to the past couple of months.

 Even if I have to share them with Henry Li.

I’m about to make a comment on it, but then my eyes fall on the laminated photo taped to his desk, and the significance of Henry Li secretly jamming out to Tay Tay pales in comparison. 

“Well?” Henry leans forward. His dark eyes are alight, his chin angled up a few degrees, the sure, sharp lines of his body tense with something like anticipation. I realize he’s waiting for me to give my opinion—no, for me to compliment him, like some kid proudly holding up his artwork for a class show-and-tell. 

My lips twitch. “I didn’t know you had such a praise kink.” 

Surprise—maybe even embarrassment—flickers over his face. Then that calm, expressionless mask I’m so used to seeing immediately slides back into place, and I almost regret having spoken. “I do not have a—” “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.” But when I turn and open my mouth to tease him further, I pause.

“You’ll become the head of the number one tech start-up in all of China, and I’ll be a renowned, award-winning journalist or English professor. Together, we’ll—” 

“Be the nation’s greatest power couple?” he offers. 

“I was going to say conquer the world,” I admit. “But sure. I guess we can start small.” 

He laughs, and the sound is like bottled magic. Like birdsong.

fc ♡

God, I hate him. I hate him and his flawless, porcelain skin and immaculate uniform and his composure

he’s been the bane of my existence for pretty much half a decade, and totally deserves it, and is still looking at me with that ridiculous smirk—

"How...strange,” he says after a long silence.

 I roll my eyes at this severe understatement, then remember that of course, he can’t see me. 

Great. Now I can’t even spite him properly.

Henry suddenly leans forward, his hands clasped over his lap, dark eyes thoughtful. “You know what?” 

“What?” I say, trying not to sound too hopeful. I’m expecting something profound, scientific, maybe a reference to some recent social phenomenon I haven’t read about yet, but what comes out of his mouth instead is— “This is an awful lot like The Lord of the Rings.” 

He straightens in his seat. “In a few years,” he begins, which sounds like a very long-winded way of answering a straightforward question, “I’ll be the CEO of the biggest tech start-up in all of China—”

 “Second biggest,” I correct automatically. “Don’t lie. The Wall Street Journal said so just a week ago.” 

He shoots me an odd look, and it occurs to me a second too late that I definitely should not know this much about his father’s company.

Descartes was wrong when he said “To live well, you must live unseen”; Trust me, actually being invisible isn’t anywhere near as fun as y’all think

how teachers somehow always manage to set important assignment deadlines on the exact same day without discussing it beforehand

If they could hide so much from me so easily, what else—what other hardships and burdens and worries—have they kept to themselves?

Go back. The words scratch at my throat like barbed wire. Go back, as if the teachers and kids at my school in California weren’t always asking me the same thing: if and when I’d be going back to China. As if there’s still a home in America for me to return to, as if America is home, and Beijing has been nothing more than a temporary stop in between for an outsider like me

A tension that grew with every odd look and ill-concealed insult and racist joke tossed my way, so subtle I didn’t even notice it building inside me day by day

I felt the full weight of that tension right as it lifted off my shoulders. The relief was dizzying. I was free to simply be a child again, to shed the role of translator-chaperone-protector, to no longer feel the need to constantly hover around my parents in case they needed something, to shield them from the worst of America’s many casual cruelties

Mama and Baba would really do anything just to make my life easier, better, no matter the cost

"the universe offers us the things we think we want, but which turn out to be a curse 

And sometimes the universe grants us the things we don’t know we need, which turn out to be a gift.

 Another author also said that the self and society are like the sea and the sky—a change in one reflects a change in the other.” 

"Everything is temporary, Yan Yan. And all the more reason to seize whatever’s in front of you while it’s still there.”

I’m sorry to say girl, but I’m not sure you hate him. 

Emily Klo

God, I hate him. I hate him and his flawless, porcelain skin and immaculate uniform and his composure, as untouchable and unfailing as his ever-growing list of achievements. I hate the way people look at him and see him, even if he's completely silent, head down and working at his desk. 

Wow, this feels even better than answering a Kahoot question correctly in front of the class. 

My fourth Ann Liang book in this little readathon I have going on! Honestly, I loved this book! So far, this one has the strongest writing and better storytelling. Of course, it’s not perfect, but I literally could not put it down! For a debut novel, this was quite strong, in my opinion.

As someone who grew up middle class (sometimes lower), seeing Alice burn herself out from everything just to help her and her family survive really hit home. Studying in prestigious schools and seeing classmates living better lives by being born in well-off families… the feeling of envy never disappears. Even with the smallest things, you can tell that they live in such different worlds compared to us, and that’s why it sucks. Alice’s constant fears were something I could relate to, especially only having one parent who’s the breadwinner. I can’t help but mirror it to my experiences back in my 3rd and 4th year of college, constantly feeling anxious about the school fees and whether or not I would graduate on time because of it. Although my mom kept reassuring me that everything would be alright (which they thankfully did), there was always this fear lingering at the back of my head. And Ann Liang did well in depicting those feelings — whenever I read those scenes, I tear up.

Compared to her other books, the romance wasn’t the main focus of the story. Yes, Henry still plays a big role in the plot and their banter was great, but I’m glad we really just focused on Alice. And I feel very strongly about this because if Ann Liang did a 180 and just turned this into a romance book, it wouldn’t be as interesting. I’m quite shocked that the average rating for this never reached 4 stars — when this is one of her best books???

Anyway, there were still some icks for me, like how BTS and BLACKPINK were mentioned. I mean, I get that it’s set in modern present time, but like… it ages the book and it just feels awkward. I also wished we knew more about Alice’s invisibility powers because surely there’s someone else who experienced something similar — hopefully that will be explored more in the spinoff book coming out next year… But yes, those were some of the reasons why I couldn’t give the book a 5 star.

I still loved the book nonetheless, and I hope Ann Liang does more magical realism, ‘cause she actually shines in it!

jinny

My fourth Ann Liang book in this little readathon I have going on! Honestly, I loved this book! So far, this one has the strongest writing and better storytelling. Of course, it’s not perfect, but I literally could not put it down! For a debut novel, this was quite strong, in my opinion.

As someone who grew up middle class (sometimes lower), seeing Alice burn herself out from everything just to help her and her family survive really hit home. Studying in prestigious schools and seeing classmates living better lives by being born in well-off families… the feeling of envy never disappears. Even with the smallest things, you can tell that they live in such different worlds compared to us, and that’s why it sucks. Alice’s constant fears were something I could relate to, especially only having one parent who’s the breadwinner. I can’t help but mirror it to my experiences back in my 3rd and 4th year of college, constantly feeling anxious about the school fees and whether or not I would graduate on time because of it. Although my mom kept reassuring me that everything would be alright (which they thankfully did), there was always this fear lingering at the back of my head. And Ann Liang did well in depicting those feelings — whenever I read those scenes, I tear up.

Compared to her other books, the romance wasn’t the main focus of the story. Yes, Henry still plays a big role in the plot and their banter was great, but I’m glad we really just focused on Alice. And I feel very strongly about this because if Ann Liang did a 180 and just turned this into a romance book, it wouldn’t be as interesting. I’m quite shocked that the average rating for this never reached 4 stars — when this is one of her best books???

Anyway, there were still some icks for me, like how BTS and BLACKPINK were mentioned. I mean, I get that it’s set in modern present time, but like… it ages the book and it just feels awkward. I also wished we knew more about Alice’s invisibility powers because surely there’s someone else who experienced something similar — hopefully that will be explored more in the spinoff book coming out next year… But yes, those were some of the reasons why I couldn’t give the book a 5 star.

I still loved the book nonetheless, and I hope Ann Liang does more magical realism, ‘cause she actually shines in it!

No characters have ever resonated with me the way Alice does. In her, I see myself: someone who feels the need to be better in order to be noticed, someone who appears to be friends with everyone yet feels like a true friend to no one.

🥨

The first book of Ann Liang that I've read.

At first, the storyline of this book seems a little flat. Although the premise is quite interesting. For almost half of the book is filled with Alice's inferiority complex and it made me a little bit depressed for how she look at everything with full of negativity. I knew, Alice's case is quite common in our society, especially when someone is surounded with privileges people.

But, at some point, I don't really like how she saw almost everything from negative side (eventhough I know she's only a high school student).

Luckily, I found some comfort from Alice and Henry interaction. I mean, they're quite cute tho. And I must admit that Henry actually got me with his charm.

For a debut book (if I'm not mistaken), this book is recomended. And overall, I could say, I love this one.

ℛ.

The first book of Ann Liang that I've read.

At first, the storyline of this book seems a little flat. Although the premise is quite interesting. For almost half of the book is filled with Alice's inferiority complex and it made me a little bit depressed for how she look at everything with full of negativity. I knew, Alice's case is quite common in our society, especially when someone is surounded with privileges people.

But, at some point, I don't really like how she saw almost everything from negative side (eventhough I know she's only a high school student).

Luckily, I found some comfort from Alice and Henry interaction. I mean, they're quite cute tho. And I must admit that Henry actually got me with his charm.

For a debut book (if I'm not mistaken), this book is recomended. And overall, I could say, I love this one.

esse foi o primeiro livro publicado pela autora e da pra perceber, mas o que ela peca na historia ela se redime pelo romance, melhor academic rivals to lovers que eu li em muito tempo

Pedro Rodarte

love alice n henry… alice is the realest  henry is bae 😵‍💫 def feel like it couldve done a bit more with the premise but rlly rlly enjoyed it nonetheless!

should've explored her invisibility ability more

nice

dropped this book the first time i read it, but i decided to pick it up again — and i have no regrets in doing so !!! tagal ko lang natapos kasi ang daming happenings ng oat 🧍🏻‍♀️

loved the diversity, loved the setting, and loved the characters, but i wish henry and alice’s love story could have been more expanded or was longer (nag holding hands at kiss lang sila NEED KO PA NG MORE ROMANCE SCENES 🥹☹️😞☹️😭)

very unique plot pERO SO BITIN SA ENDING AAAAA needed more romance though and parang ang gulo ng status nila — sila na ba o ano ???

ANYWAY i hope this doesn’t find you by ann liang next 🔜‼️

dropped this book the first time i read it, but i decided to pick it up again — and i have no regrets in doing so !!! tagal ko lang natapos kasi ang daming happenings ng oat 🧍🏻‍♀️

loved the diversity, loved the setting, and loved the characters, but i wish henry and alice’s love story could have been more expanded or was longer (nag holding hands at kiss lang sila NEED KO PA NG MORE ROMANCE SCENES 🥹☹️😞☹️😭)

very unique plot pERO SO BITIN SA ENDING AAAAA needed more romance though and parang ang gulo ng status nila — sila na ba o ano ???

ANYWAY i hope this doesn’t find you by ann liang next 🔜‼️

AAAA INI YANG GUE MAU DALAM SEBUAH NOVEL!!!!! academic rivals to lovers with subtle tension of romance at first but tetep gentle(?) paced when they actually become lovers. baca dari jam buka puasa sampe sekarang udah mau ashar. truly page turning book yang gampang dicerna bersamaan dengan emosi si karakter yang somehow relatable, bikin makin asik dinikmati. i love how alice always try to save herself by herself without counting on henry’s help.

Alice Sun and Henry Li, you both have my heart 

Ysabela

cutest book EVER.
you want a cute academic rivals to lovers? a love story where he falls first and falls harder?? sprinkle in some fantasy and you’ve got the perfect book for a chill happy day. 

Ann liang just knows how to capture your heart, i’m 100% for alicehenri!!

máru

I continued reading this during the school break, and I love it even if it made me think about school in retrospect :,) Plus, I relate a lot to Alice as an asian academic achiever who belongs to the middle class </3 I think it’s a great debut release, but there were just things regarding how the app and the crimes ended that didn’t dawn on me in the way I wanted. It was a good and easy read though! Will definitely check Ann Liang’s other works because of this! 🩷

merliah

finished!! it was such a fun and light read but also full of life lessons idk how the author did it, delivered meaningful message in 20 chapters. AND alicehenry are so cute!!!

thank you for taking me on an adventure! looking forward to the sequel (if there is 👀) would definitely love to read Alice, Henry, and Chanel’s experiences as they venture out to their business.

Linta

Henry and Alice are so cute. They perfectly executed the academic rivals to lovers 😩

Loved the book! Such a fun breezy read for the summer vacation. I really have nothing bad to say about it. It really hit close to home sometimes. Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend

amna

MY KIND OF BOOK!!!! Please read this if you enjoy academic rivals to lovers

It made sense, the whole feeling like you don’t have much to offer and knowing that you are where you are now all because of your parents’ sacrifice

Haley

Greer Andersson

5⭐️
This book was SO beyond enjoyable that I really really didn’t want it to end. Perfectly depicts the incessant need to fit in and the feeling like you only have 1 thing to offer. I love Alice so much and Henry is a great love interest. Absolutely flew through this book.

Ellie M.

When I say this book hit me too close to home, I mean it like an arrow literally hit me bullseye in the chest. I can’t believe this was Ann Liang’s debut novel because her writing is absolutely impeccable! This was a very sweet and heartwarming academic rivals to lovers story that delivered so hard as it also compassionately explored class, wealth, and privilege. It got me hooked the moment Alice’s character was introduced. Alice’s journey to discovering herself was emotional, and self-reflecting as a reader. I found it more enjoyable that she was the very representation of who I used to be back then so I easily connected with her. This book had a touching, and unforgettable story with amazing characters that are so easily to fall in love with. 
 
I started this book as a birthday gift to my friend Claui, @thestarlitbooks in mind, and it was absolutely worth it.

haven't read a book about academic rivals this good in awhile

Emily Wisnesky

this book was so fun to read!! the academic rivals to lovers was done perfectly, it’s definitely one of those books where I wish I could read it again for the first time! <3

aileeeeeeen

I supposed to finish this book last month, but somehow.. in someway.. this book prone to bore me off. I don't know, maybe the essence that I couldn't grasp or this was no more entertaining as I wanted it to be. YA, fantasy with a little romance of two friends which evolved from enemies (people said, not my words. but I actually don't think it was enemies but rather the girl, Alice, doesn't sense of much liking to Henry) to something called...crush? again, I have no words to explain that. despite people may consider them cute couple, heartwarming characters or else, I just did not feel that. and the connection between them two.
it was fun story to begin with, like oooh, how cool it is for you to be invisible? honestly Alice, I want that too! but I would likely to be invisible rather than doing something "quite" bits odd such as being a "ghost". it doesn't put me in right place to blackmail your fellow students for fun & profits.. OK, once is fine but if you keep that a continual habit all I want to say is, "what the hell is wrong with you?". consider that as well you are student, so young to be skilled at blackmailing. the truth I skimmed a lot regarding this book because it didn't fit the bill. and it was...meh.