The Lies We Tell by Katie Zhao
Trigger warning: Stalking, murder, hate crime, racism, kidnapping.
Age rating:14+
Overall rating: 4.75 out of 5
Gernes: Young Adult, Mystery.
A spoiler free summary
Anna wants to start a new at her local university. She wants to excel academically and create new friendships, all while ignoring her childhood academic rival, Chris Lu. But there is another reason which has brought her here, the unsolved murder of her former babysitter enraptures her in morbid fascination.
When the Lu bakery is attacked, Anna links it to the unsolved crime and she can’t help but feel its underlining motives and is forcefully drawn to Chris. After feeling threatened and no longer comfortable in her own school, the two come together to figure out who and what is behind these targeted attacks.
Review
I quite enjoyed this novel, rather simple in its nature but appreciated that it discussed heavy themes that are incredibly relevant today. The beginning of the novel was more on the slower side and the real mystery began about one third of the way through. The two main characters, Anna and Chris are very likable and were especially relatable to me. I loved seeing the representation in the novel but also with the dark and sad side that comes with living in a country such as America where being Asian is the minority. As the story follows a string of hate crimes, from murder to stalking, it reflects the spike in hate crimes against people of Asian descent during beginning the covid pandemic [and onwards]. Katie incorporated real life situations that everyone has lived through/seen on social media. She shines a light on these issues through a dark novel and reveals the fear some of us may have. It pulls focus to it and for especially people who have never been a minority shows the thinking and inner feelings of the characters, which is unfortunately still very relevant today. Though some may disagree, I appreciated that romance did not play a major role in the story, although the blurb was a little miss leading.
The parents of Anna and Chris were not forgotten and are some of the primary characters in this story, it thoroughly explores the stereotypical expectations and the inner rivalry to achieve the best thing possible out of everyone present.
The writing is simple and easy to understand yet intriguing, the story is slower paced at the beginning but may still be a good read for those in a reading slump.
Depending on the expectations one may have for the novel, the rating may differ on social media, many made it seemed to have academic rivals to lovers which is true but it should not be the sole reason to read this novel as it is not a large component of the novel.
Yet again, I was quite excited to read a novel by Katie Zhao and it did not disappoint. I was also able to really appreciate the reference to How We Fall Apart, a small nod to the other novel.
The reference to a music group was a fun find in the novel, which speaks to the comfort and energy artists can give someone in hard times no matter the genre.
Another personal point to mention, while I was reading this novel, there was almost a parallel universe type thing which might have inspired a short story [if I can get to it].
Quotes
“There was someone there with her, and yet, she had never been more alone.”
“That was one of the first things I looked from whenever I was a new setting, and seeing that the crowd wasn’t totally white was reassuring.”
“I didn’t feel safe being me any longer, and I wondered if I would feel comfortable in my own skin ever again.”
Recommendations
If you are looking for a medium paced mystery centralised on racism while pursuing higher education this book is for you. It focuses on two main characters navigating a period of time riddled in hate crimes and racism. Although the book starts off as medium paced novel, the last half quickens up and the book will be over before you know it.
Pros
Explores relevant issues of racism and hate crimes especially spiking during the height of the covid pandemic. The main characters are Asian and discuss some of the family dynamics as well.
Cons
Wished the novel was longer so we could see more of the character growth. A trigger warning would have been good, especially since it discusses topics that are very relevant today and may be triggering for some. The blurb is a little misleading as it hints towards a more dramatic rivals to lovers trope for the two main characters and this can lead people to have different expectations.
Note: I read this back in January but still wanted to post a review since I had been waiting for this book to be released.
Enna Mari 