Books I Am Not Jessica Chen - Ann Liang

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang is a young adult novel that blends magical realism with a heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, family expectations, and self-acceptance.

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Chen has always felt overshadowed by her cousin Jessica—beautiful, brilliant, and Harvard-bound—while Jenna struggles to meet her immigrant parents’ high expectations and faces rejection from every Ivy League school she applies to. In a moment of desperation, Jenna wishes she could be Jessica, only to wake up and find her wish has literally come true: she is now living Jessica’s life, with all its privileges and pressures12345.

At first, Jenna revels in her new existence, experiencing the admiration and success she always envied. But as she navigates Jessica’s demanding schedule at the elite Havenwood Private Academy and uncovers her cousin’s private struggles through journals and secrets, Jenna realizes that perfection comes at a steep cost. The more she embraces Jessica’s identity, the more her own existence begins to fade—friends and even her family start to forget Jenna ever existed124.

The story explores Jenna’s emotional journey as she grapples with the loss of her true self and questions whether living up to others’ ideals is worth sacrificing her own identity and passions, particularly her love for art. Along the way, a rekindled romance with her old crush, Aaron Cai, adds depth but never overshadows the central themes of belonging, self-worth, and the pressures faced by children of immigrants635.

Ultimately, Jenna must decide whether to continue living as Jessica or reclaim her own life, flaws and all. The novel is praised for its relatable portrayal of insecurity, family dynamics, and the universal desire to be seen and valued for who we truly are. Liang’s accessible prose, emotional insight, and use of magical realism make this a compelling read for anyone who has ever felt “not enough”

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