The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Title: The Downstairs Girl
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: August 13, 2019
Pages: 304
Source/format: ARC//Borrowed from Ellie

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): 

By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender.

While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

During the late 1800's Jo Kuan lives with her stand-in father, Old Gin, in a basement. She works as a milliner's assistant until she is let go one day because her employer deems that she is too opinionated and makes customers uncomfortable. However, there is one customer, Mrs. Bell, who admires Jo's craftmanship making intricate knots, which happens to be the lady who resides in the same residence as Jo. However, Mrs. Bell doesn't know Jo and Old Gin take refuge below the residence. Jo is given the opportunity to write as Miss Sweetie for the Focus's advice column when she sends an anonymous letter to the Bells. Miss Sweetie creates a huge buzz in her community. Jo anonymously writes articles regarding societal norms during the Gilded Age time period. What a great opportunity for someone who is "too opinionated." While she works as a lady's maid at the Paynes household during the day, she moonlights as Miss Sweetie at night.

Stacey Lee tells a wonderful and insightful story of what it means to be Asian in the South of the United States in the late 1800's. I am always delighted to read historical fiction with characters I can relate to. I often wonder how life was for Chinese-Americans in the past. There is hardly any information about the history of Chinese-Americans living in the United States and how life was for them. Lee is one of my favorite historical fiction novelists. Her characters are relatable and I love being transported to a different time period and a different location every time I pick up one of her books.

I absolutely love the voice of Jo. She is sassy but she knows her place. Jo is an advocate of women's rights and equality for all races. Being of Chinese descent, she teeters in between Whites and Blacks. It's hard to find a place in society, especially since there are not many Asian people living in the United States at the time. Most Chinese in the States at the time are men working on the railroad. Jo is longing to know more information regarding her parents. Who is her birth father? Who is her birth mother? Why was she given up? Jo is fortunate to have Old Gin raise her. The twist at the end caught me off guard for sure.

Although Jo may feel out of place, she has Old Gin as her family. I also enjoyed reading how Jo finds solace in Sweet Potato and she finds friendship with Noemi. Jo even has a complex relationship with Caroline Payne, who can be very cruel.

The Downstairs Girl shows readers a glimpse of the Gilded Age and what is it like to live as an Asian American during that time period. Jo defies the stereotype of Asian women being docile and quiet. Not only does she defy the stereotype for Asian women but she defies the gender stereotype of being a lady. Jo is quite capable of doing what a man does and she is quite outspoken. From writing in a newspaper to horse racing, Jo can do anything!

Typography Talk (4)

Typography Talk is an original feature where I discuss about book cover design and typography. Even though people always say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you know everyone does. A book's cover art needs to captivate the potential reader. There are some readers who will be more inclined to purchase a book not only based on the synopsis, but also based on how the cover looks like. Colors, typeface, medium, spacing and originality are all factors that help make up a cover.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken has a stunning cover. The colors are subdued and cover art is cleverly designed. The colors hint at a historical fiction novel.

The bottle holds New York City where the main character Etta resides. The reflection of the city resembles a ship which is very important to the plot of the novel. A ship represents travel back in time. It represents history. Any type of transportation could have been reflected in the water but it makes sense to have a ship since ships have been around for a long time. In this sense, the ship can take you anywhere back in time.

The decorative typeface for the title bleeds off the page which is a nice touch. It reminds me of how people believe ships would sail off the map because they thought the world was flat. The slight cursive script hints to the past where cursive reined over print.





The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee is Lee's first contemporary novel and it shows in the cover design of the novel. This heartfelt novel translates well with a soft pale blue background and the title is framed with flowers. Because Mim and her mother are aromateurs, flowers and herbs are very important to fine-tuning a person's essence. Blue creates a sense of calmness and relaxation. Blue is giving and is not a taker.

Showcasing Mim looking into the plant life indicates Mim searching for something. She is always helps others find love. However, Mim never looks for love but even though she tries her hardest not to fall in love, love finds her instead. Because she is always gathering different flowers and herbs for her perfumes, it is fitting that she walking through nature. Mim is also soul searching and trying to come to terms about who she is and what she wants in life.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is Garber's debut novel and it doesn't disappoint. The cover art is absolutely stunning! It is captivating and draws the reader in to the most magnificent show on Earth! The colors are very symbolic especially the blue. Blue and gold sparks represent childhood dreams. The decorative whimsical type treatment adds a sense of unpredictableness with the twists and turns within the story.

The background is mysterious and magical just like the games. The red reminds me of the mysterious roses in the rooms. Even the whimsical shapes of the red lines look like petals. The red represents a sense of urgency. It's an urgency for Scarlett to find her sister Tella. Also, red can also represent Scarlett herself. Scarlett is following her childhood dreams to attend the mysterious Caraval but she needs to find and save her sister.

Keeping the rest of the type in a sans serif font creates a focal piece for the title Caraval. The way the blue star and the red wisps are located, it creates a stage for Caraval. All eyes are on the stage and hence the show.

Erin Fitzsimmons and Ray Shappell did a fantastic job with designing the cover to Caraval!

What do you think about the cover art for these three lovely novels? Have you read any of them?

The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee

Title: The Secret of a Heart Note
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: December 27, 2016
Pages: 384
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

An evocative novel about a teen aroma expert who uses her extrasensitive sense of smell to mix perfumes that help others fall in love while protecting her own heart at all costs

Sometimes love is right under your nose. As one of only two aromateurs left on the planet, sixteen-year-old Mimosa knows what her future holds: a lifetime of weeding, mixing love elixirs, and matchmaking—all while remaining incurably alone. For Mim, the rules are clear: falling in love would render her nose useless, taking away her one great talent. Still, Mimosa doesn’t want to spend her life elbow-deep in soil and begonias. She dreams of a normal high school experience with friends, sports practices, debate club, and even a boyfriend. But when she accidentally gives an elixir to the wrong woman and has to rely on the lovesick woman’s son, the school soccer star, to help fix the situation, Mim quickly begins to realize that falling in love isn’t always a choice you can make.

At once hopeful, funny, and romantic, Stacey Lee’s The Secret of a Heart Note is a richly evocative coming-of-age story that gives a fresh perspective on falling in love and finding one’s place in the world.

M Y T H O U G H T S

Mimosa (Mim) wants to experience life as a teenager but because she is from a family of aromateurs, it is her duty to carry on the legacy. There are many rules Mim's mother sets aside in order to set a certain reputation. One can not go swimming or eat certain foods. If one falls in love, she will lose her sense of smell to whip up such elixirs. Welcome to the elixir magic of a love witch.

Stacey Lee lush descriptions are splendid. Her writing is a dream! She touches all five senses and The Secret of a Heart Note is very unique. The novel reminds me of all the notes in my candle fragrances and my indie perfumes. I love how Lee breaks down the different top notes, heart notes and base notes of an elixir and scentprints. The Secret of a Heart Note is memorizing and tantalizes all the senses. Lee educates readers about language of flowers and how to concoct the perfect essence.

Mim is relatable and is so compassionate. I was rooting for her throughout the whole novel. Her relationship with Court is adorable. Mim has an amazing best friend, Kali, who sticks by Mim's side no matter what. Mim is also willing to correct and learn from her mistakes. She is independent and a go-getter. However, her relationship with her mother is on the rocks. Lee is able to shine the spotlight on the mother-daughter relationship between Mim and Mim's mother. There is also a sisterly relationship between Mim's mother and Mim's aunt that is covered throughout the novel.

Although I love Lee's historical fiction novels, Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon, The Secret of a Heart Note is so heartfelt and romantic. She pulls at your heartstrings with this novel. This emotional roller coaster is bursting! I even teared up at the end of the book because the ending is flawless! I couldn't ask for anything more.

If you're looking for a cute contemporary romance with a touch of magical realism and relationship building, definitely check out The Secret of a Heart Note. It's a hybrid of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

Title: Outrun the Moon
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 24, 2016
Pages: 400
Source/format: ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.

On April 18, an historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. With martial law in effect, she is forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Mercy can't sit by while they wait for the Army to bring help. Fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, yet Mercy still has the 'bossy' cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenaged girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?

M Y  T H O U G H T S

After reading Under a Painted Sky, I knew I had to read Stacey Lee's next novel. Outrun the Moon is about a free spirited 15-year-old girl named Wong Mei-Si, also know as Mercy, who wants to get a better education for herself. Because of the laws in America at the time, Chinese children can only attend school until the 8th grade. Mercy wants to be further educated and is able to enroll into St. Clare’s School for Girls.

I definitely connected with Mercy from the beginning. She is resourceful and knows what she wants. She is also caring and is the brainchild of Mercy's Kitchen after the Great San Francisco Earthquake strikes. Mercy would definitely be a Slytherpuff. Although a rare gem, Mercy has qualities of both houses. She is cunning and ambitious yet loyal. She takes risks but doesn't run into danger without thinking about the consequences. Mercy values intelligence but not for cultivating for its own sake; she uses her intelligence to get ahead.

Based on Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon, Lee is a mastermind in creating fantastic female friendships. In Under a Painted Sky, we have Andy and Sammy. In Outrun the Moon, Mercy befriends many girls despite having a rough start trying to make friends at the all white girls school. She became quick friends with Francesca and eventually became good friends with her nemesis, Elodie. The friendships between the girls are strong. Despite their many differences, they bond together after the earthquake to provide for others. It's important in time of distress to see people come together no matter what their religion, race or ethnicity is.

Lee writes historical fiction beautifully. I feel like I am right in Chinatown in 1906. Her descriptions are colorful; they are full of life. The Chinese culture in the novel is authentic which I appreciate greatly. It's nice seeing a bit of my culture and heritage painted across the many pages of Outrun the Moon. Lee also touches upon the Chinese Exclusion Act and and how Chinese people are treated during the early 1900s.

What I enjoyed reading is about how Mercy is a non-conformist. She doesn't listen to the rules about what she should do as a girl or a Chinese girl. She fights for what she wants and doesn't want to just settle down. Mercy wants to be independent and wants to travel the world. I love how she advocates for herself. She is a good role model for teens.

I highly suggest Outrun the Moon for readers who enjoy historical fiction, boarding schools and Chinese culture. Three of my favorite things are rolled into one exceptional novel. 

Happy Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holidays my family and I celebrate. The celebration traditionally lasts 15 days. The first day of the new year varies year to year since it follows the lunar calendar and is usually in January or February. This year is the Year of the Monkey and specifically, the Red Monkey or the Fire Monkey.

Image from freepik.com

In celebration of Chinese New Year, check out below for some of my favorite reads that involve Chinese characters and/or culture.

1. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a book I read back in high school. Four women meet to play Mah Jong and form The Joy Luck Club. You hear them tell their stories of their lives. Forty years later, one of the members has passed and her daughter along with the other members' daughters reconnect and join a new generation of The Joy Luck Club.

2. Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah is a coming-of-age story about a Chinese girl in the 1940's. Adeline family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Her father remarries and life is difficult with the stepmother and stepsiblings.

3. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is about two girls living in nineteenth-century China. Lily and Snow Flower have a strong life-long friendship as laotongs and communicate with the secret language of the fan.

4. Under A Painted Sky by Stacey Lee is about Samantha in which her dad has she passed in a tragic accident in 1849, Missouri.. With the help of Annamae, Samantha flees to the California on the Oregon Trial while encountering new friends and learning to survive.

5. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See is a novel about two sisters, Pearl and May, who are sold as wives by their father to pay for a gambling debt in 1937 China. The sisters find their way from China to Los Angeles, California to start their new lives.

6. The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston is about a Chinese American woman who tells Chinese myths, stories and events of her childhood that have shaped her identity.

7. Dove Arising by Karen Bao is a sci-fi novel about Phaet Theta, a resident of the moon, who enlists in the Militia in order to save her siblings from living in a degrading shelter after her mother has been arrested.

8. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin is a fantasy novel crossed with Chinese folklore. Minli lives in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain and one day embarks on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon in order to find a way to change her family's fortune.

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Title: Under a Painted Sky
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date:  March 17, 2015
Pages: 384
Source/format: e-ARC from Netgalley

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A powerful story of friendship and sacrifice, for fans of Code Name Verity 

Missouri, 1849: Samantha dreams of moving back to New York to be a professional musician—not an easy thing if you’re a girl, and harder still if you’re Chinese. But a tragic accident dashes any hopes of fulfilling her dream, and instead, leaves her fearing for her life. With the help of a runaway slave named Annamae, Samantha flees town for the unknown frontier. But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls, so they disguise themselves as Sammy and Andy, two boys headed for the California gold rush. Sammy and Andy forge a powerful bond as they each search for a link to their past, and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. But when they cross paths with a band of cowboys, the light-hearted troupe turn out to be unexpected allies. With the law closing in on them and new setbacks coming each day, the girls quickly learn that there are not many places to hide on the open trail. 

This beautifully written debut is an exciting adventure and heart-wrenching survival tale. But above all else, it’s a story about perseverance and trust that will restore your faith in the power of friendship.

My Thoughts: 

I am not a big fan of westerns but this one works. Under a Painted Sky is historical fiction novel about two girls, Samantha and Annamae, traveling west of Missouri on the Oregon trail. Samantha and Annamae run for their lives after an accidental murder. Being a girl, especially one of color, is hard in the mid-1800's so the girls disguise themselves as boys with the names Sammy and Andy. Sammy is looking for her father's friend, Mr. Trask, who is traveling to California. Andy is looking for her brother.

I enjoy following their journey and I love the character development in this novel. Sammy and Andy end up meeting Cay, West and Peety along their way on the Oregon Trail. They all become family and will do anything to save each others' lives. There were several instances where I thought someone was going to die or the girls were going to be caught for running away. Stacey Lee weaves music, friendship, family, tradition, romance and history in Under a Painted Sky. Her writing is absolutely beautiful. She definitely paints images with her words. I seriously had tears of happiness after reading the novel. Under a Painted Sky is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

Can I say that the cover art is absolutely stunning! The silhouettes of Sammy and Andy look fantastic against the gorgeous painted sky. Also, the squiggles around the title is actually Chinese zodiac animals. These animals correlate with characters in the novel.

The character development in the book is excellent. I absolutely love the friendship and family values in the novel. I love how the girls encountered Cay, West and Peety. All five of them make a great team. At first Sammy doesn't click well with West but after awhile she grows very fond of him. I was sad when she lost her dad and Lady Tin Yin. Thank goodness Andy is with her during the trip to the west. I don't think Sammy would have survived without Andy. The two girls bond and stay strong while they travel with the guys. Sometimes friendship matures into family. And sometimes family is more than blood. What I love is the diversity within the group. The cultural differences and childhood upbringings help create a bond between the five. The knowledge each one has contributes to their survival.

I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction and/or are interested in a coming-of-age story about friendship and survival.