Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang

 

Title:  Julie Chan is Dead

Author:  Liann Zhang

Narrated by:  Yu-Li Alice Shen

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio.  Thank-you!

Who is your favorite book villain and why?

Julie Chan’s parents died in an accident when she was a child.  A wealthy couple adopts her twin, Chloe, while their cruel aunt raises Julie.  Julie is struggling to make ends meet while her twin, Chloe, is a wealthy influencer.  They live estranged lives until Julie receives a mysterious call one day from Chloe.  She investigates and discovers Chloe dead in her apartment.  Instead of reporting Chloe’s death, she reports her own and takes over Chloe’s fabulous life.  Will the truth be discovered?  What is going on with the mysterious group of premier influencers that have invited her for a week long getaway on an island?

My thoughts on this audiobook:

·       This was a very unique story and audiobook, and it definitely caught my attention on a long drive for work.  Yu-Li Alice Shen was a great narrator and storyline was riveting.

·       I was surprised to learn that this was Liann Zhang’s debut novel.  It was a great debut!

·       The story grew very surreal when they were on the island.  The story was weird at times, but also enjoyable.

·       It was an interesting look into how seductive social media likes and validation are and how that can take over your life.

·       Roughly half of the book was a look into Julie taking over Chloe’s life and the other half was going to the island with the other premier influencers.

·       This was both a dark comedy and a thriller.

·       I came into this book knowing nothing about it and it took me by surprise.  The twists and turns in the story made for a wild ride.

·       I didn’t really like the character of Julie Chan at all, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to read about her and see where all the craziness went.  She was a good anti-hero.

·       The ending was open and intriguing. I’m still thinking about it.

·       This was on NPR Book of the Day this week with a nice interview with author Liann Zhang.  She was an Instagrammer and influencer herself in her teens.  It was interesting!

Overall, Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang was a unique enthralling dark comedy and thriller.  I recommend for someone who is looking for something new and different to read.