SST: Outrun the Moon Review + Giveaway!

  Outrun the Moon is the type of book that should be assigned as book reports in high school. I have to admit that I usually hate reading books about tragedy, but I also have to admit that this one surpassed my usual expectations. Stacey Lee is a master with words and diversity, and I’m so glad to finally have read a novel written by her!

  I’d like to think of Mercy Wong as someone who is called hard-headed in the Chinese community. Where westerners value independence, most Asians value interdependence. It was very nice for me to have read things about Chinese superstitions because while I am Chinese and my parents grew up there, I was born in another place. Although I understand that Mercy’s parents are from Hong Kong, rather than Mainland China.

  I didn’t expect this book to touch my heart so much. The emotions I felt after the disaster took place felt raw and very much real. Stacey Lee paints a vivid picture with her words, but she also has the ability to make readers feel the emotions of the character, as if I were the character for a while. I really felt Mercy’s grief and unwavering hope as I read, especially near the end.

  Outrun the Moon is an amazing novel about a headstrong, resourceful, practical and compassionate Chinese girl in the time when there were a lot of prejudices about Chinese people. What I admire about Mercy is how she didn’t hate the people because of how they treated her, and in the times of disaster, she didn’t hesitate those in need, even if they were the Whites who once mocked her.

  This novel left me in awe and admiration because it was not what I expected. I thought this would be a light read, but no, no, and another no. Even now that it has been a few hours after I read this, I still carry the emotions I had when reading the book with me. Outrun the Moon is a novel that I believe everyone should read not only because of the wonderful writing, but also because of all the great insights that it has to offer. I just know that I will have a book hangover over this! 

About the Author:

Stacey Lee is a fourth generation Californian with roots in San Francisco Chinatown. Born in Southern California, she graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. She has lots of experience with earthquakes, having skinned her knees more times than she wants to remember diving under tables. One day she hopes to own a hypoallergenic horse and live by the sea. See what she's up to on Twitter & Instagram: @staceyleeauthor.

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