Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Published by Penguin on May 24th 2016
Genres: 20th Century, Asian American, Historical, People & Places, United States, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction
Source: ARC from Publisher
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I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
From the author of the critically acclaimed Under a Painted Sky, an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy. Perfect for fans of Code Name Verity.  San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. Clareâs School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clareâs 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 strongâuntil disaster strikes.On April 18, a historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercyâs home and school. Now sheâs forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Though fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, Mercy canât sit by while they wait for the army to bring helpâshe still has the âbossyâ cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenage girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city? Breakout author Stacey Lee masterfully crafts another remarkable novel set against a unique historical backdrop. Strong-willed Mercy Wong leads a cast of diverse characters in this extraordinary tale of survival.From the Hardcover edition.
This review is going to be short and sweet. I find sometimes it’s harder to write a review for the books you love, than it is for any other book, and that is the problem I had here.
I fell in love with Stacey Lee’s writing in her debut novel, Under A Painted Sky, her writing is just as beautiful and flawless in this novel. Lee has a way of making me feel like I am completely immersed in the main characters head and that I am truly in the character’s world.
There is quite the variety of characters in Outrun the Moon, and there was something I really loved about each one of them. Mercy was so strong headed and driven, I quickly found myself rooting for her at every turn and just wanting her to have all of her dreams come true. I was amazed by how well she could push through all the adversity she had in her life and somehow seemed to come out even better for it. She was also a really loyal and caring person, and a born leader. She was definitely the kind of friend I would want.
Two of the main secondary characters, Francesca and Elodie, I really found myself drawn to also. Elodie isn’t very like able sometimes (I mean not very like able AT ALL), but I feel she really had a lot of character growth and I like the story Lee told with her. Francesca was just the best. Mercy couldn’t have found a better friend to have in her life.
The romance was pretty light in this one, and I was kind of expecting that to be more predominant, but I’m glad it wasn’t. I enjoyed what was there but I’m really glad this focused more on Mercy and how she grows on her own, through the world outside of her comfort zone, meeting new friends, and just being who she is.
Overall, this book was just really really good. If you like vivid imagery, beautiful writing, strong willed female characters, this is definitely a book for you.
About Stacey Lee
Stacey Lee is a fourth generation Chinese-American whose people came to California during the heydays of the cowboys. She believes she still has a bit of cowboy dust in her soul. A native of southern California, she graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in the Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain. She plays classical piano, raises children, and writes YA fiction.
Hardcover Copy of Outrun the Moon
Paperback Copy of Under A Painted Sky
US Only
THE FOREST OF WORDS & PAGESâGuest Postâ05/17/16
WINTERHAVEN BOOKSâCharacter playlistâ05/18/16
ADDICTED READERSâ25 Random Things About Meâ05/19/16
ONCE UPON A TWILIGHTâReview & Giveawayâ05/20/16
Rainy Days Coffee and BooksâVideo Reviewâ05/23/16
Clear Eyes, Full ShelvesâGuest post 3â05/24/16
Twinning for BooksâBook Soundtrackâ05/25/16
IT STARTS AT MIDNIGHTâGuest post 2â05/26/16
BOOKIEMOJIâReview & Giveawayâ05/27/16
The Social PotatoâWould You Rather?â05/30/16
MUNDIE MOMSâInterviewâ05/31/16
THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLDSâInterviewâ06/01/16
Read Write Love 28âInterviewâ06/02/16
I loved Under A Painted Sky, and I can’t wait to read Outrun the Moon. From your review, it sounds like this book is more about friendship than romance, which I’m totally fine with…YAY!!!
It is!! Very friendship focused!
I kind of wish that the romance was a bit more, but overall this sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. Great review!
I usually really love having romance going on but the friendships were so good!
Wow! this book sounds so powerful. I love when historical evnts are woven into the plot. Thanks for the review today!
It’s so good!
I have been hearing nothing but amazing things about this book. I loved Under a Painted Sky and I’m excited to read this as well. The characters sound fantastic. I love “bossy” characters in a time of crisis. Great review!
She sure is bossy too!
Honestly I entered this giveaway to win the book for my 13 yr old granddaughter. I thought she might enjoy it.
I’m sure she probably would!
I’ve wanted to read Under A Painted Sky for so long!! I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much too. I’m excited to read both now! ð
I hope you get to read them both soon!!
I’ve had my eye on this book, and now I definitely want to read it.
Yay! Good luck!
I can’t wait to read this book! It’s sounds amazing!
It is!
Outrun the Moon sounds like a great story â¡ I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you
It is excellent!
I’m dying to read Outrun the Moon!! I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and I’m always looking for more historical fiction and diverse books to read. ð
I hope you get to read it soon!
This sounds like a great read. I’ve not read the 1st book, but I hope to check it out soon!
They are both really good!
This sounds like such a fantastic book. I haven’t read anything by this author, but I’m really looking forward to this one.
I hope you do soon!
YEAH!!! This is one of my most anticipated reads of the month, so I am so glad to see you enjoyed it so much. ð Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! â¥
It’s definitely worth the anticipation!
The more I learn about these books, the more I want to read them. Thanks for the post!
Yay! I’m glad you want to.
I have been wanting to read Outrun the Moon as soon as I read the first chapters. I also can’t to wait get my hands on a copy of Under A Painted Sky too. So thank you so much for this giveaway. So excited for these books!
You’re welcome and Good Luck!
I think that I mentioned this already on instagram, but I’m really regretting not accepting an arc of Outrun the Moon. This looks like such a fascinating story and after reading your review I am more convinced than ever that I will love it! Great review as always!
At least it is out now so you can read it! YAY!! But I hate when I have regret like that also LOL
Yay ð Gorgeous review Crystal. <3 So glad you liked this book a lot. I think that cover is so awesome. Sigh. Unsure about the book, but you do make it seem amazing, ee ð Yay for liking the romance, despite there being little of it, lol ;p Thank you for sharing sweet girl. <3
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I’m so happy you liked this book! I love diversity in books, particular that of Asian MCs as I am also Asian, and I’m glad this book seems to portray POCs very well!
I hope you love it!!! Stacey just writes so beautifully!
I enjoy, cause I found exactly what I used to be having
a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God
Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye