A Melodic Journey of Self-Discovery: The Notes Review

Publication Date: April 30, 2024

Author: Catherine Con Morse

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Synopsis

A reserved Chinese American teen at a Southern performing arts boarding school comes into her own under the tutelage of a glamorous new piano teacher. A moving coming-of-age-novel from a debut novelist about first love, adolescent angst, and academic pressures.

Claire Wu isn’t sure that she has what it takes to become a successful concert pianist.

It’s the fear of every student at Greenwood School of Performing becoming a washed-out performer who couldn’t make it big. And Claire’s no Rocky Wong, the ace pianist at their boarding school.

Then Dr. Li shows up.  She’s like no other teacher at Greenwood: mysterious, sophisticated, fascinating. Under Dr. Li’s tutelage, Claire works harder and dreams bigger than ever. And her crush Rocky finally seems interested. Maybe she’ll even be “Chinese enough” to join the elusive Asian Student Society.

Everything is falling into place until eerily personal notes about Claire’s bond with Dr. Li appear. Claire starts to feel the pressure. But she isn’t the only one. Everyone is feeling the strain. Especially Rocky, whose extreme perfectionism hides something more troubling.

As the Showcase tension crescendos, Claire must decide if she’s ready to sink or swim. She may discover who she really is as a Chinese American and learn if she’s ready to give her all for a shot at greatness.

Review

“The Notes” by Catherine Con Morse is a captivating and intense coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness in the world of performing arts.

Set in a Southern performing arts boarding school, the story follows Claire Wu, a reserved Chinese American teen who harbors doubts about her potential as a concert pianist. Amidst the pressures of academic excellence and the fear of becoming a “washed-out performer,” Claire’s world is turned upside down with the arrival of Dr. Li, a glamorous and enigmatic piano teacher.

Under Dr. Li’s tutelage, Claire begins to push herself harder than ever before, fueled by dreams of success and the possibility of finally fitting in with the elusive Asian Student Society. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to Rocky Wong, a talented pianist with a lighthearted charm that hides deeper struggles.

Morse expertly weaves together themes of cultural identity and the pressures of perfectionism, creating a rich and immersive narrative that resonates with authenticity. The characters are vividly drawn, each grappling with their own hopes, fears, and insecurities as they navigate the competitive world of music and academia.

The dynamic between Claire and Rocky, as well as the push and pull of their relationship, adds depth and complexity to the story, making it feel incredibly real and relatable. Morse deftly explores the tensions and complexities of first love, as well as the challenges of finding one’s place in a world where expectations run high.

As the tension builds towards the Showcase, Claire must confront her own doubts and fears, ultimately discovering what she’s truly capable of and who she wants to be. The plot twist adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

“The Notes” is a powerful and poignant debut novel that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. Morse’s insightful exploration of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness makes this a must-read for fans of young adult fiction. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.