Audible Review of "The Stand-In" by Lily Chu: An Audible Original Performed by Philippa Soo

If you had the chance, would you be the stand-in for an international celebrity?

The Stand-In by Lily Chu introduces a Canadian love story that is more than just romance. The love between mother and daughter is the center focus of the novel; however, new relationships form involving into new love.

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Gracie Reed was living her life trying to survive until one day she is fired from her job all because a paparazzi photographer mistakes her for the Chinese A-list actress Wei Fangli. A day later, Wei Fangli and her friend, the Sexiest Man in the World and actor Sam Yao, pay Gracie a visit with a proposal that sounds too good to be true.

Wei Fangli asks Gracie to be her stand in for publicity events. Gracie doesn’t want to take the place of an actress who is so dearly admired all over the world, but the payment Wei Fangli offers is enough to pay for Gracie’s mom’s private care home across town. Torn by the financial help and the morality of the situation, Gracie agrees to be Wei Fangli.

Easier said than done. Gracie not only needs to convince the public that she is Wei Fangli, but Sam needs to believe it too. It is an enemies-to-lovers journey as Gracie and Sam fall for each other's quirks and kindness in the midst of a media frenzy.

However, this story is more than just romance. Gracie bonds and strengths her friendship with her college friend Anjali, and forms a new relationship with Wei Fangli. The Stand-In truly shows the importance and power of female companionships as Gracie learns that she is not alone in her feelings or a failure to her mom. It is the friends she makes along the way that reflects her compassionate spirit.

Chu brings a story that taps into morals, decisions, mental health, and relationships that builds the alluring atmosphere of the book.

The Audible version of The Stand-In may just have been an on screen story at this point. Phillipa Soo’s narration was entertaining and truly brought the characters to life. Her voice lent itself to be the heart of the Audible. Her storytelling was nothing short of perfect for Chu’s story.

The comedic bits were spot on, shining humor when it called for it. The heartfelt moments between Gracie and her mom read as if I was in the room with them. The intensity of the Wei Fangli stand-in scenes illuminated off the page. Soo magically gave this novel a new platform to showcase how captivating The Stand-In is.

Gracie felt real, as if she was in the passenger seat of my car. It was like a friend catching me up on her whirlwind adventure. Each character had their own voice qualities that separated them. It added texture to the story that I did not expect from an Audible. Soo mastered the changes in voices and played the part for each character.

Soo would switch from relatable Gracie to swoony Sam, and in the next page switch to sleazy Todd. No character had the same tone or decibel. They were given their own voice to tell the story. The challenge it must have been to separate her voice for each of the characters was grand, but Soo delivered!

If there is an audiobook that you want to listen to, consider The Stand-In by Lily Chu and performed by Phillipa Soo. It is the perfect audio to play at the beach, in the car, on a plane, or while cleaning the house. Time will fly by listening to Soo bring Chu’s words to life.

Who knows, maybe this is the reason to actually make The Stand-In an on screen movie or short series; all because Soo gave a star worthy performance.

Have you listened to The Stand-In on Audible? Share with me what your thoughts were. DM on Instagram @lovebooksstudio and let’s chat!