The Notes

by Catherine Con Morse

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 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.

The Notes is a powerful and poignant debut YA novel from award-winning writer Catherine Con Morse about dealing with academic pressures, falling in love for the first time, and finding yourself.

Genres: Young Adult, Music, Romance, Contemporary, Boarding School, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2024

About the author

Catherine Con Morse is the author of the coming-of-age boarding school novel THE NOTES, which was shortlisted for the CRAFT first chapters contest. A Kundiman fellow, she received her MFA from Boston University, where she taught undergraduate creative writing for several years. Her work appears in Joyland, Letters, HOOT, Bostonia, the Racist Sandwich podcast, and elsewhere. Catherine was one of the inaugural Writers in Residence at Porter Square Books.

In high school, Catherine attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, a public arts boarding school, where she was as intrigued with her teacher as Claire is with Dr. Li. Catherine continues to play and teach piano today. Most recently, she taught English at Choate Rosemary Hall, and lives in the Connecticut River Valley with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Paige]

Such a pleasure to read this thoughtful coming of age story by Catherine Con Morse (hey Catherine!!). It really did hit all the right notes! I was fascinated by the boarding school life, especially as written so realistically by someone who’s experienced it, and Catherine did a great job of making it realistic yet fun and had great perspective on being a teenager and growing up. I loved the thoughtful characterization of the protagonist, Claire, and how the author guided her into using her sensitivity as a strength, not some kind of liability - that was beautifully written.

I think in particular, YA readers will connect with this book. It isn’t unrealistic or over the top and hits all the right notes of growing up and going through tough changes but having fun with your friends. As a (visual) artist, I also particularly appreciated the in-depth attention to detail and first hand experience the author has when it comes to a life in the arts and the isolation but also great community and camaraderie that can be found in that. I love that it was clear that she knew what she was talking about when it came to music but even as a (very very) amateur musician that didn’t bore me, it just gave the whole story more depth and meaning.

[Marjie Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful surprise, and just the palette cleanser I needed after a big chunky!

Claire Wu is an accomplished high school pianist studying at an elite arts boarding school. In her junior year, a new piano teacher arrived who captures her attention. Dr. Li is more sophisticated and mysterious than any of the other teachers, not to mention the first Asian teacher Claire has ever had.

I’m half Chinese and played piano in high school, so this book felt specially written for me in multiple ways! Seeing Claire wrestle with whether she’s “Asian enough”, the stress of practice and performance, wondering about her future, and even the sweet romance resonated with me. It made me want to call my old piano teacher and apologize for not playing for the past decade (although it did not make me miss the recitals 😂). Plus, I always love a campus setting. You can tell that the author knows classical music and piano technique, but she writes in a way that will make you appreciate and enjoy it even if you don’t have a particular interest in those subjects!

[MelanieJoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book.

Plot: A teenage girl's sophomore (?) year at a boarding school for the arts. She gets a new piano teacher who does things differently than all previous teachers. She goes through the year with new challenges, a crush, and then deals with a big event and many emotions wrapped up in it at the end.

I felt there were holes or inconsistencies in the middle, like how certain phrases or sentences were too broad or certain things were described weird. But all in all I felt the flow of the story was pretty good, the character development was well done for even characters I supposed were static.

It helped give me a sense of empathy to what Asian teenagers face in the USA.

[Zoey Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much!!

[Audrey ✨Book Lover✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put off reading this book for a couple of months because it looked eerie to me. However, once I finally picked it up, I was pleasantly surprised with what I read!

Clare Wu attends a Performance Arts school in the South, where she studies piano in the hopes of one day becoming a concert pianist. At the beginning of her junior year, a new piano teacher, Dr. Li comes to Greenwood. Dr. Li is unusual: she encourages them to use new techniques while practicing and isn't afraid to critique and criticize the students. Clare begins to idolize Dr. Li and follows her instructions. All aspects of Clare's life are looking up, until mysterious and dismissive notes regarding Dr. Li start appearing. Now, Clare and her friends must deal with the changes that are happening at their school while still overcoming the typical pressures of high school life.

I thought that this book was very well written. I didn't know what to expect before picking this up, but it was done very well. I completed this in less than 24 hours because I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. There were many things going on in this book. It wasn't just a mystery, or a romance, or a description of life in a Performance Arts boarding school, or even a book about finding your heritage, it was all, and it was blended together perfectly. It was well balanced.

It really felt like I knew Clare and was part of her world. I was able to lose myself in the story and become invested in it.

Also, there was a mention of mental health illness with one of the main characters, and it was done very smoothly. I appreciated how forward it was, while still being gentle. This really showed the stresses of high school life, and the pressure that these kids were under, and it was done amazingly.

All in all, this was a really good book and I really enjoyed it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable, fun book! Main character Claire navigates the uncertainties of high school and relationships. Catherine Con Morse conveys her moods subtly and with depth. It's been many years since I was teenager and yet it reminded me of all the ups and downs I experienced. I liked having a bit of mystery, too, wondering who sent those notes.

[Emily D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves music and loves a good main character. This story spoke to the Asian American experience and the pressures of growing up.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a really good book that describes the pressures teens can be under - especially at an elite boarding school, this is it. Good pacing and writing style, but I felt like it was also trying to be a romance and a mystery. It was neither of those things. The discovery of the note writer was very quick and kinda lame and the story just moved on. Very anticlimactic. The romance was non-existent. Claire is desperate to get into the Asian Student Society, but who knows why? Dr. Li is this mysterious figure, but all the questions about her never get answered. After weeks in a mental health facility, Rocky just shows up and says hi. Everything just felt unresolved and incomplete.

[Melissa Gilbreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book about an arts magnet boarding high school and the pressures kids face from well intentioned adults. It talks about mental health and I’m pretty sure it’s about a school here in SC! I haven’t read many books about the challenges of arts education among advanced and committed students and this did a great job describing how the students (and teachers) may feel. I highly recommend!

[Myrna ♡]

the first page didnt have enough/accurate trigger warnings so heres some better ones :)
- mental health
- depression
- anxiety
- mention of mental health hospitals
- potential mention of eating disorders
- mention of suicide
- suicide attempt

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Notes is a beautiful, emotional YA novel that portrays well the hardships of pursuing a passion for classical music, but the message can be applied to all arts and sports that require a good balance between practice and pushing farther. Being Asian, Claire and other Asian students of this art high school need to work hard to guarantee a spot in the best colleges of art and music, but the path is not gentle and it can lead to an abysm.
On top of that, there are the traditional expectations that Asian students must excel without ever complaining or asking for professional help to deal with the pressure.
I loved the relationship between students supporting each other, the hint of a thriller when one student adopts a stalker attitude, the friendships and the love interest, the classical music, the interaction between the students of different areas, their life at the dorms, and how they worked together facing art with professionalism. Competition is fierce, each one has strengths and qualities, and even a teacher can be strict but still human, wanting to be better at something in a healthy manner. The self-harm scene and tense situations were handled very well by the author. 

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars.

This was a wonderful book, and I’m a sucker for anything involving boarding schools, but I just felt that something was missing. The Notes felt too fast and too slow at the same time, so the pacing felt off to me. I wanted more in depth conversations about being musically talented (or not).

I appreciated the talk about not feeling Asian enough and not good enough to play piano though. I liked Claire as a character, I did see a lot of growth in her character.

[sbu_andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like this book was made for me. As someone mentally stuck in their time at art school, who's loved teachers who were controversial to or even reviled by students and faculty alike--teachers who, even if they were to ask me now, I would probably literally kill for--the premise had me hook, line, and sinker, even if I've never been much for music. I bought an ebook, then realized that Catherine Con Morse was giving a reading in my city, then realized that she was actually incredibly cool so I bought a copy for her to sign, then devoured it quicker than I normally do non-podcast books.

Simply put, it's great. An earnest and sweet coming of age that brought back all the good bad and ugly memories of the place that made me who I am today. A great read for anyone who's into boarding school stories, art (especially music), obsession, complicated relationships with authority figures, and the bitter, all-encompassing loneliness that comes with pursuing a craft.

But I wouldn't be a Guy With A Podcast (tm) without taking advantage of an opportunity to ramble on and on about my opinions, so here we are. There were a couple things that didn't sit right with me--the sum of which isn't more than one star off--just things I would want to see improved upon in future books from Morse.

The big thing is: the pacing feels off. If I recall correctly, another reviewer called it "too fast and too slow". It's apt but can't be literally accurate; my guess is what we're experiencing is a byproduct of the book not being able to decide whether it's about the Claire and Rocky's romance or Claire's teacher-student relationship to Dr. Li. "Both" is absolutely an acceptable answer, and I think that's Morse's answer too, but what makes this impossible is that (at least in reference to Claire) Rocky scenes are Rocky scenes, Dr. Li scenes are Dr. Li scenes. With Rocky, it's "wow, you're really going through it (because of your reaction Li's demands of you). Anyways, I think I kind of like you". And with Dr. Li, it's "wow, you really demand so much of us and it's affecting us. Anyways, you're so mysterious". Dr. Li is too fast, Rocky is too slow. Podcast listeners will be familiar with the concept of "accordioning"--expanding and contracting plot beats until it reaches equillibrium--The Notes is a fully-expanded accordion, just slightly compressed.

What's realy enforcing that boundary between Rocky and Li is the plot is very soft on Claire (more on that sentiment later), and feels very hesitant to hold her feet to the fire and demand that she form an opinion--not about Li and Rocky in relationship to her, but in relationship to each other. Buried in my oversimplified quotes is one final step--an actual exploration of the ideas being presented. Claire's surrogate mother figure is indisputably, attributably, materially harming the boy she likes--this is SUCH an interesting and juicy dynamic! But Claire is--by herself, the plot, and the people around her--allowed to be in denial of this, up until the very end (No, Dr. Li, you weren't being too hard on us! she more or less says). I don't expect or necessarily want her to form a mature and measured, end-all-be-all take, but this book-defining (intentional) contradiction is never the square focus of a conversation, at least not to a point where it affects Claire.

On a more ephemeral note, here's where the sentiment of softness/tenderness comes back--I think I'd peg this as the single most all-encompassing issue of the book. The narrative is just TOO damn sweet and sentimental that it's not willing to dive into anything too unpleasant, which is a bizarre thing to say about a book that deals so unflinchingly with mental health. I feel there's a layer of protection over the events of the book that feels (perhaps appropriately) maternal or like a teacher. Rocky's ugliest struggles with his mental health are off-screen. The narrative has an interest in Claire's otherness at school/the US--I mean, the whole impetus of her infatuation is Dr. Li is the fact that she's the only Asian teacher--but the combination of Green Valley being such a warm blanket and Claire's primary ostracizers being the Asian society makes it hard to explore these themes. This isn't a huge issue--a thing can be part of one's identity but not the sole arbiter of their every experience--but it came to a head towards the end of the book when Claire runs through a list of microaggressions and other interactions with racism the likes of which we haven't seen throughout the book. These events predate her being at Green Valley. These experiences are very genuine and no less poignant for us not having been there to experience them, but the narrative could have benefitted from taking Claire's fish out of water more to illustrate her experiences. What's left can only feel vestigial.

Moving on from the character dynamics--this is a combination of unfair, subjective, and if I had to guess an editing note from the publisher, but--this didn't really feel like a story written by a music student. I don't know exactly what I was expecting. Maybe a lot of comparisons to voices or other sounds being like this that or the other Italian word, maybe an interest in meter or other sonic aspects of writing (but please God no alliterations). These things are there, but only when Claire is in an especially music-y mood; it feels like there was a lot of texture that got sanded off--too much for my taste.

I hope what all of that boils down to is "I wanted more of this". I wanted this book to be longer, delve deeper, bite harder, and I'll definitely be ordering what Morse does next to see how her voice evolves.

[Bobbi Mechler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Notes is a beautifully written novel with characters i understood—Claire, talented and sensitive; Rocky, brilliant, but obsessed; and Dr.Li, blinded by her determination. Catherine Con Morse made the music come to life in a way I will not soon forget!

[Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I loved seeing how the !son character and Rocky grew together, it was so cute! The plot twist was crazy, and it wrapped up into a nice sweet ending that I really liked.

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

4.7 rounded up to 5/5.

"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.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, despite it having some plot weaknesses. The setting in an artsy high school full of young ballet dancers, actors, and classical musicians was delicious -- fun, quirky, and very believable. It seems the author went to that very school, which explains her convincing portrayal of a distinct and specialized world. I very much identified with the main character, Claire, a sensitive pianist who has talent but questions if she has enough of it for a career as a concert pianist. I also loved her crush, Rocky, sweet, clever, hard-working, and immensely talented, and her staunchly loyal and resilient BFF. The pressure on all the students to excel in their chosen artistic fields, and their different personalities and methods of coping, were strong and beautifully written.
I confess I had problems understanding the plot (my 5 stars are awarded for character and setting :), not plot ). The "notes" of the title seemed pointless in the end, and I thought that whole angle could have been eliminated as it not only didn't add much, it also obscured the real conflict of the novel, which was about Claire's fascination with her glamorous but demanding piano teacher, and whether the teacher was helping or harming Claire. The anonymous notes actually diverted attention to the mystery of who was writing the notes, rather than highlighting the actual issue
Also, while I thought I could understand why Claire would want to join an Asian student club, I didn't understand why the club turned her down initially for membership. Are they snobs? Do they agree with her that she isn't "Asian enough"? Wouldn't they want to recruit as many members as possible, for solidarity if nothing else? I thought this part of the book was intriguing but undeveloped.
This was a really personal and appealing first novel, and I look forward to more from the author.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire is a piano student at the Greenwood School for the Performing Arts, and she and her classmates start the school year fascinated by their new piano teacher, Dr. Li, a concert pianist herself. Dr. Li is different from the other teachers at the school: she refuses to attend the Annual Faculty-Student Assembly, she places extraordinarily high demands on her students, and her personal life is a complete mystery.

Claire is determined to impress Dr. Li, earn an invitation to the super-exclusive and mysterious Asian Student Society, and, perhaps, win the heart of her classmate Rocky Wong along the way. But it’s not long before Claire starts receiving mysterious notes, questioning whether Dr. Li truly has her best interests at heart and whether her allegiance to her teacher is truly worth it. Meanwhile, Rocky, one of the best pianists at the school, is crumbling under the pressure of Dr. Li’s demands, schoolwork, and his part-time job to help his struggling single mother.

This is a hard book to classify: yes, there’s a love story, but it’s also a story about the hard work of pursuing a career in the arts, a story about students’ fascination and relationship with their teachers (something the author discusses in her author’s note), and a story about mental health and community. The inside look into the world of elite arts education is probably the novel’s largest draw, whether it’s for students fascinated by a world they don’t know or students who can relate to the intense pressures to succeed.

The novel includes mild profanity, some teen drinking, and references to suicide.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Crown Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm betting readers who loved Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places will find this debut novel just as emotionally riveting while also seeing some parallels between characters in both books. For instance, Rocky Wong, the protagonist's love interest, and Theodore Finch in Niven's book. I won't say why here for fear of spoiling others' reading of the book, but suffice it to say that I kept thinking of that book while reading this one. There are differences, of course. This one takes place in a Southern performing arts boarding school that focuses on the arts and doesn't even have a football team. The main character, junior Claire Wu, longs to be admitted to an exclusive club for Asian students, and while she's a talented pianist, she's nowhere near as talented as Rocky or some of her other classmates. A demanding piano teacher, Dr. Li, guides Claire and her other students in rather unorthodox fashion, and Claire becomes almost a disciple of the fascinating, talented woman. But how much stress can high schoolers handle in pursuit of being the best or at the top of their game? And who is behind those strange notes that first Claire and then others begin to receive? Although there are some plot points that remain puzzling, the characters are interesting, complex, and the passages describing music and playing the piano are lush and clearly drawn from experience. The Notes will strike just the right chords for many teen readers, who will see themselves in Claire and her journey. As for me, I wish there had been a bit more focus on why Claire so desperately needed the Asian Student Society.

[Reenie Cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Notes” by Catherine Con Morse struck a deep chord with me, immediately transporting me back to my high school days. The protagonist's unwavering dedication to her craft as a performer felt incredibly relatable, mirroring my own experiences of prioritizing practice at every possible moment.

The story's medium to fast pace effectively conveys the whirlwind of emotions and challenges faced by the protagonist. The narrative excels in its portrayal of mental health struggles, highlighting how one can endure significant mental hurdles and battle depression while masking these struggles from the outside world. This realistic depiction is both poignant and powerful, offering a raw look at internal battles.

However, it's important to note that the book contains extensive discussions about mental health and suicidal ideations, especially towards the end. This serves as a crucial trigger warning for those sensitive to these topics.

While eloquently written for young adults, I found myself wishing for more practical advice on seeking help and coping with mental health issues. Including realistic methods for getting help and expressing oneself could have added an invaluable layer to the story.

Despite this, “The Notes” remains a deeply relatable and impactful read. Catherine Con Morse has crafted a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced similar struggles, making it a significant addition to young adult literature. If you're looking for a story that combines the passion of performance with a sincere look at mental health, this book is a must-read.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Catherine Con Morse is a new-to-me author, but I was drawn to the cover and premise of The Notes. I know next to nothing about the world of music, but I appreciated how the pressure of being a musician was depicted, along with dealing with academic pressure, first love, and other issues a young teen deals with.
Claire is a sympathetic protagonist, juggling all these concerns early on in the book. The cultural nuance is also woven through the book, interrogating the common archetype that Chinese Americans excel at everything. I really liked how she came into her own, developing self-confidence in her abilities.
The relationships in the book are pivotal to Claire’s growth. Dr. Li, the glamorous music teacher, is instrumental in Claire pushing herself to succeed and strive to achieve her dreams. And while it’s not a romance, I really liked her growing bond with fellow student Rocky, who she bonds with over the intense expectations placed upon them.
This was an enjoyable debut, and I’m interested to read more from Catherine Con Morse in the future. If you’re looking for a multicultural coming-of-age story, I’d recommend checking out this one!

[Megan Tavani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting! But for me, it wasn’t simply a suspenseful read. Anyone like myself who has had formative experiences in youth orchestra, performing arts school, band camp, etc. will be taken aback by this compelling portrayal of the life of an impressionable music student. Often these kinds of portrayals are cringey and inaccurate, but Con Morse nails it by bringing her lived experience into this story—something for which there is no replacement. The greyness of student-teacher relationships, the studio dynamics, and the drive and loneliness that is experienced in the classical music world are well-captured. I resonated deeply with the protagonist, but others may also see themselves in the diverse cast of characters: some angsty, some stubborn, some endearing, and some just trying to keep their head above water. Give this to any student trying to find their way in an environment that pushes for excellence. It’s a testament to not losing sight of your true worth and purpose.

Oh and on top of that, can we talk about that Asian-American representation? Two of the main characters portray two different sides of the Asian-American experience and find it within themselves to offer support and compassion for one another. Heck yeah!

[Liz Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC and finished copy. I am leaving an honest review.

This YA book follows Claire, a young pianist in training going to a performing arts boarding school. The year starts fairly normal, save for a new mysterious piano teacher that no one can get a read on.

I think what this book does well is show the pressure teens can be under, even if society doesn’t always acknowledge that. Claire has parents who are, while supportive, very much like how many Asian American parents are described. They want her to be a doctor or a lawyer or anything but a pianist. There isn’t only pressure coming from that but from the nature of the school. They are training to be the best, and that’s a ton to put on a teen, as shown by her friend Rocky. The new teacher really layers that on, especially for Claire and Rocky, because of what she sees in their potential. Claire also struggles with not feeling as though she’s Asian enough when she is declined as a member of the Asian Student Society before the events of the book.

Overall, this book is a positive reflection of the struggles teens can be under, and how that can further manifest in such an extreme environment.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👧🏻 reviews: this cute coming of age book about Claire and her self-esteem is definitely a must read. Claire, who is talented but constantly second-guessing herself because of tough competition at Greenwood School of Performance Arts, is afraid that she’s not good enough compared to other students especially to her crush Rocky. However, Dr Li’s presence made all students feel the pressure that rocked the entire school especially to Claire and Rocky. This book speaks a lot about how important that extra-work will lead you somewhere or not. I can relate to Claire because I always have that urge to be better, but under many circumstances it is also wrong to be “anticipated” that as Chinese-American, I should be good in arts, math etc. and that usually created pressure and unwanted stress that Claire is already feeling. This is definitely a great book to see Claire and choose what you want to do—to be stressed or simply enjoy and do your best. Oh also, the twists in the story is really good—unexpected in some ways! An interesting book!

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Notes is a beautiful coming of age tale about being Chinese in America and finding your own identity in the world. Attending the prestigious Greenwood School for the Performing Arts is the first time that Claire witnesses Asian American students embracing their cultural heritage. The arrival of a new piano teacher, Dr. Li, shakes up this school year. Claire’s skills improve under the tutelage of this fascinating woman but she becomes the target of mysterious notes. This book is beautifully written and will certainly captivate readers of all ages with the perfect pace and amount of mystery. The Notes touches upon the often unspoken pressures of adolescence and the weight that big dreams and goals can hold.
4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love music boarding school and YA Asan books, and this one didn’t disappoint. I thought I was going for a nice lighthearted book, but it was unexpectedly heavy. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable.
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Dr. Li was highkey too much, but I could understand her more by the end. I could see Claire’s search for her Asian identity in going under Dr. Li’s wing. I could also relate to Claire being a people-pleaser.
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I liked the little bits of romance, but I did not think it was cute when Rocky left her the note for breakfast at the end…it just reminded me of the terrible things he did.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Notes by Catherine Con Morse is a coming-of-age book about kids attending a private school and focusing on their study of music. Dr. Tina Li is a new professor and right from the beginning you want to know her back story. Claire Wu wants to impress this teacher and begins to receive Han written notes which start with the mystery. Who is writing these notes and for what purpose? It wouldn’t be a coming-of-age book without a little romance and here comes Rocky Wong. Rocky is a member of the Asian Student Society and Claire aspires to being asked to join this group. There’s a bit of everything in this book and each young person has something going on in their family. I had the pleasure of attending a talk with this author and she is a delight and much of this book is based on her experiences. Definitely a good book for young readers in high school. And I think music teachers might enjoy all the references to composers. I learned how important the placement of hands is in making great sounds from the piano.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Wu is a shy student at the boarding school, Greenwood School for Performing Arts. She's fascinated by the new piano teacher, Ms. Li, partially b/c she's just excited to see another Asian-American person in the arts. But Claire and her classmates are under intense pressure and someone is leaving nasty notes around campus about the new teacher. Will they succumb to the pressure?

Really interesting read about academic pressure and boarding schools. The story is loosely based on the Governor's School in Greenville, SC, which the author attended.

[angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and enjoyable book — i loved the music perspective and the pressure regarding the students and in their lives, especially loved Jenny and Claire’s relationship with one another, and how the group of piano players connected with each other. loved pretty much every dynamic shown, and it was a nice touch with the dancers and Claire. for the people who play/played an instrument and told they were very hardworking. — overall, this book was good, and I enjoyed reading it!