
![]() |
Lin Yue is a brilliant and driven young woman who, after graduating from Columbia, quickly rises through the ranks of Kingsly, Price, and Company (KPC) to become a senior financial analyst. When she is placed on a new team, her new boss abuses her quiet, non-complaining persona by having her work long hours to complete projects. Lin is fast becoming burned out from the heavy workload, but she doesn't speak up for herself. Her situation at work becomes intolerable when rumors start spreading about her and the boss. Noticing a change in her demeanor, her concerned father brings her home to recuperate. When Lin discovers a quaint bookstore and its unassuming, musician owner, she finds a haven where she can be herself. Her journey to health and happiness is not a solitary one, but it teaches her to embrace her own strength.
Asano's novel about burnout and self-worth will resonate with many in the corporate world and beyond. She gives readers an inside look at how things get done in the business world and just how ruthless that world can be. Yue is a believable character whose intelligence is used by an unscrupulous boss for his own gain. Readers feel for the young businesswoman as she strives to do her best, yet finds more is demanded of her. The horrible situation crushes Yue, but it is her dramatic and slow climb out of depression that is important here. As she becomes her authentic self, she finds a way to help others achieve the same. In this capacity as a listener and healer who uses music to soothe others seeking solace, Yue truly becomes the happy person she is meant to be. All can learn much from her journey.