The Downstairs Girl

"As a Chinese girl living in late 19th century Atlanta, Jo constantly struggles to remain invisible even as she bursts with opinions. She begins writing an anonymous advice column, Dear Miss Sweetie, pouring out all the ideas she’s kept hidden – but as much as she yearns for acknowledgement, invisibility becomes more important than ever. This book tackles the racism and sexism of the Reconstruction-era South while still being a joyful read, full of newspaper office shenanigans, clandestine assignations in cemeteries and bicycle-riding adventures. The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time."