She stands up for herself in the face of Sam’s initial hostility. As she learns how to play the character “Wei Fangli” she gets her own shine and confidence back. Gracie has been encouraged not to shine, and then tried to become invisible at work to avoid her gross boss’s attention. In addition, Gracie is able to develop a better relationship with one of her own friends. The relationships Gracie develops with Fangli and Sam are lovely. An offer of a whole lot of money overcomes Gracie’s reluctance. Fangli, over Sam’s objections, wants to hire Gracie to be her double for social engagements where she needs to be seen more than heard. in the middle of this mess swoops Wei Fangli and her bestfriend and co-star, Sam Yao.įangli and Sam are in Toronto for a few months starring in stage production. Gracie’s mother, who emigrated from China before Gracie was born, has Alzheimer’s. But, Gracie needs her income because she is also supporting her mother and trying to get her into a better assisted living facility. The handsy boss situation had worn away Gracie’s drive and self confidence. The next day, she gets fired because her gross boss recognizes her in the photos.

What she does get is a bunch of photographers in her face mistaking her for famous Chinese actress Wei Fangli. After an unproductive meeting, she goes to her local coffee shop, hoping for some decadent chocolate treats to lift her spirits. When The Stand-In opens, Gracie Reed has taken a sick day from work to go see a lawyer about whether she has a case against her gross, handsy boss. Lily Chu’s The Stand-In was a very nice way to spend 10 hours and it reignited my off and on search for the perfect to-do list organizer.

The stand in book lily chu