October 7, 2025

Local Author Launches Two New Young-Adult Novels

News Summary

Catherine Con Morse releases ‘The Notes’ and ‘The Summer I Remembered Everything’, reflecting her upbringing in South Carolina.

Greenville, South Carolina – Local author Catherine Con Morse has unveiled her two new young-adult novels, The Notes and The Summer I Remembered Everything, both reflecting her upbringing in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Released in April 2024, these novels draw upon Morse’s experiences growing up in Greer’s Pelham Falls subdivision, where she spent significant time during her formative years.

Morse, a graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, has crafted narratives that resonate with young readers, addressing themes of identity and personal growth. The Notes features a reserved Chinese American protagonist named Claire Wu, who navigates life at a Southern performing-arts boarding school. A pivotal character in Claire’s journey is her piano teacher, Dr. Li, who inspires her to work harder and expand her dreams through the personal notes that detail their bond.

The second novel, The Summer I Remembered Everything, tells the story of Emily Chen-Sanchez, an Asian Latine teenager employed as a companion for an elderly woman named Mrs. Granucci. Emily’s primary responsibility is to help Mrs. Granucci recall her preferences and experiences, but the plot thickens when Mrs. Granucci wrongly accuses Emily of wrongdoing. The storyline captures a significant emotional conflict and reflects on themes of memory and connection.

Both novels are deeply rooted in Morse’s personal experiences. The inspiration for The Notes stemmed from her fascination with a glamorous piano teacher who studied at Juilliard. The character of Dr. Li serves not just as a mentor to Claire but as a representation of the impact that a dedicated teacher can have on a student’s life. Morse’s own journey through the Governor’s School has heavily influenced her approach to storytelling, contributing to the depth of her characters and their experiences.

The Summer I Remembered Everything finds its roots in Morse’s reflections during the pandemic when she was drawn to the nostalgia of her childhood home in Pelham Falls, which her parents sold while she was writing the book. Her experiences working for older professors at Boston University also inform the dynamics between the characters, adding layers of realism and relatability to the narrative.

Catherine Con Morse’s debut into the authoring world is marked by her ability to weave intricate stories that resonate with youth while providing glimpses into the complexities of growing up, cultural identity, and the significance of relationships. The backdrop of Greenville not only shapes the setting of her books but also serves as a poignant reminder of the author’s roots and experiences that inform her artistic voice.

For those interested in exploring her works and journey further, the author’s website can be found at catherineconmorse.com, where readers can learn more about her writings and upcoming projects.