Real Americans is a compelling and beautifully written novel that explores identity, family, and the pursuit of belonging. The characters are richly developed, and the story unfolds in a way that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing me in from the start. While some parts felt a bit slower, the emotional depth and thoughtful storytelling made it a powerful and rewarding read.

What I love about Rachel Khong’s writing is that there is a groundedness in her characters and their worlds that feels so familiar, that it’s easy to get wrapped into her novels. This novel still has that grounded nature, but I had a harder time staying engaged with the story. I especially wanted the theme of family to be explored more complexly.

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

The Real Americans was the kind of messy family drama that I love to read about. The twists and turns of the story were not easy to identify before they happen and were stitched into the story that made the story fuller.

"Real Americans" is a powerful book that explores identity and belonging. . The author combines personal stories with social insights, creating an engaging narrative.

I started out with high expectations for this book based on so many people talking about it but when I was 25% of the way through - I didn't see the hype living up to the reality. Multiple viewpoints, characters who I didn't really care about and lack of clarity on what the story was trying to tell me. BUT then as I continued the book - I really loved it! The 3 points of view don't wrap up in a neat bow at the end. There are questions left unanswered, and you will want more when it is all said and done.

Cheers to the author for the way the book was written for the exploration of identify and belonging = to family and to a country. It left me thinking about the book for a long time!


Thank you to Net Galley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf and Rachel Khong for the ARC

‘Real Americans’ was a bit of a slow starter for me, but once we reached the midway point I was fully invested in this contemplative family drama.

This had an interesting start but ended up setting the book down for now. Night try this again in the future

Real Americans by Rachel Khong is an engrossing and ambitious novel in three parts, offering a coming-of-age narrative across three generations... a grandmother fleeing China's cultural revolution, a mother struggling to find her footing, and a son/grandson uncovering the truth about sacrifices made along the way. Khong offers a truly creative look at the "American Dream" infused with a touch of magical realism and a smidge of science fiction to enhance the storytelling.

In Real Americans, Khong asks many interesting and nuanced questions about wealth, freedom, and family ties, however, I was left wanting a bit more depth from the answers. (This would be a phenomenal book club discussion.) I also think the three-part structure sacrifices some of the connections between characters... as massive chunks of time are completely left out of the book.

Still, I found this read nearly unputdownable, which is an experience I've been missing lately. Although I had an ARC, I ended up listening to most of it and really enjoyed the audio experience.

Final thoughts: Really liked.

This novel covers 50 years in the lives of three generations. It begins with Lily, a first-generation Chinese American who meets her future husband, Matthew. Lily soon becomes aware that Matthew comes from a very wealthy family, unlike Lily.

Part 2 is narrated by Nick, the son of Matthew and Lily who is living his single mother in very remote part of the US. The third part is the story of May, Lily's mother who immigrated from China with her husband and Lily's father. May is a scientist working in a laboratory alongside Charles on break-through discoveries that may or may not enhance life and genetics.

I didn't love each character's parts equally, but each part contributed to more understand of the other two points of view.
The book was well written, and I will definitely read more of her works!

I received Real Americans as an ARC through Netgalley. I enjoyed the magical realism mixed in the historical fiction of the rise of Mao. Following May's family through the decades really showed the hardship and difficulties it took to physically and mentally escape communist China. Rachel Khong did a masterful job of weaving all the characters lives together and I enjoyed all the different perspectives.

The way this tied together! I loved a multigenerational story and this did not disappoint. This book has stuck with me long after reading it - I'm still mulling over the ways our decisions impact those of our descendants. I loved that none of these characters were perfect but I was rooting for all of them just the same.

I ended up eventually listening to this, which was a good choice - the narrators were very good. I loved the story and the way it spanned generations.

Not as good as I was hoping for but I still enjoyed my time with these characters. I don’t think I read enough fiction about Asian characters.

This was the first book that I have ever read by Rachel Khong. I was not sure going into this book how I feel about it. I enjoy the storytelling aspect. The story follows three characters who are related and their story in different decades of time. It is a story of the grandmother, daughter and grandson. The grandmother story, which is the last of the one that I love the most. It is the story that I wanted more of and connected the most with. I thought it was genius that the author saved it until last because it ties all the other pieces together and made me rethink my earlier character trait boxes I had put certain characters in based on their actions at different times. Reading thsisbstoey created empathy when I didn't see it coming. I look forward to future book from this author. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read the ARC of this book.

One of my favorite book s of the year. I wish I had read it earlier. It was outstanding. I thought it might be stuff and important, but it was nothing like that. Pick it up!

One of my favorite books of 2024! I really enjoyed how it spans a long period of time and the character development. It is character driven but with a plot which I really enjoy.

I didn't finish this one. It dragged and I had some issues with the plot and pacing. I can definitely understand why others would love this one, but it personally wasn't for me. I'd definitely try the author's future books though.

On a roll with the reading so far this year. My first weekly challenge prompt is ‘Something You Meant to Read in 2024’. I was 70% of the way through Real Americans, so I finished it. While it was interesting and well-written, for some reason it didn’t make me ‘feel’ anything so I can only give it a 3.75. It didn’t make me think, so there’s that, but I really prefer a feeling book or one that can do both! This one has 3 timelines and is multi-generational. I had a little trouble with the skipping timelines…just as I got to know one character, we switched to her mother or son. Most of the names were English (though this is the story of a Chinese family) but I still had trouble remembering who was who…which tells me that the characters weren’t as vivid as I would have liked. The ending is satisfying and the science thought-provoking. I guess I just like my family sagas to be a bit more on the emotive side! No regrets about reading it. If you can enjoy a mg family saga without ‘all the feels,’ I highly recommend this one!

This is like 3 separate books. The first is a bit of a romance novel with Lily. The second is a sort of coming of age tale about Nick. The third is the backstory by May. There are twists of sci-fi and historical fiction in this as well.

I was excited to read this one after seeing it named a Read with Jenna pick!

An wonderful story tackling subjects such as family, culture, privilege, race, and identity. There are three parts that almost feel like three short stories, but they somehow ended up coming together at the end.

Thanks so much for the digital copy of this one in exchange for an honest review!