A sweeping multi-generational novel that takes us from Communist China in the mid-20th century to San Francisco in 2030, "Real Americans" takes on the perspectives of 3 individuals in a complicated Chinese-American family and their separate and joint paths across time.

In 2000, Lily Chen is a struggling unpaid intern in a media company in NYC; she's barely making ends meet, frequently needing to ask her parents for money for rent. At one of her company's parties however, she meets Matthew, the nephew of her boss, and her world is forever changed. Despite the fact that the two are completely different and he clearly comes from a background of wealth, Lily can't help but stay by his side - even when she finds out that Matthew took on a fake last name to hide his family's affiliation with one of the largest pharmaceutical firms in the country.

The novel jumps ahead nearly two decades, told now from the perspective of Nick Chen. Growing up in an island off of Washington under the care of his mother Lily, he can't help but notice how completely different his appearance his from hers. It's only when he graduates high school and leaves for college that he stumbles across the secret of his father that she's hidden from him, and Nick decides to keep some secrets of his own. His actions cause even further tears in his family, despite his attempts to come to terms with his own identity.

The final section of the novel centers on May, Lily's mother. In 2030, she lives an isolated life in San Francisco, estranged from her daughter. An unexpected meeting prompts her to look back on her life, beginning with the takeover of China by Mao and the ways the Communist regime ruined her dreams of becoming a scientist and forced her to separate from her love. She gambles on a chance to escape to the US and rebuild a life in a new country - but the decisions she makes for her own daughter and the generations that follow have unexpected ramifications.

From the first passage, this novel pulled me in and didn't let go. Khong is an adept writer with a clear, developed prose and the ability to craft complex characters that you can't help but empathize with. Each storyline was distinct and built out, focusing on a myriad of difficult issues: privilege and wealth; identity and race; generational trauma; the pursuit of the "American dream", and the externalities of forcing decisions on your children, even with the best intentions. While there were elements of magical realism/science fiction that I didn't think were entirely necessary (and honestly, a little distracting) to the main plot, it was a satisfying read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Looking forward to when "Real Americans" is published in April 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own..

Such a thought-provoking story of family, multicultural trauma, and ethics. What lengths would you go to in order to protect your loved ones? What choices would you make when offered the ability to balance the scale of cultural inequalities?

As stated in many of my other reviews, I truly enjoy books with multiple narrators. I especially appreciated that this story was told somewhat out of order chronologically,

One aspect didn’t work for me (no spoilers) but it didn’t affect my reading or overall opinion..

4 out of 5 stars and my respect to the author.

Real Americans by Rachel Khong tells the story of Lily, her son Nick, and her mother, May. The story is told in three parts and allows insight into each person's life. The story is beautiful, reflective, and at times, sad. It covers relatable family issues that resonated with me. Each major protagonist has a detailed story arc. Khong does a great job of making this a story that will stay with you. I

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

I put my life on hold for a day and a half to read this amazing story. A cast of beautifully drawn and uniquely flawed characters who traverse generations in a plot that explores heritage and genetics, and the dangers inherent in manipulating either of them. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This was a beautifully delivered multigenerational tale spanning 3 generations of a Chinese immigrant family. The book centers on so many vital and important themes, namely the idea of identity and what it truly means to be a “real” American.

Going into this, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, as I typically don’t gravitate toward this genre and this type of story. I’m so glad I took the plunge because it was the type of novel that really made me stop and think about ethnicity, identity, and recognizing the struggles some face when they can’t quite find where they belong. This is definitely a book to spark discussion or to just ponder on ones own, and I would absolutely recommend it. It was a highly enjoyable story!

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read to and review this arc!

While I really enjoyed this book, it felt a little disjointed at times. The story is told in three parts from the perspective of Lily, her son Nick and her mother Mei - this left me feeling almost like I was reading three separate books at times. Overall it was both heartbreaking and hopeful and I loved both the Chinese history and the science intertwined throughout. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC!

This is a family saga. It starts off with Lily who is Chinese American. She does not really know what she wants to do in life and feels the weight of expectations. Lily is the first third of the book. Then we have Nick who is Lily's son. He has wondered about his father his whole life. Why did his mother leave? He also does not look anything like his mother instead he looks like the all American boy. Will he look for his father and if he does what will he find? The third section is about May, Lily's mother. May came from a poor family in China but always wanted to be a scientist. She gets into university right before Mao takes over China. She escapes China to come to the United States. The story revolves around the decisions made by each character and what it does to this family.

It is an interesting story and will make you think about where you came from. Most of us come from immigrant ancestors. It will also make you think about choices that families make with the best intentions. If you like family dramas then give this book a try.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #RachelKhong, @Knopf for a copy of this book.

The novel tells the story of a Chinese American woman who is an American Born Chinese woman, Lily. It starts in the late 90s and is told from her perspective. It fast forwards 20 years or so and her son, Nick, takes the stage. It finishes with her mother, May, describing her escape from China.

Very complex story involving May's work as DNA researcher, Nick's separation from his father and Lily's need to hold on to her son. Spanning over 50 years, I thought this was a compelling novel.

Real Americans is a wonderful book about family, generational trauma, how decisions effect the future, cultural expectations, as well as other things. Told in 3 parts by 3 members of a Chinese family from different generations, while not told chronologically, it's a study in show a family develops, thrives, or suffers, and how the past shapes the family of today. The author has a lovely writing style that flows beautifully. It brings the reader along into the lives of the characters and makes the reader care about what happens to them. She also did a good job of evoking the atmosphere of New York and San Francisco, where two of the characters reside. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable, but thoughtful, read. Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC!

The book is divided into three parts, each centering a different perspective that’s compelling in its own way. I found the first section, Lily’s, to be the weakest: Lily becomes a fuller character only after her chapters are done. Her story feels the most overdone of the three — she falls in love with a wealthy man who showers her with wealth, effectively reducing her personality to her class consciousness. As the novel progresses beyond Lily’s narrative, it morphs into something fresh as it reveals its original angle, one involving magic and sci-fi. While this angle is intriguing and lends the novel unique appeal, it feels slightly out of place, jarring at first and underdeveloped by the end. Still, this is a touching, if familiar, family saga that proves a fast and well-written read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC.

I have such good things to say about this book. Real Americans does an incredible job telling the story of 3 generations and the various struggles they dealt with. These struggles include issues with family, cultural oppression, mental health, education, ethics, and more. The book starts with Lily, then picks up with her son Nick (while chronologically still moving forward) and ends with May, the mother of Lily and grandmother of Nick, and her retelling of the past and her perception of current state. It’s beautiful written and its impact is significant. I had a hard time putting it down.

I find NetGalley NetGalley books are often hit or miss. Well, this one definitely was a hit. It’s a story of three generations of a Chinese immigrant family trying to make it in America. The first generation struggles to fit in, with the language and the completely different culture in America. Lily is the second generation, born and raised in America,doesn’t even speak Chinese, yet she feels her Asian look makes her subject of discrimination.
She definitely struggles with identity, too American to be Chinese, yet too Chinese ( why) to be treated as a “Real American”.
Nick, Lily’s son is the third generation. He is also struggling with identity, never knew his biological father growing up and when he finds him as a teenager, there are more questions, than answers. I enjoyed the book, especially Lily’s and Nick’s stories.Mei’s story was a little drawn out and confusing, I am taking one star off for that.
I received a complimentary copy, opinions are my own.

Every. Single. Time. 🤣 I type “Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review” the Goodreads app closes. Yes, I C&P, but this is annoying! Anyway, thank you NG! The book is closer to a 3.75 than a 4. There is no possible way every single book I read is a 4 or 5, but that doesn’t make them unenjoyable.

This is a multigenerational story that seems a little bit stereotyped as we start with Matt and Lily’s story. Billionaire white guy trying to fly under the radar and a Chinese woman seemingly disappointing her parents and herself after graduating from NYU. I am not a white male billionaire nor a Chinese female so if you disagree, have at it. Part one is Matt and Lily, their relationship which culminates in marriage and the birth of their son. Lily struggles with what she will do with her life, struggles with motherhood which she really never wanted for herself and struggles to be a the daughter her parents want. We meet the parents briefly. Her mother May/Mei does seem truly unlikable. His father tries to put Lily at ease in the family.

Part 2 has Lily and her son Nick living on the West Coast. She loves him beyond anything she could have imagined. Nick is unaware of his paternal lineage. He is sheltered from all tech by Lily.

Part 3 is Mei’s story and this is lengthy. I was truly engrossed in the China she was raised in (not a fan of Mao’s here). Unless you make the time to read about China’s history and its governance, rulers, wars, etc. you read only a couple of lines in a high school history book about this happened and then that happened. Mei recounts every step in her journey from destitute and ignored daughter to her university schooling, her years as a scientist in China, how she escaped Mao’s China for the US and her marriage to Charles/Wen. There is no mysticism. Chinese culture is very different from Western Culture. Part 3 pulls Mei, Lily, Nick, Matt, Otto and Charles together as the author binds her story. There is no epilogue. I had to think about how the author ended the story. It is both spot on and somewhat wanting.

I loved this book! A genuinely fresh, surprising, and readable take on the American immigrant story, full of characters who were flawed and real but who I was fundamentally really rooting for. Propulsive plot, emotional depth, overall a great read.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I loved this book. I wasn't sure, initially, what I was going to think or feel about it. I wasn't in the mood (my mood-reading ways can be an annoyance) for a multigenerational novel but I'd recently read and loved Goodbye, Vitamin, so I tiptoed into this one. I was promptly drawn into this mesmerizing story.

My husband asked, "What's that one about?" and I (only partially through the book) said, "It's hard to say at this point. It's about mothers and daughters, mothers and sons, fathers and sons. Friendship. It's about identity and race and choices and attempts to control our lives and the lives of people we love. It's a peek into the cult of Mao Zedong and I was reminded of the frightening parallels with MAGA cultists. It's about being human."

"That's a lot," he said.

"But it's just the right amount," I said. And, having finished the book, I still think so.

At the beginning of this book, Real Americans appears to be primarily about the struggle of being a first generation American with Chinese immigrant parents. Lily, one of the main characters, was brought up by her Chinese parents as American as possible, not even learning to speak her parents’ native language. She contemplates her cultural identity as the people she meets make assumptions about her based on her outward appearance and yet she does not feel as connected to her Chinese heritage due to her upbringing. But Real Americans is more complex than that. This is a generational story focusing on Lily, her mother Mei, and Lily’s son, Nick- how in each generation the mother tried to do what was best for her child (also in an attempt to avoid the mistakes of her own parents), but in the end the same mistakes were somehow still made. Mei(May) is a Chinese immigrant from Southern China who fled to America during Mao Zedong’s reign. She worked so hard to give her daughter the opportunities that she did not have as a girl who grew up in China. This isn’t simply a generational saga, as there is a scientific/ethical twist that makes it that much more interesting- I won’t spoil it for you but I was surprised and intrigued by it. This book is thought-provoking in the best way, the characters are realistic and easy to identify with, and the prose is so easy and enjoyable to read. I also haven’t read many books (fiction or otherwise) about China during Mao Zedong’s leadership so it has made me interested to learn more.
If you like generational stories, historical fiction, and ethical quandaries, I bet you’ll enjoy this one too!

Real Americans by Rachel Khong without context:
⏰🦪🥗🍷🌙🧬🍀📺💄🪷

I knew this book was going to be a new favorite just a few chapters in. Historical fiction with a sprinkle of magical realism, romance, and even a bit of mystery. And some science. LOVE!!!

This books spans 3 generations of the Chen family, from the Cultural Revolution in China and the 9/11 attacks, to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was such an insightful and heart-warming read.

I’ve always thought about how I’ve been connected to my grandma since she was born— in her womb, she carried my mother with all her existing eggs. What was my grandma like as a teenager? What did she struggle with? How had she influenced how my mom raised me? Does everything I’ve done thus far already impact— and dictate the personalities & health of—my future grandchildren?

I loved seeing how each character maneuvers through stages of life and how they perceive their parents through their limited understanding. It was an eye opener for sure. One of my favorite parts of the book was getting subtle repeats of the past, through things like salad-oil stains and gifted TV’s.

I loved this book and will definitely reread it in the future. ⭐️ 5 stars!!!

I really really loved this book! 4.5 starts rounding up to 5. It’s a beautiful story about fate and free will and unrequited love and wanting the a better future for our children, even if it leads us into morally grey territory or forces us to make hard, life-changing decisions. I loved all the characters and appreciated the long stretches of the book in their various POVs. The magical realism element of the story requires a little suspension of disbelief and I might have liked a little more explanation there, but overall the storytelling was so beautiful that it didn’t matter!

Real Americans is not the type of book I typically read, but I am so glad the cover caught my attention. It was beautifully written and caught my mind going back over the story anytime I wasn't reading it. I didn't expect the path the book wandered, but the whole story was as lovely as it was heartbreaking.