Pulls you in and holds on, you feel you are part of their life, the restaurant just around the corner. Complex dive into family dynamics and relationships, with all the secrets and insecurities bubbling to the surface. Two years lost, but new directions found.

I enjoy slice of life books and this is it! The book follows a Japanese-Korean gay man who wakes up from a coma after two years. He is processing a lot and thinking about his nurse. This book is about healing, community, and love. What an amazing book and should be shared with anyone spending a lot of time in a hospital or has a long healing journey ahead of them.

I really wanted to love I Leave It Up to You, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The premise was intriguing, and I was ready to get pulled into the story, but it ended up being a slower read than I expected. It just didn’t grab me the way I’d hoped, and I found myself putting it down more often than I wanted to.

One of the main reasons for this was the characters. They felt a bit flat — like I was only seeing the surface of who they were. I kept waiting for more layers to be revealed or for a moment where I’d feel a real connection to them, but it never really happened. Their motivations and inner worlds could have been explored more deeply, and I think that would’ve made the story more compelling.

That said, there were still some things I appreciated. Certain scenes had really thoughtful, reflective writing, and I could see glimpses of something more profound. It’s clear that Jinwoo Chong has an interesting perspective as a writer, and I think some readers might connect more with the story than I did.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, just not one that left a lasting impression on me. If you like slower, more introspective stories with subtle themes, you might still enjoy it. I just wanted a little more depth and connection.

If you are looking for a fast paced mystery thriller type book, this one is not it. But, if you are looking for a slower paced, slice of life type book about reconnecting with family and getting to know yourself, this one will hit the mark. This is a book that I can see will be adored by many readers but on the flipside, I could see readers not giving it the chance it deserves due to the slower pace and the sense of ambiguity relating to a couple of matters.

Certain scenes reminded me of the tv show "The Bear" with a Korean flair.

I really enjoyed this little novel and even though I'm not a sushi person I can appreciate the art a bit more now.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

December 13th, 2024, 09:57 am
I Leave It Up to You Book Review
Book: I Leave It Up to You

Author: Jinwoo Chong

Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars


I would like to thank the publisher, Ballantine Books, for sending me an ARC. I had never heard of either this book or the author before the publisher reached out. I must say that I did end up being very surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. It was one of those stories that sucked me in.


In this one, we follow Jack Jr., who has just woken up from a two-year coma to find his life completely changed. His job in advertising is gone, his Manhattan apartment is no more, and the man he loved has moved on. It's been ten years since he last saw his family, and now, with no one else to turn to, he returns to Fort Lee, New Jersey. There, his parents believe he never left, and their struggling sushi restaurant, Joja, awaits him. Jack finds himself back in the life he left behind, working with his father on early morning fish runs and helping at the restaurant while his mother keeps track of the few customers. He also tries to reconnect with his brother James, a recovering alcoholic and becomes a mentor of sorts to his teenage nephew. While Jack starts to appreciate the life he once abandoned, he still feels the pull of a different future. The story explores the messiness of second chances, self-discovery, and the complicated relationships we have with those we love.


The writing style is the type that pulls you in right away. This is a family drama, with romance, and day-to-day life. There is nothing more to it. We follow Jack Jr. after he has woken up from a two-year coma and he now must make sense of the world around him. It’s after COVID and he has no idea what happened. He doesn’t understand why people are wearing masks or what went on. The man he loved is gone. Everything that he has ever known has been turned upside down. He is now back with his family who he has not seen in years. This is what the story is and it doesn’t try to be anything more. At least, that is what it seems like on the surface. As you read, you get to see more.

The way the characters are written and presented makes them seem real. They are a family, that is a mess. There is no other way to put it. Life has let all of them down in some way or another. It’s ugly and messy. Jack Jr. finds himself back in this family and now must deal with the fact that he was not there. The way Jack reacts to everything is so well done. We don’t know about everything that went on because Jack doesn’t know what happened. Like Jack, we must uncover and piece everything together. It’s very confusing at times, but that is how it is for Jack.


The mixture of American and Korean culture also makes this book stand out. The family owns a sushi restaurant and it is the centre of life. It is what is keeping the family afloat, but it is also what is bringing the family down. It has caused a lot of stress and fights among the family. Yet, it is still there. Through all the good and bad times, the restaurant is still there. I do think that without the restaurant the story would not have been as strong. It is through the restaurant that we see Jack Jr. work through things and see who and what he is supposed to be.


This is a heartbreaker, but it is done in a way that feels right. I know that doesn’t sound right, but everything that happens in this book is human. It’s all human nature and human emotions, which is why I think I latched onto it so far. Everything feels real and all so right.


If you are looking for a book about second chances and finding your way, I highly encourage you to pick this one up.


This book comes out on March 4, 2025.


Youtube: https://youtu.be/0SmPP8C5iuE

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book hit me like a subtle punch in the heart—unexpected, quietly devastating, but ultimately so worth it. Jinwoo Chong weaves a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring the messy, beautiful disaster of second chances.

Jack Jr. is, to put it mildly, a hot mess. Waking up from a two-year coma to find his world turned upside down, he’s forced into a reckoning with the life he left behind. And trust me, it’s not a graceful reunion. His return to Fort Lee, New Jersey, feels like a slow unraveling, but it’s also layered with moments of humor and tenderness that keep you rooting for him, even when he’s at his most frustratingly human.

The family dynamics here are chef’s kiss. Jack’s parents are the kind of immigrant parents who love fiercely but express it through biting commentary and endless work. Their restaurant, Joja, feels like its own character—underappreciated, struggling, but full of soul. Jack’s brother, James, and his nephew add even more complexity, as they each wrestle with their own baggage. These relationships feel raw and real, with all the misunderstandings and reconciliations that come with being part of a family that’s both deeply loving and profoundly messy.

And then there’s Jack himself—flawed, lost, and unsure how to bridge the gap between the man he used to be and the one he’s trying to become. His journey is sometimes frustrating but always compelling, especially as he starts to find joy in the life he thought he didn’t want. The romantic subplot with his nurse is sweet and understated, providing a nice counterpoint to the heavier themes.

Chong’s writing is quietly beautiful, capturing small, intimate moments with precision. The narrative occasionally meanders, but it feels intentional, echoing Jack’s own sense of disorientation. Life doesn’t come with a neat bow, and neither does this book.

My only minor gripe is that some of the subplots, like Jack’s relationship with his nurse or his efforts to reintegrate into the restaurant world, could have used a bit more depth. But even so, the book leaves a lasting impression.

Big thanks to Jinwoo Chong, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC! I Leave It Up to You is a poignant reminder that even when life is a mess, there’s value in showing up, trying again, and finding joy in the chaos. Definitely worth a read.

Imagine waking up after being in a coma for almost two years, back in the hometown you left and finding out everyone has gone through a pandemic while you were asleep...In "I Leave It Up To You" by Jinwoo Chong, we follow the life of Jack Jr., a successful copywriter in New York who has just beat the statistics and woken up from a 23 month coma. He grapples with a ton of change right off the bat, figuring out who he is again, and figuring out a path he is content with after losing so much time.

I really did enjoy reading this. The pacing of the book was a little slower than I was used to but I felt like it made sense, Jack Jr is slowly figuring out what his life is going to look like and we are right there with him. While it took me a little longer to warm up to Jack Jr, I fell for his family immediately. Chong writes familial dynamics so well & I consistently felt like I was in the room having dinner with them or in Joja at the bar. As Jack Jr. got reacquainted with his family, I loved seeing the different relationships and the choices he was making to be more intentional with them after so much time away. I especially loved him & Juno! At points, I wished I could see even more into his relationships around him & dive into his world a little deeper.

At its core, yes, "I Leave It Up To You" is a novel about family and love but it's also a great story about how grief can look different than we expect and can be seen in more people than we think. A man losing the life he built over the span of 10 years has a lot to grieve but ultimately his grief becomes a push for transformation and a second chance in more ways than one.

Ultimately, I would recommend this. I think there are pieces that anyone can relate to whether it's someone's struggle with pursuing their dreams, someone feeling the pressure of the world, or someone just trying to "stay alive" in this world.

Thank you to Jinwoo Chong, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC ebook!

I requested and received an eARC of I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong via NetGalley. In the novel, Jack Jr. awakens from a coma into a world that he barely recognizes. He’s been asleep for two years following an accident that he cannot remember. His job and apartment are gone. Ren, the man who he immediately asks for upon awakening, has left him. Alone and feeling left behind, Jack Jr. has no choice but to return to Fort Lee, New Jersey to stay with his family as he readjusts to a world and life that has been passing him by. He find himself pushed back into Joja, the struggling sushi restaurant he was set to inherit before leaving it behind and navigating the unfamiliar landscape of a romance with the nurse who took care of him while he was in the coma.

I was quick to form an opinion of this book based on the first chapter. I was totally absorbed. In Jack Jr.'s voice, Chong creates a very vivid reading experience that is humorous, heart-rending, and disorienting all in one. Much like Jack emerging from his coma, I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cry as I dove into this story but I was certain that Chong's writing had a certain magic that I couldn't get enough of. Jack wasn’t immediately likeable which is something that I like in a protagonist, because it allows room for growth while also giving the character an edge that makes them interesting. He was, however, funny and had a distinct point-of-view, making him a great character to follow.

This is very much a book about relationships, family, and healing. I loved the scenes between Jack Jr. and his nephew, Juno. These moments provided much needed comedy among some of the heavier themes, but they were also quite touching as well. The budding romance between Jack Jr. and Cuddy really offered a lightness that was so fun to read. I think one of my favorite relationships, however, is the one between Jack Jr. and his older brother, James. There’s a great energy that Chong captures between them. The tension between them felt very real to me, and there’s a rawness to this dynamic that hits home. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every page of this book. The story felt carefully planned and developed with the absolute right amount of heart and humor.

Jinwoo Chong’s I Leave It Up to You is a captivating, introspective story about choice, fate, and the complexities of human connections. With a quiet, reflective narrative, Chong explores the tension between control and surrender in relationships, while weaving in rich, subtle character development. The book’s thought-provoking themes and elegant writing make it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy stories that delve deep into the emotional intricacies of life and love.

In "I Leave It Up to You", Jack (John) Jr. wakes up in 2021 after being in a coma for 23 months. The last thing he remembers is driving his car into the Hudson River and upon awakening, realizes that the past two years have changed his life, and the world, tremendously. Everyone in the hospital is masked, following pandemic protocol; his then-boyfriend turned fiancé Ren is no longer by his side; and his life working in advertising in Manhattan is gone. At his side are his parents, Amma and Appa, his older brother James, with whom he has a complicated relationship with, and James's son Juno.

Jack begrudingly returns back to his childhood home in Fort Lee, New Jersey where his father runs Joja - a Korean-Japanese restaurant serving modern takes on the traditional sushi and omakase. There, he tries to find his footing, both physically and metaphorically, and must come to terms with his new life and reality. Making a frequent appearance in his post-coma life are Emily Cuddy, the RN who took care of him over the almost-2 years Jack was hospitalized, as well as Zeno (Abigail), a classmate of Juno's who shows up at the restaurant looking for a job.

There's a number of things I appreciated and enjoyed about the novel: the complicated relationship between an Asian child and their first generation Asian immigrant parents; the proximity of the setting to where I currently am in NYC; the descriptions of food and the early morning trips to Fulton Fish Market; and the bickering between Jack and his nephew Juno. There's a number of comical, tongue-in-cheek scenes and dialogue that kept the pace of the novel moving. However, I also found myself wanting more - stronger characterization and character development, more focus on Jack's relationship with his father and brother, and tighter utilization of events and dialogue.

It's entirely possible that this just isn't the type of novel for me, but I think it's worth a read for those who are intrigued by the premise!

I love this story, What a heart warming story about family and being there for one another. When the story started I had no idea where it was going, but soon what I found was a family that loved one another through good times and bad times and open minded to anything that comes their way. I found many of the characters charming and funny and frustrating and understanding all at the same time and ready to help each other. at a drop of a hat. I love Emil and how cute and humble he is with Jack Jr. and how much he likes others. I'm glad that Emil finally gets to do something he never thought he could. I love Jack Jr. and how much he grows in this story and realizes what the most important things in life are.
I loved all of the characters Umma, Apps, Noa and especially Juno, who cracked me up. I love how funny they are with each other. There are some great moments in this book that will make your heart swell and shake your head at the same time but its all good and you will love this story.

I want to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this heart warming story about family.

I think this was a well-written book that just wasn’t for me. I liked the POV character well enough… ish… and the nurse seemed like a good guy, but I simply didn’t care about anyone in the book (including them) all that much. If you like family-obligation drama, this may be exactly your cup of tea.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

Loved this book. This is Jinwoo Chong's sophomore novel, and in a departure from Flux, it is a romance about a guy waking up from a coma two years after an accident. I Leave It Up to You reminded a little of Family Meal by Bryan Washington with the focus on food. I loved reading about Jack Jr.'s character development and his relationship with his family's restaurant, and as a fellow Asian American, the family in this novel read as true to life.

This book has a creative storyline and explores family relationships as well as the question - can you go home again. It is well written and the characters are exceptionally well developed.

My only negative is that in keeping with the books theme and primary location, many Korean/Japanese phrases were used for food. I had to keep stopping to look things up.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

This was a tender, quiet story that I really enjoyed. I think the beginning and end were particularly strong, but I was invested all the way through. I naturally thought a lot about the idea of waking from a coma and coping with the time and living lost. In the case of Jack's story, that experience is also combined with second chances of sorts that wouldn't have happened without the coma. This made for a very compelling read that I definitely recommend.

My first book by this author and now I am anxious to read his first release, Flux.

Ratings
Quality of Writing 5/5
Pacing 4/5
Plot Development 4/5
Character Development 5/5

Overall Enjoyability 4.5/5

I Leave It Up to You, is a second chance story that follows 30-year old Jack Junior as he reintegrates back into life, and his family after waking up from a two year coma. I feel like the characters in this were fleshed out, and the family dynamics felt real. I loved the representation in this novel, and got the warm fuzzies by watching everyone figure things out with each other. With that said, a part of me did feel like something was slightly missing from this novel, and a couple of small questions that aren't answered.

Thank you, dear NetGalley folks for the chance to read an ARC. This is a great book filled with characters I got to know and love. The complications of life and love and family. Waking up and then waking up. Wonderfully readable.

Forthcoming novel from Jinwoo Chong. Endearing story about a young man who is hitting strides in his life - has a career, has asked his boyfriend to marry him, and is living the life he hoped for. After spending a weekend away to celebrate their engagement, Jack Jr finds himself waking up from a 2-year coma, an accident he can’t remember, and the life he had built has all but vanished. The story takes us through the rebuilding of a life, a career, exploring reconciliations, love, and reconnecting with estranged family. All the while finding joy in the process & learning just how valuable time can be when you acknowledge how easily it can all be swept away from you.

Great characters, all relatable. Good story pace, didn’t lose interest. Would/will recommend. Tentatively set for publication March 2025.

Thanks to Jinwoo Chong, NetGalley and Ballantine books for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Jinwoo Chong has followed up his excellent, mind-bending sci-fi time travel caper Flux with a stylistically (and certainly tonally) more conventional post-COVID quirky family drama slash light romance. That's a lot of descriptors for one sentence. I respect Chong for refusing to be pigeonholed into the genre of his MFA-product debut, and while I'm somewhat missing the fresh-faced ingenuity of that novel, it's very clear that the same person wrote both novels. The narrative voice actually isn't that different, but it's been transported to a very different setting.

I Leave It Up to You balances its narrative threads very well: Jack Jr.'s post-coma life, the pandemic world he's unexpectedly woken up into, the plights of the family restaurant, the romance throughline, the Fish Daddy TikTok account, Jack Jr.'s relationship with his brother, Juno's ice-related class project, and so on. If writing a novel is a juggling act, this is a rather impressive one, keeping all of its clubs in the air and making sure the reader doesn't forget about any one of them at any given point. It also manages to incorporate hypermodern elements like COVID and TikTok without feeling forcefully modernized. For the most part the COVID references are very natural, and I feel like that's something that a lot of authors would fearfully avoid. I imagine a lot of contemporary fiction for a good while will arbitrarily place their timelines in the late 2010s to sidestep the issue.

Now, speaking of all those plot elements, the novel does sort of accelerate towards its ending. Several of the elements reach satisfying conclusions, but for some it happens too fast. There are some very last-minute complications written in that don't entirely work for me, though the actual ending does if I ignore how accelerated the lead-up was to it.

At the end of the day, this is a crowdpleaser. When things are going too well for the characters, it does throw a wrench into the works, but for the most part things progress smoothly and positively for the characters, almost too much so. But we also want the best for Jack Jr. and his post-coma, post-COVID life as he picks up the pieces of what he left behind and re-examines how he lives, so a lot can be forgiven.

i wanted to like this and i almost convinced myself too.

the plot felt like a background aspect of this book, and for good reason. there wasn't much going on and it was instead about the complicated relationships of jack jr. and his family, partners, etc. but if that's the device you're employing, your characters better be dynamic, huge, and very human. for me, this didn't happen at all. the characters fell flat and the dialogue became monotonous and boring.

that being said, i love love loved the character of juno and thought his scenes with jack jr. were some of the funniest dialogue i've read in a long time. sadly, that comedy wasn't consistent and instead was too sparse to be the saving-grace of this book. i also loved emil as a character, but we just simply don't hear enough about him. like ughhhh. it was frustrating as a reader to not get to hear as much as i wanted from the best characters of the entire book.

a very strong premise that definitely drew me in when i started, the momentum just didn't keep up as it rolled along.

many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review of the book!