A witty, moving, piercingly insightful new novel about a marvelously complicated woman who can’t be anyone but herself, from the award-winning author of Chemistry“A deeply felt portrait . . . With gimlet-eyed observation laced with darkly biting wit, Weike Wang masterfully probes the existential uncertainty of being other in America.”—Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires EverywhereONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2022—Esquire, BuzzFeed, Bustle, Town & Country, Ms. magazine, The Millions, Electric Lit, Lit HubJoan is a thirtysomething ICU doctor at a busy New York City hospital. The daughter of Chinese parents who came to the United States to secure the American dream for their children, Joan is intensely devoted to her work, happily solitary, successful. She does look up sometimes and wonder where her true roots lie: at the hospital, where her white coat makes her feel needed, or with her family, who try to shape her life by their own cultural and social expectations. Once Joan and her brother, Fang, were established in their careers, her parents moved back to China, hoping to spend the rest of their lives in their homeland. But when Joan’s father suddenly dies and her mother returns to America to reconnect with her children, a series of events sends Joan spiraling out of her comfort zone just as her hospital, her city, and the world are forced to reckon with a health crisis more devastating than anyone could have imagined. Deceptively spare yet quietly powerful, laced with sharp humor, Joan Is Okay touches on matters that feel deeply resonant: being Chinese-American right now; working in medicine at a high-stakes time; finding one’s voice within a dominant culture; being a woman in a male-dominated workplace; and staying independent within a tight-knit family. But above all, it’s a portrait of one remarkable woman so surprising that you can’t get her out of your head. Read more
Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking world of "Joan Is Okay: A Novel" by Weike Wang, a poignant story that delves into the complexities of identity, family, and personal growth.
Follow Joan, a Chinese American woman living in New York City, as she navigates her late twenties with wit and resilience. Joan's life is a delicate balance of personal and familial expectations, as she struggles to find her place in a culture that often feels foreign to her.
Through Joan's introspective journey, Weike Wang explores the universal human experience of feeling lost and searching for meaning. With a keen eye for observation and sharp social commentary, "Joan Is Okay" paints an intimate portrait of a young woman at a crossroads, grappling with issues of identity, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness.
Wang's writing is characterized by its honesty, humor, and emotional depth. She deftly weaves together moments of heartbreak and hilarity, creating a narrative that is both poignant and relatable. "Joan Is Okay" is a story that lingers long after the final page is turned, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make.
Get lost in the pages of "Joan Is Okay" and join Joan on her journey of self-discovery. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story about finding meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming.
