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A review by bookaroundandfindout
Impostor Syndrome by Kathy Wang
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang is a super entertaining, multi-POV story that follows Julia, a powerful Russian spy-turned-tech exec in Silicon Valley, and Alice, a Chinese-American immigrant struggling to find her way in the tech world. As their lives cross paths, the book digs into what power and success really mean, especially for women who are trying to balance it all.
What I loved about this book is how Wang shows two totally different kinds of women. Julia seems like she has it all—money, power, a career, family. She’s untouchable and even kind of god-like in how she views herself. But then there’s Alice, who’s so relatable for anyone who grew up as an immigrant kid, trying to live the American Dream in tech but feeling totally lost. The contrast between these two women is so sharp. Julia works harder because she’s a woman in a man’s world, while Alice is just trying not to disappoint her family and figure out what she even wants in life.
I also got a kick out of how funny this book is, especially with Julia’s inner thoughts. She’s such a boss on the outside but in her head, she’s ruthless and hilarious. As someone who works in AI, I found the tech references on point, and the way Wang pokes fun at tech culture added to the fun.
And just when you think you know where the story’s going, the ending throws a curveball—Julia actually does get to “have it all,” which I didn’t expect. It’s a really clever twist. Overall, this book is way different from what I usually read, but it was a great time. Definitely one to bring to book club for a lively discussion.
What I loved about this book is how Wang shows two totally different kinds of women. Julia seems like she has it all—money, power, a career, family. She’s untouchable and even kind of god-like in how she views herself. But then there’s Alice, who’s so relatable for anyone who grew up as an immigrant kid, trying to live the American Dream in tech but feeling totally lost. The contrast between these two women is so sharp. Julia works harder because she’s a woman in a man’s world, while Alice is just trying not to disappoint her family and figure out what she even wants in life.
I also got a kick out of how funny this book is, especially with Julia’s inner thoughts. She’s such a boss on the outside but in her head, she’s ruthless and hilarious. As someone who works in AI, I found the tech references on point, and the way Wang pokes fun at tech culture added to the fun.
And just when you think you know where the story’s going, the ending throws a curveball—Julia actually does get to “have it all,” which I didn’t expect. It’s a really clever twist. Overall, this book is way different from what I usually read, but it was a great time. Definitely one to bring to book club for a lively discussion.