A review by miajakobsen
Real Americans by Rachel Khong

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

LILY: The entirety of this moment was the taste of apple, cool and sweet, like honey, and how much I loved him, how much I felt I was loved. But time moved forward, as it had to, as it always did. 

This book was an easy read, with compelling characters and vivid writing. The way Khong explores generational trauma and immigrant experiences was definitely relatable as a Euro-Chinese immigrant. I also love the subtle hints towards Nick's bisexuality (his relationship with Timothy was not platonic and he describes a girl he likes having a "face very near a boy’s"). 

Focusing on 3 generations (May, Lily, Nick) really underscored what it's like to have a complicated relationship with your parents and empathize with them as you grow and learn more about their individual lives separate from you. And what our parents' dreams for us might say about them. Khong captured that feeling really well.
 

TIMOTHY: She hummed a song to herself while she cooked, and now, when I didn’t recognize it, I wanted to know where it was from. It was a kind of jealousy, or suspicion: Who were you, before me? 

However, the 3 sections also left me wanting more of each story. I loved reading how Lily and Matthew fall in love, and it was a shame we had to hear how their relationship fell apart instead of seeing it happen. We at least got to stay with Nick more as he met May, but I wish we got to properly revisit Lily again. I was initially a bit bored at May's section, learning more of her story and relationship to Ping really informed my understanding of Lily, and in turn, Nick. 

I'm definitely excited to re-read this in the future—knowing the full story—to understand May, Lily, and Nick better and the whole plot about time and science too.