51 pages • 1 hour read
240
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Joan Is Okay follows the life of Joan, an attending physician in a New York City hospital, who navigates the complexities of her career and family obligations after her father's death. As a second-generation Chinese American, Joan struggles with emotional distance, work-life balance, and relationships with her brother, mother, colleagues, and an overly friendly neighbor. The novel addresses anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Informative
Emotional
17,756 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Weike Wang's Joan Is Okay is lauded for its nuanced exploration of identity and cultural displacement, with sharp, sparse prose and a relatable protagonist. Critics praise Wang's humor and insightful commentary on modern life but note a sometimes detached narrative tone. Overall, it's an engaging, thought-provoking read with both depth and wit.
A reader who would enjoy Joan Is Okay by Weike Wang likely appreciates introspective, character-driven narratives exploring identity and cultural expectations. Fans of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake would find the exploration of personal and professional balance engaging.
17,756 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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