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51 pages 1 hour read

Joan Is Okay

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Weike Wang

Joan Is Okay

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

17,756 ratings

61%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Joan Is Okay?

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.

3.9

17,756 ratings

61%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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