#5870
Mentioned in 5 episodes

Interior Chinatown

Book • 2020
In 'Interior Chinatown,' Charles Yu tells the story of Willis Wu, who perceives himself as merely a 'Generic Asian Man' in his own life.

Working as a bit player in the fictional police procedural 'Black and White,' Willis dreams of becoming 'Kung Fu Guy,' the most respected role available to someone of his appearance.

The novel, written in the format of a screenplay, delves into themes of pop culture, assimilation, and immigration, while critiquing the pervasive stereotypes and racism faced by Asian Americans.

As Willis stumbles into the spotlight, he discovers the secret history of Chinatown and the buried legacy of his own family, leading to a profound exploration of identity and the American dream.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 5 episodes

Mentioned by
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Kara Swisher
in relation to
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Ronny Chieng
's role in the Hulu series 'Interior Chinatown', which is based on Yu's book.
61 snips
Comedian Ronny Chieng on Political Satire, Trolling Algorithms and Cerebral Dick Jokes
Mentioned by
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Sam Briger
in relation to the new television show based on the novel.
Kerri Russell On 'The Diplomat'/ Remembering Dorothy Allison
Mentioned by
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Terry Gross
as the author of the book that the Hulu series "Interior Chinatown" is based on.
Best Of: Comedy Writer Michael Schur / Actor Jimmy O. Yang
Recommended by
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Michael Luo
as an extraordinary book that is highly recommended.
The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America’
Mentioned by
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Jimmy O. Yang
as the basis for his new TV show, Interior Chinatown.
Actor/Comic Jimmy O. Yang Breaks Out Of The Background
Mentioned by
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Michael Luo
as a novel that uses the phrase "perpetual foreignness", critiquing how race is viewed in America.
Michael Luo on Strangers in the Land
Mentioned by
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Jon Favreau
as a book he has started reading.
“Does size matter?” (with Pete Buttigieg!)
Mentioned by
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Michael Luo
as a novel about a background actor in a TV show, indicting the way race in America is viewed.
218: Michael Luo: Strangers in the Land
Mentioned by
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John Powers
as the basis for the Hulu series "Interior Chinatown."
Billie Eilish & Finneas
Mentioned by
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Charles Yu
as his novel adapted into a Hulu series.
Biden’s Pardons, DIY Airport Security, Book Bans | Charles Yu
Mentioned by
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Tonya Mosley
as the basis for the Hulu series, "Interior Chinatown."
Best Of: Making 'The Piano Lesson' / Selena Gomez
Mentioned by
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Aisha Harris
as the basis for the Hulu series Interior Chinatown.
Interior Chinatown
Mentioned by
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Tonya Mosley
as the basis for the Hulu series Interior Chinatown.
Pharrell Thinks He Sounds Like Mickey Mouse
Mentioned by
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Michael Luo
as an extraordinary book that won the National Book Award in 2020.
Forum from the Archives: The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America'
Mentioned by
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Michael Luo
who used a line from it as the epigraph to his book.
218: Unabridged Interview: Michael Luo
Mentioned by
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Seulghee Lee
as a contemporary Asian American novel that was relevant to the book's themes.
Seulghee Lee, "Other Lovings: An Afroasian American Theory of Life" (Ohio State UP, 2025)
Mentioned by
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Seulghee Lee
as a contemporary Asian American novel that was relevant to the book's themes.
Seulghee Lee, "Other Lovings: An Afroasian American Theory of Life" (Ohio State UP, 2025)

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