

#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.
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 

in relation to ![undefined]()

's role in the Hulu series 'Interior Chinatown', which is based on Yu's book.


Kara Swisher

Ronny Chieng

61 snips
Comedian Ronny Chieng on Political Satire, Trolling Algorithms and Cerebral Dick Jokes
Mentioned by 

in relation to the new television show based on the novel.


Sam Briger

Kerri Russell On 'The Diplomat'/ Remembering Dorothy Allison
Mentioned by 

as the author of the book that the Hulu series "Interior Chinatown" is based on.


Terry Gross

Best Of: Comedy Writer Michael Schur / Actor Jimmy O. Yang
Recommended by 

as an extraordinary book that is highly recommended.


Michael Luo

The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America’
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the basis for his new TV show, Interior Chinatown.

Jimmy O. Yang

Actor/Comic Jimmy O. Yang Breaks Out Of The Background
Mentioned by 

as a novel that uses the phrase "perpetual foreignness", critiquing how race is viewed in America.


Michael Luo

Michael Luo on Strangers in the Land
Mentioned by 

as a book he has started reading.


Jon Favreau

“Does size matter?” (with Pete Buttigieg!)
Mentioned by 

as a novel about a background actor in a TV show, indicting the way race in America is viewed.


Michael Luo

218: Michael Luo: Strangers in the Land
Mentioned by 

as the basis for the Hulu series "Interior Chinatown."


John Powers

Billie Eilish & Finneas
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as his novel adapted into a Hulu series.

Charles Yu

Biden’s Pardons, DIY Airport Security, Book Bans | Charles Yu
Mentioned by 

as the basis for the Hulu series, "Interior Chinatown."


Tonya Mosley

Best Of: Making 'The Piano Lesson' / Selena Gomez
Mentioned by 

as the basis for the Hulu series Interior Chinatown.


Aisha Harris

Interior Chinatown
Mentioned by 

as the basis for the Hulu series Interior Chinatown.


Tonya Mosley

Pharrell Thinks He Sounds Like Mickey Mouse
Mentioned by 

as an extraordinary book that won the National Book Award in 2020.


Michael Luo

Forum from the Archives: The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America'
Mentioned by 

who used a line from it as the epigraph to his book.


Michael Luo

218: Unabridged Interview: Michael Luo
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a contemporary Asian American novel that was relevant to the book's themes.

Seulghee Lee

Seulghee Lee, "Other Lovings: An Afroasian American Theory of Life" (Ohio State UP, 2025)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a contemporary Asian American novel that was relevant to the book's themes.

Seulghee Lee

Seulghee Lee, "Other Lovings: An Afroasian American Theory of Life" (Ohio State UP, 2025)