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

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[1][3][5].

In How to American, Jimmy O. Yang shares his story of growing up as a Chinese immigrant who pursued a Hollywood career against the wishes of his parents. Yang arrived in Los Angeles from Hong Kong at age 13, learned English by watching BET RapCity, and worked as a strip club DJ while pursuing his comedy career. The book chronicles his journey from a frightened youth to a cultural virtuoso, including a near deportation episode and his eventual path to becoming a proud US citizen. It mocks stereotypes and offers tongue-in-cheek advice on pursuing the American dreams of fame, fortune, and strippers.