In "Real Americans," Rachel Khong explores the intricacies of identity and destiny across three generations of a family. The narrative begins with Lily Chen, a young intern in New York City, who falls in love with Matthew, heir to a pharmaceutical empire. Despite their differences, their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Y2K uncertainty.

Fast forward to 2021, and we meet fifteen-year-old Nick Chen, Lily's son, who feels disconnected from his life on a remote Washington island. With a nagging sense of not belonging and suspicions about his mother's secrets, Nick embarks on a journey to find his biological father, hoping for clarity but instead confronting more questions.

Khong's prose immerses readers in the complexities of class, race, and family dynamics, exploring themes of visibility and the quest for belonging. The novel delves into the impact of heritage and inheritance on individual paths, raising poignant questions about trust, forgiveness, and the meaning of home.

"Real Americans" challenges the notion of predetermined fate versus personal agency, asking whether we are shaped by our past or have the power to forge our own destinies. Against the backdrop of societal expectations and genetic legacies, Khong navigates the terrain of identity with nuance and depth, inviting readers to ponder the role of genetics in shaping who we are and who we become.

Exuberant and explosive, "Real Americans" emerges as a profound social novel, prompting reflection on the forces that mold us and the power we wield in shaping our own narratives. Through the Chen family's saga, Khong crafts a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, capturing the essence of the American experience in all its complexity. 📚❤️