A review by booktalkwithkarla
Real Americans by Rachel Khong

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Real Americans starts with Lily and Matthew, two people with vastly different lives and histories. Later we meet Nick who lives on an island where he has never felt like he belongs. The story unfolds connecting Lily, Matthew, and Nick. This is a fascinating story. Rachel Khong explores destiny, the role of parenting, genetics, belonging, and more. The writing alone makes this worth your time. The questions posed, woven in the story make you think. I wish my book club had read this because I know the conversation would be so rich. Highly recommend Real Americans. 

“Both of us had been lonely; we weren’t anymore. If our bodies disappeared—if they vanished—and what remained was only our souls, I was certain they would share a resemblance. Both of us had been formed like stones in a river, washed over by our parents’ expectations—the forceful currents of them. No wonder we were drawn to each other.”