Why a Booktrail?
1968, 2000s: How far would you go to belong?
Real Americans
What you need to know before your trail
On the precipice of Y2K, unpaid intern Lily Chen is attempting to live the American dream in New York City. But her scientist parents imagined so much more for her when they fled Mao’s cultural revolution, hoping for a better life. Despite the glamour of her media job, Lily can barely make rent – until she falls into the arms of Matthew. This young financier can give her a fairy tale life of luxury, and for the first time her dreams appear within reach.
High school student Nick Chen and his best friend Timothy are plotting to break free. College promises escape from an isolated and close-knit island in Washington State, space from his strict and secretive mum Lily, and the chance to finally fit in. But when Nick sets out to find his long-lost father, a world of questions opens, and it is one unexpected member of the Chen family who holds the key to it all.
Locations
Reset- America/USA - NY - New York City
- A: Javits Center
- B: West Village
- C: East Village
- America/USA - Washington State
- D: Bainbridge Island
Travel Guide
America – New York City and Washington State
The two sides of the same country. Evoked vaguely to show distance and the American culture but the locations are not very strong. Vague locations such as ‘The West Village’ give a rough idea of where the people live though and they are all spread out. Chinatown in both places are mentioned in the book.
Bejing
Bejing is also referenced but only in a vague sense to show the cultural background of the characters.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: Real Americans
Destination/Location: Washington State, New York City Author: Rachel Khong Departure: 1968, 2000s
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