Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

This book explores the difficulties that are inherent in being not just an immigrant but also Asian in this funny/not funny book. The jovial nature hides some of the bitterness that is just below the surface, easily scratched and found. The story, written as a Hollywood screen play, follows a "Generic Asian Man" in his efforts to become more than a bit player. He yearns to be a "Kung Fu Guy,” which is the very definition of making it, a mantle of success. He wants to move from the background to the center of the screen. It’s not easy. For the past century or so, American movies and television have relegated Asian characters and actors to the margins, with few exceptions. Generic Asian Man — he has a name, Willis Wu — is stuck playing Background Oriental Male. If he’s lucky, he might get to speak a few words as Delivery Guy. Willis is trapped in these roles — not just as an aspiring actor but as a character on a page. The troubles of black Americans are not downplayed, but rather book end the stereotypes for Asians.