Interior Chinatown

In Interior Chinatown, a 2020 National Book Award winner by Charles Yu, the story centers on Willis Wu, an Asian man trapped in the confines of racial stereotypes as he navigates life in Chinatown and works at a restaurant that serves as the set for a never-ending cop show. Wu aspires to break free from the roles prescribed to him, dreaming of becoming Kung Fu Guy—his ticket to respect and identity. With a blend of humor and poignancy, the novel critiques Hollywood's portrayal of race, exploring themes of assimilation and self-definition.