Monday, January 17, 2022

Book Review - Joan is Okay; Weike Wang

 

Joan is Okay; Weike Wang
Penguin Random House Audio - 2022
Narrator: Catherine Ho - very good

Joan is a 36 year old Chinese American, her parents who came to American in search of a better life.  Joan works as an attending physician in a busy ICU unit of a New York City hospital.  She works long hours, sometimes 7-days a week and doesn't have a life outside of work.  In fact, when her father dies unexpectedly back in Shanghai, Joan goes to China taking only the weekend off to be with her family.
By contrast, Joan's brother Fang is living his version of the American dream in an upscale Connecticut neighborhood. He's married, into material possessions and lots of vacations for the family. His wife can't understand why Joan does not like jewelry, shopping or vacations.

When Joan is forced by the HR Department at the hospital to take a proper bereavement leave, she is forced to reflect on the past and her present situation.  

This story takes place around the early pandemic and has both a serious side and some fun scenes as well.  Joan's neighbor for example, is a compulsive shopper who wants to be a minimalist like Joan, giving away his possessions and then repurchasing things he gave away once again.  In many ways Joan is Okay is a quiet kind of story yet it gives the reader much to think about and, I think it would make a good discussion book as well.  Joan is a great character study as were her family members. She reminded my of Keiko in the Convenience Store Woman, another book which I loved as, at least on audio, Joan appears to be somewhere on the spectrum.  I enjoyed this book, it was a quick, interesting listen (the audio book was just over six hours.) I do wish that the ending was not quite as rushed. Recommended.

Rating - 4/5 stars

(Thanks go to PRH Audio for providing me this book at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review. The book releases in the US tomorrow.)

24 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds like a good read. I like the idea of quirky characters.

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  2. I have this one in my reading queue and am looking forward to it. I agree quirky characters are the best!

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    1. I'm with you Dorothy. When a story is interesting and can make me smile -- especially these days -- it's a bonus.

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  3. I like quiet stories, and this one sounds really good to me. :)

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    1. It surprised me. Lately I've been beginning books without reading lots of reviews - not knowing much about the story is a plus for me.

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  4. I admit that fact that this is set in early pandemic days appeals to me more than it probably should. I do like the sound of it otherwise too though. Joan sounds like an interesting character. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. Joan was an interesting character study; her family too to a lesser degree.

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  5. Good review! I enjoyed Convenience Store Woman so I may look for a copy of Joan Is Okay.

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  6. That does sound interesting, I'm going to have to try audio books again, tried a few years ago and went right to sleep.

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    1. We like to listen sometimes in the evening or while playing cards.

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  7. I like the characters and the contrasts. Each gets by in their own way - no right or wrong about it. Sounds like a good read.

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    1. It was a good story and I do like a character that is a bit quirky as well.

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  8. I'm eager to listen to this one, Diane. I'm glad you enjoyed it so well!

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    1. I did like it but, love it? - no for some reason. Audio is good as you get her quirky feel.

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  9. This sounds really interesting! I don't think I would have given this book a second look based just on the blurb but I like a quiet kind of story that is also a quick read. I'm adding this to my TBR. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It's different and liked that it takes place during the pandemic; it gives you a lot to think about - not perfect though IMO.

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  10. I'm glad you liked this one ... I have it next to read! A doc during a pandemic story is too good to pass up.

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    1. Yes, I liked the main character even though everyone wanted to fix her - so to speak.

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  11. The main character and the premise sounds intriguing to me. Another book to add onto my wishlist. ;)

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  12. This one just arrived for me from the library.

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